UPSC Prelims 2001 Q135: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
In the eye donation, which part of the eye is transplanted from the donor?
- (a) Cornea
- (b) Lens
- (c) Retina
- (d) The whole eye
Answer: (a) Cornea
Explanation
Part of the eye transplanted in eye donation
| Part | Transplanted? |
|---|---|
| Cornea | Yes — keratoplasty restores sight in corneal blindness |
| Lens | No — replaced by an artificial lens in cataract surgery |
| Retina | No — cannot be transplanted |
| Whole eye | No — whole-eye transplant is not possible |
In eye donation the cornea, the clear front window of the eye, is transplanted. The cornea has no blood vessels, so rejection is less likely, and it can be removed within about six hours of death.
Answer: (a) Cornea.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The cornea is what is transplanted from donated eyes.
- (b) Incorrect. Lenses are replaced with artificial ones, not donated.
- (c) Incorrect. The retina cannot be transplanted.
- (d) Incorrect. The whole eye cannot be transplanted.
Key point
National Eye Donation Fortnight: 25 August to 8 September in India.
Remember
Eye donation = cornea transplant.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the whole eye is transplanted.
- Confusing donation with cataract surgery.
- Thinking the retina can be replaced.
Exam tip
Donated eyes give corneas; cataract needs an artificial lens.
Sources
- NCERT Class X — Science, chapter 'The Human Eye and the Colourful World' (eye donation)
- Ministry of Health — National Programme for Control of Blindness: eye donation