The Main Aspects of Corneal Transplantation in Ukraine and in the World: Demand Analysis, Keratoplasty Types and Future Development

Abstract

The article presents information about the history and current state of corneal transplantation in Ukraine. Currently, no more than 400 keratoplasties per year are performed in Ukraine. However, the need for corneal transplantation in our country is much higher. The authors show that it is extremely important to eliminate the deficit of the donor cornea for keratoplasty and increase the number of corneal transplantations in Ukraine. It is necessary to expand the number of bases for donor corneal removal and include keratoplasty in the list of medical services funded by the National Health Service of Ukraine.For the development of corneal transplantation in Ukraine using the tissues of the deceased donor, it is necessary to solve a number of important tasks: to create positive attitude in society to donation after death, starting from school (to develop conscious informed and free consent for donation), to ensure that the population is informed about the essence of the right to be a donor of their organs or tissues after death and the mechanisms for recording their consent (or disagreement); to create conditions for documenting the consent of individuals to the opportunity to be a donor of their organs or tissues after death; to introduce a state program for the development of corneal transplantation in Ukraine with its proper funding.