Indications for cataract surgery have changed considerably with the advent of phacoemulsification, a procedure that lies on dissolving the nucleus with ultrasonic energy. Maturity of the cataract is no longer a criterion for the surgery, and if anything is best avoided.
This was stated by Dr Azam Ali, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head, Section of Ophthalmology at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), at the Hospital's 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' public health awareness programme on October 9 in Karachi.
Outlining the treatment options and surgical techniques now available in Pakistan, Dr Azam Ali said: "The most vitreo-retinal problems, including retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage and diabetic retinopathy, which were once thought to be untreatable, can be successfully tackled today", adding that opacities, black spots flashes of light in the field of vision and decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes could be symptoms of a vitreo-retinal problem, and should be taken seriously in particular.
Dr Azam Ali warned diabetic patients to be highly attentive to such warning signs and get their eyes tested regularly, stressing: "Good flood sugar control should not lead to a fats sense of security."
Hhe said: "A number of diabetic problems can be prevented by timely laser treatment."
Dr Mahnaz Shah, Consultant Ophthalmologist at AKUH, noted that uncontrolled glaucoma causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve, saying: "Once detected, glaucoma, however, can be controlled through medication, and laser and other types of surgical. procedures. Appropriate and timely treatment allows continued good vision and prevents eyesight loss."
Describing the vision correction options currently available, Dr Mahnaz Shah pointed out that procedures such as refractive or laser treatment "which help a person achieve quality vision without being dependent on eyeglasses." These new and improved laser procedures give excellent reliable and stable results, she added.
Dr Tartveer Chaudhry, consultant ophthalmologist at AKUH, in his presentation on paediatric eye problems, said: "A squint may be a presenting the symptom of something serious, and should not be ignored", adding treated properly a squint can be cured. "But if left attended beyond a certain age, it may permanently weaken a child's eye, we recommend eye examinations for all children at the pre-school age", he added.
Dr Chaudhry also said that corneal problems are widespread in Pakistan, adding: "Corneal graft or transplant is now considered a fairly success procedure, but results depend on the initial condition of the cornea."-PR