Diabetic and Other Eye Problems and their Latest Treatment

"A lot of vitreo-retinal problems were once thought to be untreatable, patients were told that they would go blind and that nothing could be done for them," said Dr. Azam Ali, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of Ophthalmology Section at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi. He gave presentations on "Diabetic and other Eye Problems and their Latest Treatment" at 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' programme, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi on May 8, 2004 and at Sheraton Deira Hotel and Towers, Dubai on May 9, 2004. These health awareness programmes are regularly organised by AKUH, to increase awareness for early diagnosis and timely treatment of health problems.

Dr. Azam Ali, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head of Ophthalmology Section, Aga Khan University Hospital

Dr. Azam said that with modern technology most of these problems could be solved today, such as retinal detachments, vitreous hemorrhages and diabetic retinopathy etc. As far as the patients are concerned, there are certain symptoms, which should arouse suspicion and lead the patient to seek an eye specialist's opinion.  These symptoms include seeing black spots in the field of vision or other opacities which look like insects or threads."

He added that a very significant symptom is seeing flashes of light in the field of vision or seeing a shadow or a curtain like effect in the field of vision. "Problems with central or peripheral vision should also be taken seriously, as should any sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes," stressed Dr. Ali.

Dr. Azam Ali informed that, "Diabetic patients need to be especially attentive to these warning signs.  Generally diabetics should get their eyes checked regularly and the visits should increase as the duration of diabetes increases.  A good blood sugar control should not lead to a false sense of security.  A lot of diabetic problems could be prevented by timely laser treatment, but if a patient does not undergo the treatment at the right time then other problems may arise. Problems like trauma, foreign bodies inside the eye and complications of modern cataract surgery like dropped lenses in the vitreous jelly, are curable now." 

Dr. Azam Ali concluded by saying, "The good news is that these new surgical techniques are now available in Pakistan. A lot of these patients who were either left to get worse or told to go abroad can now be helped." 

At the end of the programme Dr. Azam Ali responded to questions from the audience.

Talaat Tyabji, Director Marketing and Public Affairs, Aga Khan University

Earlier, welcoming the guests, Ms. Talaat Tyabji, Director Marketing and Public Affairs, AKUH, said that AKUH is a philanthropic non-profit institution committed to deliver quality health care to all segments of society. This Academic Medical Center at present offers 500 beds in all subspecialties of medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology and psychiatry. The Hospital's multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and care ensures a continuum of safe and high quality care for patients - all services under one roof. AKU has become a major referral center in Pakistan and regularly receives patients from Middle East, Bangladesh and East Africa.

AKUH is the principle-teaching site of Aga Khan University (AKU). AKU is part of Aga Khan Development Network, a group of private international development agencies, founded by His Highness the Aga Khan, which works in the developing countries of Asia and Africa.

AKUH Representative office was inaugurated in May 2002 in Dubai. It is located at the Oud Metha Office Complex, it provides convenience and easy accessibility to AKUH's high-quality, cost-effective services to patients in the United Arab Emirates.

Audience at 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' programme on "Diabetic and other Eye Problems and their Latest Treatment"

AKUH has organized over 160 Signs, Symptoms and Care programmes in Karachi, Hyderabad and UAE, which have drawn over 34,000 people, as part of its societal commitment to create awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment. Based on the success of these lectures and in response to the demand for such programmes, these were the ninth and tenth lectures in these series organized in United Arab Emirates.