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"A lot of problems
related to the retina were once thought to be untreatable, patients
were told that they would go blind and that nothing could be done
for them, with modern technology most of these problems can be solved
today. Among these are detachment of the retina, bleeding into the
vitreous jelly of the eye and diabetic retinal damage, etc.," revealed
Dr. Azam Ali, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Consultant
Ophthalmic Surgeon at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). He was
giving a presentation on "Common Problems Affecting the Retina of
the Eye - Diagnosis and Treatment" at the monthly public health
awareness programme, 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' on 8 February 2003.
"Certain symptoms 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, etc.," Dr. Azam Ali explained. 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. If the
retina has detached it should be repaired as soon as possible and modern surgical
technique give good results. "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 the 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 now curable," stressed Dr. Ali.
The speaker and the panellists
that included Dr. Mahnaz N. Shah and Dr. Tanveer Choudhry participated in the
question and answer session at the end of the programme.
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