AKUH Public Health Awareness Programme

Indications for cataract surgery have changed considerably with the advent of phacoemulsification, a procedure that relies on dissolving the nucleus with ultrasonic energy. Maturity of the cataract is no longer the criterion for surgery, and if anything is best avoided. This was disclosed by Dr Azam Ali, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Head, Section of Ophthalmology at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), at the Hospital's 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' public health awareness programme on October 9 in Karachi.

(L to R): Dr. Azam Ali, Assistant Professor and Head of Ophthalmology Section, AKU; Dr. Mahnaz Shah, Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology Section, Department of Surgery, AKU and Dr. Tanveer Chaudhry, Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology Section, Department of Surgery, AKU.

Outlining the treatment options and surgical techniques now available in Pakistan, Dr Ali said that "most vitreo-retinal problems including retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage and diabetic retinopathy, which were once thought to be untreatable, can be successfully tackled today." He added that opacities, black spots, flashes of light in the field of vision and a sudden 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 Ali warned diabetic patients to be highly attentive to such warning signs and get their eyes tested regularly. "Good blood sugar control should not lead to a false sense of security," he stressed, explaining that "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. "Once detected, however, glaucoma 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," she said.

Describing the vision correction options currently available, Dr Shah pointed to 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, added Dr Shah.

In his presentation on paediatric eye problems, Dr Tanveer Chaudhry, Consultant Ophthalmologist at AKUH, said that "a squint may be a presenting symptom of something more serious and should not be ignored." Treated properly, a squint can be cured, he explained. "But if left attended beyond a certain age, it may permanently weaken a child's eye," he added. "We recommend eye examinations for all children at the pre-school age."

Dr Chaudhry further disclosed that corneal problems are widespread in Pakistan. "Corneal graft or transplant is now considered a fairly successful procedure but results depend on the initial condition of the cornea," Dr Chaudhry concluded.