A whopping 75 per cent of corneal blindness cases in India are untreated due to lack of eye donors, said an expert on Thursday.
Corneal blindness is the second leading cause of
visual impairment in India with a current burden of 1.1 million people.
However, only 25,000 out of these requirements
are met each year.
"This makes it feasible for only one out of
every four individuals with corneal blindness to avail of the required surgery,
while 75 per cent of the cases are left untreated," said the
ophthalmologist at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
A growing ageing population, higher incidence of
corneal infections and injuries are some of the reasons why corneal blindness
is rising in India.
"Vitamin-A deficiency in children,
degenerative conditions like keratoconus and corneal dystrophies, congenital
opacification of the cornea and post-surgical complications are some other
causes of corneal blindness worldwide," said Dr. Meenakshi Dhar, HoD,
Ophthalmology, Amrita Hospital.
"The symptoms can vary based on the
underlying cause of the corneal damage. Most patients experience blurred vision
in the affected eye. Eye infections usually cause significant eye pain,
watering, redness and severe photophobia in the acute phase. Visible scars on
the cornea are often detectable during an eye examination," she added.
Certain regions in India are more prone to
corneal blindness due to various factors like healthcare access, environmental
conditions, and socioeconomic status.
States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and
Madhya Pradesh have reported higher rates of visual impairment, including
corneal blindness, the doctors said.
These regions face challenges such as inadequate
eye care facilities, lower rates of eye donation, and higher exposure to risk
factors like agricultural injuries and infectious diseases.
Corneal blindness is also common in agricultural
regions where eye injuries may lead to fungal infections.
While corneal transplantation is the most
definitive option for advanced cases, other treatments include laser therapy,
scleral contact lenses, amniotic membrane transplants, and stem cell therapy.
Preventive measures such as proper eye hygiene,
prompt treatment of infections, vaccination, and health education can
significantly reduce the risk of corneal blindness.
Early diagnosis and treatment of corneal
conditions are vital, the doctor said.
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