India is facing a critical shortage of corneas, with an ever-growing waiting list for transplants. To address this, the health ministry is proposing a shift to presumed consent for cornea donation, allowing hospitals to retrieve corneas from deceased patients unless they explicitly opted out during their lifetime. This move, along with efforts to improve coordination and streamline the donation process, aims to address the urgent need for corneal transplants in the country.
Dr. Uday Tekchandani, a renowned ophthalmologist, discusses the leading causes of blindness, emphasizing the crucial role of early diagnosis and regular eye check-ups in preventing vision loss. He sheds light on Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a condition affecting premature infants, and the advancements made in treating it. Dr. Tekchandani also highlights the importance of neonatal care and timely screening for ROP, especially in developing countries like India.
India has achieved a significant milestone by eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the third country in the Southeast Asia Region to accomplish this feat. After decades of dedicated efforts, India’s victory against this leading cause of blindness worldwide underscores its commitment to public health and the effectiveness of the WHO’s SAFE strategy.
India has successfully eradicated trachoma, a bacterial eye infection that was once a major cause of blindness, as a public health concern. This significant achievement, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), follows years of dedicated efforts through the National Trachoma Control Program and the National Program for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI). The WHO’s SAFE strategy, encompassing surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene, and environmental cleanliness, played a crucial role in this triumph.
An optometrist warns of several common makeup habits that could lead to eye infections and potential blindness, including sharing makeup, using expired products, not washing hands before application, and sleeping with makeup on. The expert also advises on how to identify and manage allergic reactions.
A new study suggests a possible link between semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, and a rare form of blindness called NAION. While the study doesn’t prove causality, it highlights a potential risk that should be discussed with healthcare providers.
Glaucoma, a significant cause of blindness in India, remains under-recognized. It has no early symptoms and requires specialized diagnosis. Treatment involves eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery. Lifestyle adjustments, such as maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure, and eating antioxidant-rich foods, can slow glaucoma progression.
