Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital: August 2014

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Inaugural Program of Green Laser Machine at Nashik by Prof. Dr. S. Natarajan Sundaram

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Public Symposium on Retinitis Pigmentosa on 23rd August 2014 at AJEH

Recently Aditya Jyot Eye hospital organised a unique symposium on one of the most enigmatic problems in ophthalmology, Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP).
Patients and relatives of patients who attended the symposium went home with a clear picture about RP and the implications of living with RP. The symposium was unique because unlike others, the speakers in this forum were patients of RP and retinal detachment who gave the house a fresh perspective of living with and overcoming their disability. Ms Nidhi Goyal who was diagnosed with RP during her college days spoke extensively of her journey so far. She mentioned the obstacles she faced during education as well as socially. She also described the new technical devices that she uses in her academic pursuits (she is currently studying at the London School OF Economics).

Ms Sushmita Bubna who had a retinal detachment in both eyes and subsequent blindness also gave the house her side of the story. She currently runs a computer training institute for people with low vision, and has made a huge difference to a number of visually handicapped individuals. This was followed by an interactive session where patients and relatives of patients could ask questions to the speakers and get their doubts cleared. Various questions ranging from legal rights, educational concessions, travelling concessions, driving rules, matrimony, support groups were discussed and deliberated upon. All the speakers were very inspiring , and mentioned the will and support of their

families in encouraging them with their pursuits.

A very insightful talk on ocular genetics and gene therapy for eye problems was given by Dr. Kumarmanickavel , Director of Research at Aditya Jyot eye hospital. Queries regarding gene therapy, ocular prosthesis (ARGUS 2) were discussed and answered.
Dr Chinmay Nakhwa , Vitreo retinal consultant at Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital, who organised the symposium was happy too.

"People with retinitis pigmentosa and other genetic retinal disorders are longing for a medical cure to their condition. Although medical science has made huge strides in genetic research for the treatment of eye disorders, it still has a long way to go in terms of clinical therapy. Patients with RP who have near normal vision in early childhood, gradually start losing vision in the second and third decade of life.This is the time when they have completed their education , marriage and are probably setting down with their family lives. Diagnosis of a genetic eye disease at this age causes a great amount of emotional stress and frustrations for the family.In such a scenario, interactions with other individuals who have overcome similar problems and getting practical helpful tips for everyday living is really encouraging"
The participants and the speakers were very appreciative of the initiative and wanted this program to be held on a regular basis. Individuals who want any information regarding the same can contact AJEH.

CHEMICAL EYE INJURIES

Chemical exposure to any part of the eye or eyelid may result in a chemical eye burn. chemical eye burn represent 7-10% of eye injuries. About 15-20% of burns to the face involve at least one eye. Although many burns result in only minor discomfort, every chemical exposure or burn should be taken seriously. Permanent damage is possible and can be blinding and life-altering.
The severity of a burn depends on what substance caused it, how long the substance had contact with the eye, and how the injury is treated. Damage is usually limited to the front segment of the eye, including the cornea, (the clear front surface of the eye responsible for good vision, which is most frequently affected), the conjunctiva (the layer covering the white part of the eye), and occasionally the internal eye structures of the eye, including the lens.Burns that penetrate deeper than the cornea are the most severe, often causing cataracts and glaucoma

Most chemical eye injuries occur at work. Industries use a variety of chemicals daily. However, chemical injuries also frequently occur at home from cleaning products or other regular household products; these injuries can be just as dangerous and must be treated seriously and immediately.

Treating a Chemical Eye Burn at Home

For all chemical injuries, the first thing you should do is immediately irrigate the eye copiously. Ideally, specific eye irrigating solutions should be used for this, but if none are available regular tap water will do just fine.

Begin washing your eye before taking any other action and continue for at least 10 minutes. The longer a chemical is in your eye, the more damage will occur. Diluting the substance and washing away any particles that may have been in the chemical are extremely important.
Ideally, in a work setting, you would be placed in an emergency eyewash or shower station and your eye washed with sterile isotonic saline solution. If sterile saline is not available, use cold tap water.
If you are at home and do not have special eye wash, step into the shower with your clothes on to wash out your eye.
Even though it may be uncomfortable, open your eyelids as wide as possible as you rinse them out.
If an alkali or hydrofluoric acid burn has occurred, continue washing until a doctor arrives or you have been taken to a hospital's emergency department.

Prevention

Safety officials estimate that up to 90% of chemical eye injuries can be avoided.

Always wear safety glasses when working with hazardous materials, both at work and at home.
Children sustain chemical burns most often when they are unsupervised. Keep all hazardous home products away from children.