The Business Bytes
Delhi, October 24, 2024 (TBB Bureau): Corneal blindness is emerging as a growing health crisis in India, with projections estimating an annual increase of 20,000 to 25,000 new cases. This alarming trend adds to the existing patient pool of approximately 1.2 million individuals suffering from this condition, making it a significant contributor to the country’s overall blindness burden, which accounts for around 7.5%.
During the ongoing Blindness Awareness Month, Dr. Smit Bavaria, a cataract surgeon at Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital in Wadala, Mumbai, highlighted the shift in the causes of corneal blindness from infectious diseases like keratitis to eye trauma and complications related to eye health. The situation is particularly dire in rural regions, where access to essential eye care services remains limited.
Keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, can escalate from mild symptoms such as irritation and redness to severe scarring or opacity, resulting in partial or complete vision loss if not treated promptly. “Early intervention is crucial for effective treatment, especially in cases of infections or minor injuries that have not yet led to significant corneal damage,” emphasized Dr. Bavaria. He cautioned that without timely care, many patients, particularly in underserved areas, risk developing irreversible blindness.
Dr. Preethi Naveen, Senior Cornea and Refractive Surgeon and Medical Director of Dr. Agarwals Eye Bank in Chennai, said, “Corneal blindness affects around 1.2 million people in India. The high prevalence is largely attributed to infections like trachoma and keratitis, eye injuries in industrial and agricultural settings, and widespread vitamin A deficiency.” She pointed out that poor hygiene, delayed medical attention, and limited healthcare access further exacerbate the issue, particularly among children and working-age adults in rural settings.
Current diagnostic methods for corneal blindness in India include comprehensive eye examinations, visual acuity testing, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Advanced imaging techniques such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and corneal topography are also utilized to assess corneal thickness and surface irregularities. Dr. Naveen noted, “Corneal transplantation or therapeutic interventions have shown high success rates in patients without significant underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or severe immune disorders.”
Despite the advancements in diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Sanjana Vatsa, a Cornea and Refractive Eye Surgeon at Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital in Bengaluru, stressed the persistent challenges related to accessibility and healthcare disparities. Many patients in rural areas lack access to quality eye care services, leading to irreversible corneal damage before they can seek help. Additionally, a shortage of trained healthcare providers limits effective management of corneal conditions.
The lack of corneal donors remains a significant barrier, with only 25,000 to 30,000 corneal donations annually against a demand for 200,000 transplants. Socio-economic factors, including poverty and malnutrition, further heighten the risk of corneal blindness, complicating efforts to implement comprehensive prevention and treatment strategies.
“Addressing corneal blindness in India requires a multi-faceted approach,” Dr. Vatsa urged. “At the individual level, raising awareness about eye health and promoting routine eye examinations can help identify and treat issues early. Initiatives focused on eye health education and the importance of corneal donation can also encourage public participation. Additionally, implementing programs to combat nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin A supplementation for vulnerable populations, can significantly reduce corneal-related issues.”
Founded in 1957, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital is India’s largest chain of eye care facilities, with over 190 hospitals across 11 countries. Renowned for its expertise in ophthalmology, the hospital provides cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care to patients from all walks of life. With a commitment to innovation and accessibility, Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital aims to transform eye care and improve lives through effective vision restoration solutions.
