Latest news with #EyeHospital
India Today
14-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
No transplant, no stitches: The eye surgery giving patients a second chance at sight
In a country where the shortage of donor corneas often stands between a patient and restored vision, an innovative eye surgery developed in India is offering new as Pinhole Pupilloplasty (PPP), the technique is changing the way ophthalmologists treat patients with severe corneal conditions, without the need for corneal transplants or lengthy recovery transplants are required when the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye, becomes damaged or diseased to the point where it affects vision or causes Injuries from trauma, infections (like herpes simplex or fungal keratitis), keratoconus etc., would need corneal by Dr. Amar Agarwal, Chairman of Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, this groundbreaking procedure has not only found takers across India but is also gaining recognition on the global fact, the eye surgery earned Dr. Agarwal an international award at the ASCRS Film Festival in Los Angeles. Dr. Amar Agarwal won an international award at the ASCRS Film Festival in Los Angeles. The technique, now widely practiced in several countries, has been credited with restoring sight where traditional methods fall short."Some patients have very high astigmatism that cannot be corrected with usual methods, and toric intraocular lenses only work up to a certain level. This gave me the idea to create a pinhole effect in the pupil itself, which led to the first Pinhole Pupilloplasty," Dr. Agarwal told SIMPLER ALTERNATIVE TO CORNEAL TRANSPLANTIn traditional cases of corneal scarring, eye doctors often recommend a corneal transplant - a procedure that relies heavily on donor tissue, involves a long healing period, and carries the risk of graft pinhole pupilloplasty method uses stitches to change the shape of the pupil without needing a donor cornea, and patients recover much faster compared to traditional principle is simple: by reducing the size of the pupil to about 1-1.5 mm, similar to the tip of a pin, incoming light is focused more effectively onto the retina, bypassing irregularities in the cornea. Pinhole surgery instead of regular corneal transplant (Image 1: pre-operation vision. Image 2: Post-operation eye) The result? Sharper vision with reduced glare, especially for patients with complex eye issues like corneal scars, keratoconus, or radial keratotomy complications."With the pinhole technique, patients recover much faster, and long-term results are very promising. It removes the risks of rejection and prolonged medication associated with corneal transplantation," said Dr. MAKES THE PINHOLE TECHNIQUE UNIQUE?advertisementThe procedure uses very thin stitches to change the shape of the coloured part of the eye and make a small central opening (pupil). It may sound simple, but what makes it special is how precise and flexible it earlier surgical techniques such as the Modified Siepser's or McCannel methods, the pinhole pupilloplasty method requires fewer steps and causes less post-operative has distinct advantages in managing rare but difficult conditions like Urrets-Zavalia Syndrome (a fixed dilated pupil), silicon oil-induced glaucoma, and even cases of raised intraocular pressure where standard treatments fail. The procedure uses very thin stitches to change the shape of the coloured part of the eye (pupil) and make a small central opening. () "It's quicker and simpler, and the pupil tightens enough to reduce glare and photophobia. It's particularly useful in patients with higher-order corneal aberrations. Plus, it's reversible. We can undo it with a YAG laser if necessary," explained Dr. CAN BENEFIT FROM THE PROCEDURE?advertisementThe surgery is ideal for patients who:Have corneal tears that caused irregular astigmatismPreviously underwent corneal grafts and developed distorted visionHave permanent pupil dilation with glareAre living with keratoconus (conical cornea)Have had radial keratotomy in the past, an outdated refractive surgeryIt is also useful in situations where a pupil has lost its ability to constrict, causing overwhelming glare, or when the shape of the cornea is so irregular that glasses or contact lenses no longer AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR INDIA AND BEYONDFor India, where the gap between demand and availability of donor corneas remains stark, the pinhole pupilloplasty surgery has immense public health implications. Estimates suggest that over 1 lakh corneal transplants are required annually in India, but only around 25,000 are performed due to limited donor supply. () Estimates suggest that over 1 lakh corneal transplants are required annually in India, but only around 25,000 are performed due to limited donor supply.'With Pinhole Pupilloplasty, we can avoid transplant in many cases,' Dr. Agarwal noted. 'It dramatically reduces the dependency on donor corneas and also cuts down the complications of transplant surgeries.'advertisementNotably, while pinhole intraocular lenses (IOLs) are an alternative used in high-income countries, they come with a steep price tag and fixed designs. PPP offers a more cost-effective, adaptable solution for patients in India and other low-resource THERE ANY RISKS?Like any intraocular procedure, the pinhole method is not without a small risk of the suture (stitch) coming close to the natural lens, which may result in cataract formation. To avoid this, it is typically performed in pseudophakic eyes, which means eyes in which the natural lens has already been replaced with an artificial one, such as after cataract small downside is that it can be hard to check the outer part of the retina through such a tiny pupil. But with modern machines like Optos or Mirante, doctors can still get a clear and complete view without needing to enlarge the pupil. Pinhole Pupilloplasty marks a shift in how eye diseases are approached. () advertisementPinhole Pupilloplasty marks a shift in how eye diseases are approached, especially in a country like India where healthcare resources are unevenly distributed. By eliminating the need for corneal grafts in certain cases and offering near-instant results, this procedure has the potential to democratize vision care."Knowing that this technique is helping people regain sight and confidence drives me to do what I love, to research, innovate, and impact lives with the gift of sight," Dr. Agarwal awareness grows and training becomes more widespread, this homegrown innovation might well become a global standard in complex corneal care.
Daily News Egypt
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Gaza faces famine, health collapse amid intensifying Israeli siege, bombardment
The Gaza Strip is facing a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis, as famine grips the enclave under a prolonged Israeli siege that has blocked humanitarian aid since March 2. According to the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, 14 elderly Palestinians died last week alone from hunger, malnutrition, and lack of medical care. In a statement issued Saturday from Geneva, the rights group warned of a 'silent death' sweeping through Gaza's elderly and children, attributing the conditions to deliberate policies by Israel. It described starvation and medical deprivation as tools of a 'systematic genocide' that has persisted for more than 19 months. The worsening famine is compounded by the near-total collapse of the healthcare system. Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that around 1,500 people have lost their vision due to war-related injuries and the unavailability of medical supplies, with an additional 4,000 at risk. Abdelsalam Sabah, Director of Gaza's Eye Hospital, stated in an official release that the hospital's surgical capacity is critically strained. 'We currently have only three worn-out surgical scissors, reused multiple times, posing serious risks to patients' lives,' he said. Essential materials like hyaluronic acid and fine surgical sutures are nearly exhausted, rendering vital eye surgeries impossible. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes and shelling continue unabated. In the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health reported 19 deaths and 81 injuries. Since the resumption of major hostilities on March 18, 2,720 people have been killed and 7,513 wounded. The cumulative toll since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, now exceeds 52,829 dead and 119,554 injured, marking one of the deadliest episodes in the region's modern history. Amid the escalating crisis, political tensions flared as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas firmly rejected any form of U.S. or foreign governance in Gaza. Speaking during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Abbas revealed that the Palestinian leadership had communicated its clear opposition to any proposals involving displacement or foreign administration of the territory. His comments responded to controversial remarks by US President Donald Trump, who recently floated the idea of transforming Gaza into a 'New French Riviera'—a vision widely interpreted as a thinly veiled attempt to alter the region's demographic makeup. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, however, voiced support for a U.S. plan to distribute aid in Gaza, as presented by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. 'Israel fully supports the Trump administration's plan,' Sa'ar said during a press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. However, he clarified that Israel would not participate in its implementation. No operational details or assurances regarding aid delivery have been disclosed. With the humanitarian situation worsening and diplomatic progress stalled, hopes now rest on President Trump's expected visit to the region, where he is reportedly preparing to unveil a broader peace proposal. Still, analysts remain skeptical, citing entrenched positions and high geopolitical stakes that make a near-term resolution unlikely. For now, Gaza's crisis deepens, with international observers warning that the territory is on the brink of a full-scale famine and medical catastrophe—conditions that many describe as an unfolding genocide.
Saba Yemen
11-05-2025
- Health
- Saba Yemen
1,500 Citizens Lost Their Sight Due to Genocide in Gaza
Gaza - Saba: Palestinian medical sources revealed that approximately 1,500 Palestinian citizens have lost their sight due to the genocide in Gaza, and another 4,000 are at risk of losing it, due to a shortage of medicines and medical equipment. Dr. Abdul Salam Sabah, Director of the Eye Hospital in Gaza, explained in a press statement on Sunday that the health sector is experiencing a serious shortage of consumables and medical equipment for eye surgeries, which will lead to a near-total collapse of surgical services, especially for retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, and internal bleeding. He pointed out that the Eye Hospital currently only has three disposable surgical scissors that are used repeatedly, which increases the risk to patients' lives and prevents their survival. He stated that "many eye injuries resulting from explosions require medical supplies such as helium and fine sutures, and these are on the verge of running out." He warned that the Eye Hospital is on the verge of declaring its inability to provide any surgical services unless immediate and urgent intervention is made by relevant authorities and international organizations. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
Al-Ahram Weekly
11-05-2025
- Health
- Al-Ahram Weekly
1,500 Palestinians lost their eyesight in Israeli genocide in Gaza - War on Gaza
Around 1,500 Palestinians have lost their eyesight in the besieged Gaza Strip due to the ongoing Israeli genocidal war, Palestinian medical officials said on Sunday. They added that another 4,000 Palestinians are at risk of a similar fate. Dr. Abdulsalam Sabah, director of the Eye Hospital in Gaza City, said in a press statement on Sunday that the health sector faces a severe shortage of essential medical equipment and surgical supplies related to eye care, leading to the collapse of ophthalmic surgical services in the Strip. He noted that the hospital has only three reusable eye scissors, which are repeatedly used in ophthalmic surgeries, thus posing serious risks to patients' health and safety. According to the hospital's director, the Eye Hospital in Gaza is on the verge of shutting down completely as essential medical equipment nears total depletion. Moreover, Palestinian ophthalmologists indicated that the relentless Israeli bombardment has led to a near-total breakdown in medical services for cases involving retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, and trauma-related internal bleeding. Critical supplies such as hyaluronic acid and ultra-fine surgical sutures are nearly exhausted. Many eye injuries caused by explosions urgently require these materials, and without them, treatment is impossible, Palestinian doctors said. On 2 March, Israel blocked the entry of all lifesaving supplies, including food, medicine and fuel, plunging the territory of 2.3 million people into what is believed to be the worst humanitarian crisis since the war began. Two weeks later, Israel shattered an eight-week-long ceasefire deal in Gaza by resuming deadly bombardment, killing at least 2,700 Palestinians since then. In its latest update, the Palestinian Health Ministry said on Sunday that 19 people were killed and 81 others wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza over the past 24 hours. The latest figures bring the total number of Palestinians killed by Israel since October 2023 to 52,829 people, mainly children and women, with 119,554 others wounded. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
India.com
23-04-2025
- Health
- India.com
How Eye Makeup Is Secretly Harming Your Vision: Expert Reveals 8 Hidden Dangers And Safe Practices
Our eyes are among the most delicate and vital organs in the body. While many of us rely on eye makeup to enhance beauty and confidence, few are aware of the hidden risks that these products can pose to our vision and ocular health. Dr Swetha Kudtarkar, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, sheds light on how common cosmetic practices may be silently damaging your eyes and what precautions you should take. The Age-Old Allure of Eye Makeup Women across civilizations have adorned their eyes with makeup—from kohl and kajal to modern mascaras and eyeliners. But as eye cosmetics become more advanced, their effects on the eye's sensitive structures also grow more concerning. According to Dr Kudtarkar, 'Eye makeup can worsen or trigger dry eye symptoms, as these cosmetics migrate into the tear film and reduce the oily layer, causing faster tear evaporation.' Shockingly, a large number of women (up to 90%) use expired or counterfeit cosmetics, increasing their exposure to serious eye conditions such as blepharitis and chronic infections. 8 Hidden Dangers of Eye Makeup Dr Swetha has shared 8 hidden dangers of eye makeup and how it impacts eye health: 1. Increased Risk of Infection Eye makeup products can harbor harmful pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, especially after repeated use. Sharing makeup or using products beyond three months drastically increases contamination risks. 2. Risk of Mechanical Trauma Dr Swetha says mascara wands and eyeliner tips can accidentally scratch the cornea, allowing bacteria direct access to deeper eye tissues, leading to infections and even corneal ulcers. 3. Toxic Ingredients "Heavy metals like cadmium found in some eyeliners can cause corneal damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. These ingredients can disrupt the natural functions of the eye, leading to long-term harm," says Dr Swetha. 4. Allergic Reactions Many cosmetics contain allergens like nickel, preservatives, resins, and fragrances. Dr Swetha says these can lead to conditions like dermatitis, particularly along the lash line, or full eyelid swelling and irritation. 5. Pigmentation Changes Regular use of kajal or soot-based products can result in pigment deposits in the conjunctiva, changing the natural coloration of the eye and surrounding skin. 6. Tear Drainage Blockage Dr Swetha says heavy mascara use can cause clumps to obstruct the lacrimal drainage system, leading to watery eyes, discomfort, and an increased risk of infection. 7. Disruption of Tear Stability Makeup removers and eyeliners alter the meibum's viscosity, affecting tear film stability and exacerbating dry eye symptoms. 8. Contact Lens Discomfort Cosmetics can bind to the surface of contact lenses, irritating the eyes and leading to poor lens performance. Safe Makeup Practices: Expert Tips from Dr Swetha To enjoy makeup without compromising eye health, Dr Swetha recommends the following: 1. Apply outside the lash line and avoid roots of lashes to prevent gland blockage. 2. Use eye drops 15–30 minutes before makeup application, not after. 3. Never sleep with makeup on. It clogs oil glands and encourages bacterial growth. 4. Choose oil and paraben-free gel-based products. Avoid mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, and diazolidinyl urea. 5. Clean brushes regularly and avoid sharing makeup products. 6. Use gentle lid scrubs with baby shampoo or approved lid wipes to cleanse the eyelids. 7. Always remove contact lenses before cleaning makeup. 8. Don't apply makeup on irritated or infected eyes. 9. Check expiry dates and avoid counterfeit products. 10. Use ophthalmologist-tested or hypoallergenic products to reduce the risk of reactions. While makeup is a tool for self-expression and confidence, your eye health should never be compromised for beauty. By adopting safer cosmetic practices and staying informed about product ingredients, you can continue to highlight your eyes without endangering them. After all, your vision is just as valuable as the way you look—and both deserve equal care.
