Aug 29, 2024
India is reeling under a critical need for corneal transplants, with over 100,000 transplants required annually whereas 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 the required surgery, while 75 per cent of the cases are left untreated.
Faridabad: Corneal blindness is the second leading cause of blindness in India with a current burden of 1.1 million people. The incidence rate of corneal blindness in India has seen an increase in recent years. This rise is attributed to factors such as a growing ageing population, a higher incidence of corneal infections, injuries, and conditions like keratoconus.
India is reeling under a critical need for corneal transplants, with over 100,000 transplants required annually whereas 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 the required surgery, while 75 per cent of the cases are left untreated, said doctors at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
Celtain regions in India are more prone to corneal blindness due to various factors like healthcare access, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic status. Rural and economically disadvantaged areas tend to have higher incidences of corneal blindness due to limited access to medical care, lack of awareness about eye health, and higher rates of eye injuries and infections. Specific states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh have reported higher rates of blindness, including corneal blindness. 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 common in agricultural regions where eye injuries may lead to fungal infections.
Dr Meenakshi Y Dhar, HOD, Ophthalmology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, said, “Injuries to the eye such as rupture of the cornea and chemical injmy to the eye can lead to damage to the cornea and subsequent blindness. 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. 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.”
Corneal blindness affects various age groups, but it is most prevalent among older adults. Specifically, most corneal blindness cases occur in individuals aged 50 years and above. This is largely due to the higher incidence of age-related eye conditions, such as corneal degenerations and dystrophies, in this demographic. However, corneal blindness can also affect younger individuals and children, palticularly in cases of congenital corneal disorders, injuries, or infections.
Dr Rashmi Mittal, Senior Consultant and Corneal Transplant Specialist, Ophthalmology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad said, “Treatments for corneal damage depend on the cause and severity, with corneal transplantation being 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 in preventing the progression to blindness, ensuring better treatment outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and preserving the quality of life for affected individuals. Early detection and treatment not only prevent permanent damage to the cornea but also improves treatment outcomes. Additionally, getting treated during the initial phases of degeneration of the cornea can be less expensive compared to managing advanced disease.”
To close the gap in the donor-patient ratio, promoting eye donations can be of great benefit as it can help individuals and society by restoring vision through corneal transplants, improving quality of life, and reducing healthcare costs. Increased donations foster community support, raise awareness about organ donation, and inspire others to contribute. Donated eyes also aid in research for new treatments and technologies in vision care. People of all age groups can donate their eyes after death. Even people with diabetes, hypertension, cataract surgery, myopia, and glaucoma can successfully donate their eyes. Consent for eye donation must be given either by the individual before death or by the family member after death. The only crucial thing to note is that eyes need to be removed within six hours of death to be viable for transplantation.
Corneal blindness can also have a significant impact on a country’s economy and GDP in several ways such as reduced workforce productivity with resultant loss of economic contributions, educational impact leading to less skilled workforce, healthcare costs and other indirect costs to the families of the affected individuals. Addressing corneal blindness through preventative measures, early treatment, and support services can help mitigate these economic impacts and promote better economic outcomes. Improving eye donation rates in India requires addressing cultural, logistical, and awareness challenges. Collaborating with leaders and influencers to dispel misconceptions and promote eye donation as a noble act can increase donations. Enhancing infrastructure by upgrading eye banks, surgical facilities, and training healthcare professionals is crucial. Raising awareness through educational campaigns, community events, and testimonials can motivate more people to donate.
Source: Economic Times