Keeping an eye on the eye

HYDERABAD: Being hosted by the L V Prasad Eye Institute at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre till December 3rd , it will bring together well known eye surgeons, physicians and researchers of this sub-specialty.Besides providing for good integration of skills and knowledge of ophthalmologists in the vitreo-retinal sub-specialty, the promotion and dissemination of eye care information for such diseases and related issues among the general public is also an important aim of the congress.The retina is an extension of the brain. It forms the interior lining of the eye and contains millions of light-sensitive nerve endings. Vitreous is a clear, gel-like substance that fills the cavity between the lens and the retina. The retina and vitreous can be affected by a large variety of conditions, including diabetic retinopathy (non-inflammatory damage to the retina), retinal vein occlusion, macular degeneration, retinal detachments or tears, macular holes, premature retinopathy, flashes and floaters, retinoblastoma, retinitis pigmentosa and so on. A retinal examination can sometimes detect serious underlying systemic diseases about which the patient may not be aware. This includes high blood pressure, diabetes, blood and other cancers, high cholesterol, HIV infection and many viral infections of newborns.Most retinal diseases can cause irreversible blindness, because they are silent diseases for patients do not realize they have the symptoms until their vision actually begins to get affected. Hence vitreo-retinal ophthalmologists lay great emphasis on regular eye checks to detect disease as early as possible. They also advocate greater frequency of checks for those with greater risk factors, including persons suffering from diabetes, high myoia, a family history of such diseases, injuries to the eye, preterm or premature babies (who should definitely get one retina check up between 20-30 days of birth).Dr Gopal Lal Verma, president of VRSI, said, “I believe that this unprecedented partnership between the two vitreo retinal bodies will set a benchmark for the mutual exchange of ideas and information, as well as bring out the best from all of us.”“Advances in medical and surgical retina continue at an astonishing pace. This makes even one year between high level scientific congresses seem too long to keep up,” said Professor Ian Constable, president of APVRS.Also a part of the conference is the Andhra Pradesh Ophthalmological Society and the Hyderabad Ophthalmological Association.