Eye Diseases

Eye diseases like cataracts and age related macular degeneration, loss of vision etc. are major eye problems in old age. The Government has launched the National Programme for Control of Blindness to treat various eye problems and control blindness.

As the population ages, the concern over AMD (age-related macular degeneration) grows. The disease is common among people 75 and older, a group that will triple in size over the next 40 years, Mares noted. Already, one in four people older than 65 have early signs of AMD, she said. AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessel growth behind the retina or a breakdown of light-sensitive cells within the retina itself, both of which can lead to serious vision impairment. 

Now all Eye problems can be cured with the use of nanotechnology: It is now possible to become older without degradation of the eye with nanotechnology and chemistry on the path to finding solutions to a host of problems. Age-related blindness, cataract and other retinal diseases can be prevented and cured with the use of nanotechnology.

With more than 40 million people in the world suffering from blindness, experts at the Chennai Chemistry Conference said it was now possible to prevent and postpone cataract with the help of nanoparticles that carry therapeutic agents.

Stem cell Technology:   In a first, medical experts have reported a major scientific breakthrough wherein stem cells could be used in the battle to cure blindness in humans. "Glaucoma remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide and there is currently no way to restore vision once it has been lost. Fight for Sight funding is helping us explore the possibility that stem cell treatments could one day be used to treat glaucoma," the Scotsman quoted Professor Keith Martin, a neuroscientist at Cambridge University, as saying.

Care to avoid eye problems:  While reading or doing concentrated activity, rest your eyes for five to   30- minute intervals. Look away from your work, close your eyes, or simply stare off into space. Blink regularly. Palm your eyes. Sit comfortably, breathe deeply and cover your eyes with the palms of your hands. Protect your eyes from direct sunrays and any kind of dangerous substances.

Green Tea:  Scientists have discovered that green tea can help prevent glaucoma and other eye diseases. They have found that the healthful substances found in green tea — renowned for their powerful antioxidant and disease-fighting properties — do penetrate into tissues of the eye. The new study has documented how the lens, retina, and other eye tissues absorb these substances. Chi Pui Pang and colleagues pointed out that so-called green tea ‘catechins’ have been among a number of antioxidants thought capable of protecting the eye. Those include vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin.

Some Specialised Eye Hospitals in India:  AIIMS; Wockhardt Eye Hospital, Mumbai Sankara Nethralaya; Chaithanya Eye Hospital and Research Institute; Guru Nanak Eye Centre Aravind Eye Hospital.