It is interesting how we often take our eye health and good vision for granted. After all, it shouldn't even be a point of discussion just how crucial it is. Nevertheless, the incidence of dry eyes, poor sight, cataracts, and glaucoma is on the rise. While the medical community can do their part to raise awareness about eye health and prevent disorders among the general public, advancements and precision in treating various eye disorders are an equal part of this two-pronged solution.
To discuss new treatment options, gaps in eye healthcare that must be explored, and learn from each other's mistakes and breakthroughs, Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital, Gurugram organised the Pan Ophthalmologica 2024 on 3rd February, at the India International Centre in Delhi.
Pan Ophthalmologica 2024
The theme of Pan Ophthalmologica 2024 was 'Learning from Complications', and was attended by ophthalmologists from different cities of India. The seminar discussed glaucoma and cataract surgeries, the rising incidence of dry eyes, and advancements in technology to treat eye disorders.
Dr Arun Sethi, Director and Senior Ophthalmologist, Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital, said, "The purpose of Pan Ophthalmologica is to have an in-depth discussion about the use of new technologies and the challenges faced in the treatment of eye disorders."
"Technology has an important contribution in the treatment of eye-related diseases. Technology is playing an important role in eye surgery and diagnosis of related diseases. In serious diseases like glaucoma and cataracts, the patient's vision can be saved with timely treatment and surgery, and technology has a big role to play in that," he added.
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Eye Disorders Treatment And Prevention
On the sidelines of the event, the OnlyMyHealth team interviewed the doctors participating in Pan Ophthalmologica 2024's panel discussions and presentations. All of them agreed that increasing exposure to screen time from a young age is the leading cause of why dry eyes and myopia are the leading eye disorders in India right now. They were all of the opinion that this incidence will only grow in the coming years.
Also present at the event, Dr Reena Sethi, Senior Ophthalmologist, Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital, said in an exclusive conversation with the OnlyMyHealth team, “Due to digital strain and increase in screen time, the problem of dry eyes is most common among children and elderly people." To avoid this problem, doctor's advice should be taken at the right time and digital devices should be used less, she recommended.
The doctors also informed how the increase in pollution, poor lifestyle, disrupted sleep schedules, and unhealthy diet add to India's eye health problems. They warned that without proper eye care, these disorders pose a serious risk of severe complications and even blindness.
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While the treatment of eye-related diseases has gotten easier with the advent of new technology and medicines, challenges still remain. To deal with these challenges, the doctors advised regular eye check-ups, limiting screen time, washing eyes with clean water daily, and practising good lifestyle and hygiene to avoid becoming a victim of serious eye-related problems.