KARACHI, Aug 10: The Sindh Minister for Health, Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani, will inaugurate a comprehensive laser photocoagulation facility at the Civil Hospital’s Eye Department on Thursday.

The facility holds immense importance for people since blindness has emerged a major health problem all worldwide, particularly in Pakistan.

Two per cent of the country’s population is registered to be blind while according to published studies another six per cent is potentially blind.

About 80 per cent of blindness in the country is said to be preventive.

Cataract, Diabetic Retinopathy and Vitamin-A deficiency are the major causes of vision loss among the local population, and these conditions, if referred in time and attended to properly, could be largely treated.

Much has been done so far for cataract-induced blindness. Camps managed by qualified professionals can be witnessed doing cataract surgeries wherever possible.

Efforts to contain Vitamin-A deficiency and relevant prevention are also being made in various parts of the country through the distribution of Vitamin-A supplements.

Very little, however, is registered to be done so far in preventing diabetes- induced blindness although there does exist scientific-based evidence showing that this form of blindness is the commonest cause of blindness in the middle age group.

It is also an established fact that diabetic-induced blindness or Retinopathy can be prevented among 90 per cent patients through timely laser application.

It was unfortunate that the basic facility had been lacking so far at the Civil Hospital, which was by far the biggest tertiary centre in Sindh.

The laser equipment now being made available at Civil Hospital’s Ophthalmology Department will not only be useful in treating diabetic patents, but would also be useful in treating various retinal problems.

This mode of treatment is very expensive in the private sector, but if it becomes available at Civil Hospital, the common person can be benefited.

Lasers are an essential part of any eye care unit. — APP