KARACHI, Dec 6: Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday stressed that people must not ignore any abnormality in their eyes and go to doctors for an examination at the earliest, which will help them save their eyes from major problems.

The seminar on “Common eye problems” was organised by the Aga Khan University on its campus.

Dr Azam Ali, head of ophthalmology section of the university, said the situation pertaining to eye diseases and cures had changed a lot due to availability of modern treatment options and surgical techniques in the country.

Discussing the symptoms of vitreo-retinal problems like opacities, black spots, seeing flashes of light, or a sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes, he warned diabetic patients to be highly attentive to such symptoms and have regular eye tests.

About paediatric eye problems, Dr Tanveer Chaudhry said squint could be a symptom of something serious, and therefore should not be ignored. Squint may be cured properly, if treated at an early age, otherwise it may permanently weaken the eye, he added and recommended eye examination for pre-school children.

Observing that corneal problems were widespread in the country, Dr Chaudhry said cornea graft or corneal transplant was generally a successful procedure, depending on the initial condition of the cornea and a detailed evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

Dr Mahnaz Shah said glaucoma, once detected, was controllable by appropriate use of drugs, laser and surgical procedures. She emphasised timely treatment to avoid the loss of sight.

Dr Rashid Baig also addressed at the seminar.