KARACHI, Feb 24: The masses in general have been advised to ensure washing their faces with clean water only to prevent eye infections, a common problem in the country.

Senior ophthalmologist, Dr Imran Ghayoor of the Liaquat National Hospital addressing a workshop on Thursday observed with concern that contaminated water was emerging as a major cause of eye infections, while the condition itself was being largely overlooked by people.

He was speaking at a workshop on "Application of Ultrasound in Ophthalmology" organized by the Karachi Ophthalmological Society. The public in general ignores eye infections, often exposing themselves to serious conditions, he commented, urging people neither to neglect the condition nor the very cause.

Meanwhile, Dr Peter from Birmingham referred to conditions related to Retina Vitreous, Optic Nerve and Ophthalmological Cancers and use of ultrasound. Performing live procedures on a selected set of patients, the expert said this was termed as B Scan, and was extremely important in detecting complications related to the retina.

He mentioned that retina-related complications were spreading fast and that Retina Blastoma (a type of cancer noticed among kids) was effectively diagnosed through ultrasound B Scan.

Dr Peter further mentioned that following cataract, diabetic retinopathy was the most common cause of blindness, saying that each and every diabetic must necessarily ensure examination of their retina at routine intervals.

He also called upon the doctors to be fully committed towards their profession and remain engaged in updating their professional skills. Some 100 participants from across the country attended the programme held at Liaquat National Hospital. - APP