National
Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) is committed to provide the cure for
treatable diseases and disseminate information about disease preventive methods
to the general public, thereby creating the awareness for Eye related diseases.
The Main Diseases are:
1. CATARACT: Cataract is a major cause of
blindness in India
- Cataract formation cannot be prevented by any means. Cataract can be cured thorough timely surgical intervention.
2. REFRACTIVE ERROR: Refractive Error, when left
uncorrected, is the most common cause of visual impairment. It is caused due to abnormal suze and
curvature of the eyeball.
- Refractive errors cannot be
prevented. However, they can be
corrected with early detection and by wearing appropriate glasses
regularly. There are mass screening
programmes for detection of refractive errors among school children.
3. GALAUCOMA: Glaucoma, known as a sneak thief of
eyesight, is one of the most sight threatening condition of the eye. It usually occurs among the people above 40
years of age especially who have a family history of glaucoma. It is caused due to excess build-up of fluid
inside the eye, which, in normal case, is drained in blood stream. The fluid exerts pressure on vital parts of
the eye like optic nerve and causes irreversible damage. Initially field vision is affected.
- Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but
blindness due to glaucoma can be avoided, if detected early and treated
properly and regularly.
- Regular check-up and medications
as advised by the Eye Specialist Doctor is a must for life time.
4. DIABETIC
RETINOPATHY: One
of the major medical problems in our country is diabetes. While diabetes itself is a problem, it causes
damage to many parts of our body including the eyes. Diabetic Retinopathy usually affects the
retina.
- Regular check-up and medication
to keep blood sugar under control is the prevention for diabetic
retinopathy. All those who have
diabetes must get their eyes-checked from time to time to rule out
retinopathy, even if their blood sugar is under control.
- For those who have developed
diabetic retinopathy, Laser treatment of retina is required.
5. CORNEAL BLINDNESS: The cornea is the transparent tissue
covering the front of the eye. Vision
will be dramatically reduced or lost if the corneal becomes cloudy.
To Keep
Cornea Healthy:
- Prevent eye injuries; keep sharp
objects away from the reach of children.
- Provide supplementary dose of
Vitamin “A” solution to all children below 6 years of age. Educate mothers on nutrition of
children.
- Avoid self-medication. Consult eye specialist.
- Prompt medical attention can
prevent corneal blindness is most cases.
- Persons with corneal blindness
can regain their vision by corneal transplantation only.
6. EYE INJURIES: Most of the eye injuries are actually
preventable (80-90%). They occur
frequently and can happen anywhere.
40-45% out of them occurs in and around the home. In children, eye injuries can occur at home,
school or play ground and also during the festivals of Deepawali, Dussehera and
Holi. Retinal burns can occur while
viewing the solar eclipse with naked eye.
They should always beware of the best ways to protect their eye
slight. Hence, prevention is the first
and most important step for avoiding eye injuries.
The following
preventive measures can be taken at home, at play and during the festivals to
save eye sight:
- Don’t give crackers to little children.
- Don’t ignite fireworks indoor.
- Adult’s supervision is essential.
- Wear eyeglasses or goggles for
protection.
- Place a bucket of water nearby to
put out fire.
- Use herbal colors. Avoid use of chemicals during Holi.
- If a chemical falls in the eyes
wash with plenty of water.
- Don’t let children play with toys
or games that can be dangerous like bow and arrow, Cricket, compass, etc.
- Teach children the correct way to
handle potentially dangerous items such as scissors, pencils, bows, blades
and arrows.
7. VITAMIN “A” DEFICIENCY: Deficiency of Vitamin “A” in the body
results in/
Causes,
various diseases. If left un-treated,
the condition results in total blindness among children.
Expectant and
nursing mothers should take adequate Vitamin “A” rich food like green leafy
vegetables such as Palak, Methi, Bathua Saroso ka sag and yellow fruits like
Mango, Papaya, Orange etc.
8. CONJUNCTIVITIS: Viral conjunctivitis, know as
eye-flu, usually affects a large number of people at a time, particularly
during monsoon. It affects both
eyes. It causes itching sensation. After a couple of days of itching sensation,
eyes become red, sticky and swollen.
White yellowish discharge collects in the eyes. Often, the patient recovers within a few days
without any medicine.
General
Instructions:
- Wash yours and eyes frequently
with soap and water.
- Apply cold compresses to reduce
discomfort.
- Avoid public places.
- Do not touch your eyes without
washing your hands.
- Avoid using eye make-ups and
dangerous facials.
- Keep separate towel lines etc.,
for each members of your family keep them clean.
- Conjunctives causes by Bacteria,
Tric agent needs special treatment
under Eye Specialist Doctor.
- Avoid self medication.
- Seek advice of an aye specialist
immediately.
