New Delhi: Corneal neurotization is a relatively rare and specialized surgical procedure. It is primarily performed in advanced ophthalmic centers and teaching hospitals with expertise in corneal surgery. The procedure is not yet widely available, and only a few ophthalmologists are trained and experienced. Globally, the prevalence of neurotrophic keratitis, the condition treated by corneal neurotization, is uncommon. Corneal neurotization helps restore sensation to the cornea, the eye’s clear, protective outer layer. This procedure is used to treat a condition called neurotrophic keratitis, which, although rare globally and in India, can have significant impacts on vision.
Dr. Saptagirish Rambhatla, Chief Medical Officer, RJ Sankara Eye Hospital, Varanasi, spoke about the potential that the treatment carries in treating loss of vision.
What is Neurotrophic Keratitis?
Neurotrophic keratitis is a condition where the cornea loses its sensation, often due to damage to the nerves that supply it. This can lead to severe eye problems, including vision loss. The condition is not very common and often goes undiagnosed because its early symptoms are subtle. Here are some reasons why people in India might develop neurotrophic keratitis:
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections: HSV is a major cause of corneal blindness in India and can lead to neurotrophic keratitis.
- Diabetes: High rates of diabetes in India can cause nerve damage, including to the cornea.
- Post-Surgical Complications: Eye surgeries, like cataracts and LASIK, can sometimes result in nerve damage leading to this condition.
Corneal Neurotization in India
In India, corneal neurotization is still in its early stages, with limited availability and practice. The rarity of the condition and the specialized nature of the procedure contribute to its infrequent use. It involves rerouting healthy nerves to the cornea to restore its sensation. However, as awareness grows and surgical techniques advance, it is anticipated that the procedure will become more accessible and commonly performed in the future.
Here’s what you need to know about its availability in India:
- Specialized Centers: This procedure is typically performed in advanced eye hospitals and teaching institutions with specialized corneal surgery departments.
- Surgeon Expertise: There are only a few ophthalmologists in India trained to perform this surgery, making it less accessible.
- Growing Interest: As awareness grows, more eye specialists are becoming interested in this procedure, leading to more training and research.
Current Trends and Future Prospects
While specific statistics on the number of corneal neurotization procedures in India are not available, the global incidence of neurotrophic keratitis is estimated to be less than 5 per 10,000 individuals. Applying this to India suggests several thousand people might be affected, although not all will need or be suitable for neurotization.
Looking Ahead
- Increased Awareness: As more people learn about neurotrophic keratitis and corneal neurotization, it’s hoped that more eye centers in India will start offering this procedure.
- Training and Research: With better training for eye doctors and more research funding, the availability and success of this surgery in India are expected to improve.
Corneal neurotization is a promising but rare procedure in India, primarily available at specialized centers. While neurotrophic keratitis is not common, it poses serious risks for those affected. With growing awareness and advancements in surgical techniques, there is hope that this procedure will become more accessible, offering a chance for better vision and quality of life for many patients. Raising awareness about corneal neurotization is crucial, as early intervention can restore corneal sensation and prevent vision loss in patients with neurotrophic keratitis.
Being the diabetes capital of the world, it is a no-brainer why Indian patients may need better vision restoration choices. Here’s how corneal neurotization can help. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
