Round-the-clock ophthalmic trauma services were launched at Rajan Eye Care Hospital on Tuesday.

Inaugurating the services, Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan urged young ophthalmologists to learn skills and take it to the remotest of villages.

Golden hour

Mohan Rajan, chairman and medical director, Rajan Eye Care Hospital, said ocular trauma has become an important aspect of eye care. “It is important to bring persons who have sustained eye injuries to an ophthalmologist within an hour, the golden hour. Many of the trauma cases can be grievous,” he said. He added that ophthalmic trauma could be due to chemicals — acid and alkali — sports, road traffic accidents and physical violence or assault.

About In fact, 45% to 50% of ocular injuries in children occurred at home because of the negligence of parents, he said adding that children are more likely to sustain eye injuries than adults. Sometimes, trauma can also have a late effect on the eyes. “There could be effects after three months. This included retinal tear and detachment. Hence, close follow-up is needed,” Dr. Rajan said.

With Deepavali round the corner, he said there were many injuries caused by crackers too. He reiterated the importance of treating ophthalmic trauma as an emergency. Pamphlets on do’s and don’ts while bursting firecrackers were released on the occasion. Sujatha Mohan, executive medical director of the hospital, Babu Peram, district governor, Rotary International District 3232 and Sathyanarayanan, president, Rotary Club, T. Nagar were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Staff Reporter / Chennai – October 31st, 2018