Dr. Agarwal Eye Hospital: Corneal Blindness Accounts for 15-20% of Total Blindness Cases in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Corneal blindness is a growing concern in India, with approximately 20,000 to 25,000 new cases reported annually. It accounts for around 7.5% of the total blindness burden across the nation. In Karnataka alone, corneal blindness contributes to about 15-20% of overall blindness cases, according to Dr. Sanjana Vatsa, a Cornea and Refractive Surgeon at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, during Blindness Awareness Month. Causes of corneal blindness have shifted over time, with eye trauma and complications now surpassing infectious diseases like keratitis. The condition remains particularly prevalent in rural areas, where access to adequate eye care is limited.

Keratitis, a major cause of corneal blindness, typically starts with symptoms like mild irritation, redness, or vision impairment. If untreated, it can lead to severe corneal scarring or opacity, resulting in partial or complete vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially for patients with infections or minor injuries that haven't progressed to deep corneal damage. Unfortunately, many patients in rural or underserved regions do not receive timely intervention, leading to irreversible blindness.

Discussing the issue, Dr. Smit Bavaria, a Cataract Surgeon at Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Wadala, Mumbai, emphasized that corneal blindness affects around 1.2 million people in India. Key causes include infections like trachoma and keratitis, eye injuries in industrial and agricultural settings, and widespread vitamin A deficiency. The problem is further aggravated by poor hygiene, delayed medical care, and limited healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Children, working-age adults, and the elderly are particularly at risk due to factors like malnutrition, frequent eye injuries, and degenerative eye conditions. Dr. Bavaria noted that around 1-2% of India’s total population is at risk of developing corneal blindness.

Diagnostic tools for corneal blindness in India involve comprehensive eye exams, visual acuity tests, and slit-lamp biomicroscopy to detect conditions like keratitis, ulcers, or scarring. Advanced imaging techniques, such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and corneal topography, provide detailed assessments, facilitating accurate diagnoses. Corneal transplantation or other treatments are generally effective in patients without significant underlying health issues like diabetes or severe immune disorders.

However, significant barriers remain, including healthcare accessibility and disparities. Dr. Preethi Naveen, Medical Director of Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Bank in Chennai, highlighted the shortage of corneal donors, with only 25,000 to 30,000 donations annually compared to a demand for 200,000 transplants. The lack of organized corneal transplant programs, training, and resources for healthcare providers also hinders effective treatment. To reduce corneal blindness, a multi-faceted approach is needed, including raising awareness, promoting routine eye exams, encouraging eye donation, and addressing nutritional deficiencies through targeted programs.