93% squint eye problems can be treated: Doctors

The overall incidence rate of strabismus or squint eye in India is 4% to 6%. However, it goes up to 30% to 40% in premature babies. These observations were made at a symposium on squint surgery, organized by the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), in the city, on Sunday.

Noted ophthalmologist and squint-eye expert Kalpana Narendran said, "Early detection and treatment can help restore normal vision." She was speaking at a press conference held on the sidelines of the symposium. "With newer treatment modalities available and advancement in surgical procedures, the success rate of treating squint has gone up to 93%. More and more ophthalmologists are coming forward to treat squint nowadays than was the case a few years ago when very few doctors would think of entertaining such patients," said Narendran, who is the chief of paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus department at the Arvind eye hospital in Coimbatore.

Ophthalmologist Jeevan Ladi said, "Parents of children with squint eye usually avoid consulting doctor since they fear their children will have to undergo a surgery. But 30% to 40% of squint eye problems can be treated with the help of glasses and medical intervention."

Ophthalmologist Jai Kelkar of NIO stressed on newer modalities and advancements emerging in the field. "The aim of organizing the symposium is to disseminate knowledge about new and multiple approaches that can be adopted in treatment of squint. These approaches are not complicated and any ophthalmic surgeon can use them."

Ophthalmologist Milind Killedar, president of the Maharashtra Ophthalmic Society, said, "The conference aims to boost the confidence level of doctor performing squint surgery."

Organised under the aegis of the Poona Ophthalmic Society and the Maharashtra Ophthalmic Society, the symposium was attended by over 200 eye experts across Maharashtra.