Squint correction surgeries on the rise at Sassoon hosp

Pune: Looks still matter the most. Well, this can be said after the increase in the number of patients for various corrections at the Ophthalmology Department of Sassoon General Hospital (SGH). Recently, a 22-year-old man with a squint got himself operated here, as he was about to start his internship at an institute. While speaking to Sakal Times, he said that he wanted to get the surgery done before joining the institute, as it would give him more confidence at work. 

Well, doctors from the Department noted that many youngsters have been coming forward for such surgeries, as their conditions affect them socially and psychologically. Doctors also emphasised that such surgeries need to be done at an early age for better depth perception development among the children.

Squint or commonly called as crossed eyes is a condition where the eyes are not aligned parallelly. It is a common problem in children and young adults. Children can have this condition by birth or can develop it later in childhood.

The department at SGH examines around 10 to 12 cases per day and treats them surgically or conservatively depending on the case. Doctors  said more and more patients in their 20s come forward for the surgeries. 

Dr Sanjeevani Ambekar, HOD of Ophthalmology Department, SGH, said that children with constant squint can develop lazy eye, a condition where the vision in the eye decreases and they may lose ability of depth perception.

“Depth perception is a finer aspect of binocular vision, which makes us appreciate 3D vision. This may hinder future career opportunities for children. Also squint has psychological impact on an individual’s life. Children might lack confidence rendering them to be shy and young adults also suffer due to the cosmetic blemish. We see many young people coming for squint correction surgeries. This 22-year-old is one such example,” said Dr Ambekar.

However, Dr Ambekar shared that it is a completely treatable and all this can be prevented if the problem is addressed at an early age.

“Squint surgery is an extraocular surgery with minimal risk. Our department has an OPD for paediatric ophthalmology and squint on Monday between 2 to 3 pm. The unit examines around 10 to 12 cases per day and treats them surgically or conservatively depending on the case. The department is well equipped with standard equipment and specialist doctors to cater to needy patients. All these services and surgeries are covered under Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY) free of cost, same surgery might cost several thousand rupees in private depending on the surgical procedure,” said Dr Ambekar.

Headed by Dr Ambekar, Department of Ophthalmology has a specialty clinic for diagnosing and treating squint. Other members in the unit are Assistant professor Dr Prajakta Bhailume and specially trained fellow doctors Dr Chanchal Gadodiya and Dr Abhilasha Parkhe.

Dr Ambekar has appealed the public of Pune and surrounding areas to come ahead and utilise this facility provided by the hospital to the fullest.

Dr Ajay Chandanwale, Dean of BJ Medical College and SGH, said that though it was a government-run establishment, it is at par with the best hospitals in the city.

“And residents from in and around Pune should take full advantage of the facilities at the hospital,” said Dr Chandanwale.