Blindness Caused By Cataract, Now Treatable!

KARACHI- Health experts stated that, blindness is found to be affecting 01 percent of our general population of Pakistan, out of which, 60 percent cases occur due to cataract and 20 percent of those need world’s most latest surgery,  ‘FLACS’ to treat this disease.

Blindness due to cataract is completely treatable, but patient starts to lose vision, if not treated in time.

Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) is now successfully being performed in Pakistan, with much better results. Eye specialists are also required to make themselves aware of this new technique, to benefit their patients.

FLACS was revealed during a session organized as part of the 3-day 39th KAROPATH and 1st Pak Cornea Conference by Ophthalmology Society of Pakistan (OSP), held at Hashmanis Clifton Centre.

Speakers included, Prof Major General Mazhar Ishaq, renowned eye surgeon Dr. Sharif Hashmani, Dr. Aamir Israr, Dr. Qasim Lateef, Dr. Qazi Wasiq, Dr. Misbah Aziz and others.

Dr. Sharif Hashmani was the coordinator of this workshop,. while Dr Misbah Aziz moderated the session.

The CEO Hashmanis Group of Hospital, Mr. Arsalan Hashmani was also present at the session.

Dr. Sharif Hashmani said that, this workshop was aimed to enhance skills of eye specialists and junior doctors and make the aware about new laser cataract surgery technique introduced in Pakistan. Upon discussing FLACS, he stated that, "This technology is even being used by few people in the world. There is need to educate our eye specialists about FLACS. They should select deserving patients for this surgery as it is the most successful intervention to treat cataract so far. Only 20 percent cataract patients qualify to get this surgery, who want to see the world better.”

Dr. Qazi Wasiq thanked Hashmanis Hospital for hosting this workshop and commended the hospital to use this laser treatment (FLACS) to combat cataract and associated blindness.

This latest technology is also being used in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Patients can get rid of spectacles’ numbers by availing this surgery, without worrying about side effects, as it is very safe.

Dr. Misbah Aziz added that this new laser surgery is very successful as compared to other previously used traditional operations. It has a better outcome and provides patient with almost natural vision.

Prof Saeed Ahmed Qureshi, Vice Chancellor, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) is selected to be the Chief guest, and artist Mr. Anwar Maqsood as the guest of honor, for this occasion.