Consanguineous marriages can result in cataract in children and can lead to blindness, if the affected children are not treated early, according to paediatric ophthalmologist G. Suparna of Sankar Foundation Eye Hospital.
Cataract surgeries were successfully performed to Dillesh and Charishma, two children from the same family of Vizianagaram. An IOL was implanted to Dillesh after the surgery, but only lens aspiration could be done for Charishma as she is only six months old. The lens implantation will be done for Charishma after she completes 2 years of age, she said. “It is unfortunate that a large number of people in rural areas are unaware of consequences of consanguineous marriages. The parents of two children were closely related and they were affected by cataract at birth. Early intervention and surgery enabled them to overcome the problem and possible blindness”, Dr. Suparna said.
“The hospital is making continual efforts to educate rural and tribal people on the adverse effect of marriages between close relations and the health problems among their progeny. Comprehensive eye screenings were being done at their doorstep,” says managing trustee of Sankar Foundation Manimala. “Parents must ensure that their children undergo eye check-up at least once in six months as children do not normally realise their visual problems. The foundation is recognised under NTR Vaidya Seva and Employees Health Scheme (EHS) for cashless facilities, people in three districts can avail quality specialty eye care services from the hospital,” she added.
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Both the surgeries were performed free of cost under NTR Vaidya Seva.