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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Prolonged use of ethambutol leads to vision loss in TB patients, says study by doctors of LV Prasad Eye Institute
Hyderabad: A recent study conducted by the doctors at the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) raised concerns about severe vision loss caused by ethambutol, a drug commonly used to treat tuberculosis (TB). Published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, the study reveals that prolonged use of ethambutol, which is used as part of India's TB treatment programme due to its relatively low toxicity, combined with higher dosages, is linked to a sharp rise in cases of ethambutol-induced toxic optic neuropathy (ETON). It is a condition that damages the optic nerve and impacts vision. The study also pointed out that the Central govt's National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), which is implemented across the country, including in Telangana, uses ethambutol extensively. In 2016, the NTEP extended the use of ethambutol from two to six months and also increased the dosage frequency to once daily from thrice a week. Since then, the ETON cases increased sixfold within three years. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad During the research, the LVPEI doctors examined 107 patients suffering from ETON, with around 58% of them being middle-aged (36 to 55 years), who took the drug for seven consecutive months. Doctors found that almost all of the patients experienced severe vision loss in both eyes, with the elderly (above 60 years) being the worst affected, despite the low toxicity levels of the drug. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your IQ Is 140 If You Can Answer 10 of These Questions Correctly. IQ International Undo However, after they discontinued ethambutol, an 11-month follow-up found that the vision clarity of the patients started improving, except for the elderly. 'ETON has become more common and can lead to severe vision loss, especially in the elderly, individuals with low body weight, and those with kidney problems (renal dysfunction). Symptomps include change in vision, contrast or colour vision. There are smartphone-based apps which the patients can use to check vision and colour vision at home. Dosage should be recommended as per body weight, age and kidney function. Careful monitoring and early discontinuation of the drug are essential to prevent vision loss,' said Dr Virender Sachdeva, one of the authors. In March this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) pointed out that while India showed significant progress in reducing TB cases and improved treatment coverage, it is unlikely to meet the 2025 target set by the WHO's 'End TB Strategy'. WHO's Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 stated that India had 26% of global TB cases and 26% of global deaths in 2023, the highest in the world. According to officials in the Telangana health, family, and welfare dept, currently around 81 lakh people of the over 3.5 crore population (20%) in Telangana are TB-prone, with 10 lakh alone in Hyderabad. Official numbers tabled in Parliament showed that Telangana recorded 1.37 lakh TB cases and 2,663 deaths from July 2023 to Dec 2024. Noting that the findings of the study will be reviewed, senior officials of the TB programme, health dept, said, 'After completing the 100-day action plan, we again launched a continuous plan in June this year to boost TB screening, awareness, and care in Hyderabad, rural areas, and urban slums. Special emphasis is being given to people above 60 years, those who drink and smoke, previous TB patients, family members of the present TB patients, and people with comorbidities. '
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- The Hindu
Guided by sound, not sight: How a Hyderabad centre is redefining possibilities for the visually impaired
In a modest room with six computers at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad, a transformation is under way. Here, individuals with visual impairment, both young and old, are learning to type, guided by voices from the computers. Each keystroke is met with an audio response, helping the users become familiar with the keyboard through sound. This room is part of the Institute for Vision Rehabilitation (IVR), a centre dedicated to empowering persons with visual impairment through assistive technology, vocational training and community-based services. 'In today's technologically advanced society, it is almost impossible to complete education or secure meaningful employment without basic computer literacy. Computer assistive technology enables us to access information, work more efficiently and independently, and strive for financial independence,' said Prameela (name changed), a visually impaired woman who once trained at the centre and now teaches others. The Assistive Technology Resource Centre at the institute offers hands-on training in computer use through advanced tools like Screen Readers and Magnifiers, including software such as JAWS (Job Access With Speech), MAGic, Kurzweil 1000, NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) and Window-Eyes. These tools allow users to navigate digital environments confidently, opening doors to both academic and professional success. Established in 1992, the institute has supported over 2.8 lakh people. Beyond digital literacy, the institute also offers vocational and livelihood training, especially to those from rural backgrounds. Courses in tailoring, jute product making, and other traditional crafts help participants become financially independent and support their families. 'These programmes are designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and improve overall quality of life,' said Beula Christy, head of the Institute for Vision Rehabilitation. Another key feature of the institute is its digital audio library, where printed books are converted into audiobooks in various regional languages. Volunteers, ranging from students to professionals, record these books in a studio based on user demand. 'This service is a boon for people who cannot see. Our volunteers help bring books to life,' Beula added. The institute also operates a dedicated helpline to support visually impaired individuals seeking assistance for a range of needs, from mobility issues and accessing essential services to navigating everyday challenges. A trained team responds to each call with both practical solutions and emotional support. 'We often receive calls from individuals who are stuck somewhere, need help reaching a destination, or are looking for a scribe for an upcoming exam. We step in to assist them with such immediate and practical requirements,' said a staff member managing the helpline Despite its extensive services, the institute is facing a shortage of volunteers. 'We have many people who need help, but not enough hands to support them. We urgently need volunteers who can spare just a few hours a week,' Beula appealed.
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
L.V. Prasad vision centre opened at Mandadam
The L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) on Monday inaugurated a technology-enabled vision centre at Mandadam village of Thullur mandal in Guntur district. A statement issued by the eye institute said that the new facility will provide eye care services to the residents of Mandadam and neighbouring villages. It is a permanent, free walk-in clinic accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. It is the first-of-its-kind equipped to perform both anterior and posterior segment examinations, along with teleconsultation facilities. The teleconsultation facility will enable patients to connect with experts at the tertiary care centre or quaternary care institute (Centre of Excellence) at Hyderabad, based on the need. A trained vision technician (VT) from LVPEI will conduct comprehensive undilated eye examinations. Diagnostic tests for glaucoma and retinal diseases will also be done at the centre, which will also offer home care services for persons unable to visit the centre due to health, mobility and other constraints. The centre will be open Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. LVPEI is launching the Universal Eye Health Programme in 29 villages of Amaravati region. Locally recruited vision guardians/community eye health workers will visit each household, screen them and based on requirement, refer them to the primary centre for appropriate care, said the statement.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Pig tissue cornea implants offers new treatment for advanced keratoconus
Hyderabad: According to a recent study conducted by doctors at L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad, cornea implants made from pig tissues might offer a new treatment option for patients with advanced keratoconus. Keratoconus causes the cornea to become too thin and bulge, resulting in blurred vision and, in severe cases, significant vision impairment. The study, published in the US-based Journal of Refractive Surgery, aimed to determine the efficacy of xenogeneic corneal implants, whereby damaged or diseased corneal tissue is replaced with tissue from a different species, typically pigs. Doctors said this reduces the need for human corneas, which are already hard to find in many places. During the clinical trial, doctors placed a small, soft, disc-shaped piece of tissue called a lenticule, made from porcine (pig) collagen, into the corneas of nine patients with advanced keratoconus. The average age of the patients was 28 years. Following the procedure, all of the patients' vision improved significantly as none of their bodies rejected the implants. Their logMAR improved from 1.43 to 0.78. However, in two cases, the tissue around the implant started to thin again and further treatment was required. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Heads Turn as Walgreens Shoppers Discover 87¢ ED Pills fridayplans Learn More Undo Distance vision improved "All the patients have been followed up regularly and are doing well,'"said Dr Rashmi Deshmukh, the study's lead author from LVPEI, told TOI, adding that as well as improving distance vision without glasses, the results showed that the bulging part of the eye became flatter over time. Doctors said that the implants are effective because they resemble human corneas. "Among the species that have been explored so far, porcine collagen most closely resembles human collagen, which is why it is the preferred choice. However, it may be possible in the future for corneal implants to be made from collagen of other species too," said Dr Rashmi. The doctors said that the study was necessary because usual cases of keratoconus could be treated with minimal surgery, after which contact lenses or glasses could be used to improve visual acuity. However, these treatments could only be used if the cornea was sufficiently thick. There were, however, limited treatments available for cases where keratoconus advanced and the cornea became too thin. Only corneal transplantation (keratoplasty), another surgical procedure, was possible. Although pig implants have provided a breakthrough, doctors still need to examine the 'crosslinking process' to determine whether any of the chemicals involved cause an inflammatory reaction in the eye. "Further research is needed to see if there is any way to modify the pig implant to allow important nutrients to reach the front part of the cornea (the part above the implant) to maintain healthy eyes," said Dr Rashmi. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
LVPEI holds ‘Whitathon' run to create awareness on Retinoblastoma
The L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) organised the seventh edition of 'Whitathon' on Sunday, May 25, to raise awareness about the early detection of Retinoblastoma (a rare eye cancer) in children and its treatment. The event was held in commemoration of World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, observed earlier this month. The run was flagged off at the Kali Mandir on the Beach Road, Visakhapatnam. Dr. Suneetha G, adjunct ophthalmologist at LVPEI's GMR Varalakshmi campus, emphasised the importance of creating awareness and educating young parents about the symptoms of Retinoblastoma and elaborated, 'It is crucial to recognise the symptoms. If a white reflex is seen in a child's eye, one should immediately get it examined by an eye specialist. Early detection and treatment can save the child's life, eye, and vision.' Retinoblastoma primarily affects children under three years of age. Loss of the 'RB1 gene'—a' tumour suppressor gene, whose function is to stop cells from turning cancerous—is a major cause. Symptoms include a yellowish-white glow that appears in the pupil (the black part) of a child's eye when light is shone on it, especially in photos taken with a flash. Other symptoms include poor vision, redness of the eyes, and squinting. The treatment usually involves multiple procedures and surgeries, with close monitoring over several months. Dr. Virendra Sachdeva, Head GMR Varalakshmi campus, urged participants to spread awareness about the symptoms of Retinoblastoma. Funds from the Whitathon run will be utilised to provide free treatment to underprivileged children suffering from Retinoblastoma and for future research. This year's event saw over 450 participants. LVPEI has provided over 3,000 free treatments to date. Annually, the institute treats 150 to 200 new cases of Retinoblastoma and has managed to save the life of a child in 90% of cases. 'However, we could save the vision of only 45% of these cases while 55% lost their vision because of late presentation,' said a representative of the group. While eye cancer is rare, it can be life-threatening and lead to permanent loss of vision or even eye enucleation (removal of the eye) if not detected early. Unfortunately, lack of awareness leads to many cases being diagnosed only at an advanced stage, when treatment options become limited.
