Award-Winning DD Anchor Gitanjali iyer Passes Away: A Loss to the Broadcasting Industry

It is with deep regret and sorrow that we report the untimely demise of Gitanjali iyer, an esteemed news anchor who had received accolades for her exceptional work in the field of broadcasting. The unfortunate event occurred recently, leaving the media industry in a state of profound grief.

Gitanjali iyer was widely recognized for her notable contributions as an anchor at Doordarshan (DD), a prominent national television network in India. Her skillful and insightful delivery of news garnered praise from audiences and industry professionals alike, leading to her being honored with prestigious awards for her remarkable performance.

The news of Gitanjali iyer's passing has left a void in the broadcasting fraternity, as her impactful presence on screen was greatly admired. Her dedication and commitment to providing accurate and engaging news coverage set a commendable standard for her peers and served as an inspiration to aspiring journalists.

This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of fate. Gitanjali iyer's untimely departure is an irreplaceable loss to the field of journalism, as her professionalism and distinctive style resonated with viewers across the nation.

During this time of profound sorrow, we extend our deepest condolences to Gitanjali Aiyar's family, friends, and colleagues. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were touched by her outstanding contributions to the broadcasting industry. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

"APRJC CET 2023 Results Announced: Check Intermediate Course Results Here"

We are pleased to inform you that the results of the Andhra Pradesh Residential Junior College Common Entrance Test (APRJC CET) 2023 for intermediate courses have been officially announced. The announcement was made by the concerned authorities, and interested individuals can access the results through the provided direct link.

The APRJC CET is a highly regarded entrance examination conducted by the Andhra Pradesh Residential Educational Institutions Society (APREIS) to facilitate admissions into various intermediate courses offered by the residential junior colleges in the state. This year, the examination witnessed significant participation, and candidates have been eagerly awaiting the release of the results. 

To access the APRJC CET 2023 results for intermediate courses, individuals can utilize the direct link available on the official website of the Times of India. The link provided in the article will lead them to the dedicated page where they can enter the necessary credentials to view their results. It is important for the candidates to input accurate information to ensure the accurate retrieval of their results.

The announcement of the APRJC CET 2023 results marks a crucial milestone for the aspiring students who have been eagerly preparing and awaiting their outcomes. We extend our heartiest congratulations to all successful candidates who have secured a place in their desired intermediate courses. This achievement reflects their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence.

We also acknowledge the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh Residential Educational Institutions Society (APREIS) in conducting a fair and transparent examination process. The successful completion of the APRJC CET 2023 showcases their commitment to providing equal opportunities for students to access quality education through residential junior colleges in Andhra Pradesh.

For those candidates who may not have obtained the desired results, we encourage them to maintain a positive outlook and explore alternative educational pathways. Academic journeys are filled with opportunities for growth and development, and setbacks can often lead to new and unexpected avenues of success.

We once again congratulate all successful candidates and wish them the best for their future endeavors. May their achievements in the APRJC CET 2023 serve as a stepping stone towards a bright and promising future filled with continued educational excellence.

FC Barcelona Dealt a Blow with Balde's Injury and Prolonged Recovery: Implications and Impact on the Team

In a recent development, FC Barcelona has been confronted with a significant setback as a result of a substantial injury suffered by player Balde. Reports regarding the recovery time associated with this unfortunate event have been widely disseminated, pointing to a lengthy and predicted rehabilitation period. This development has raised concerns within the club and the football community at large, as Balde's absence from the team is expected to have substantial implications.

FC Barcelona, one of the prominent football clubs globally, has been dealt a severe blow with the injury to Balde, one of their key players. This unfortunate incident has garnered attention due to the extensive recovery period predicted for Balde, which is expected to significantly impact his participation in upcoming matches. The club and its supporters now face an arduous task of managing the absence of this influential athlete, while simultaneously seeking appropriate replacements to mitigate the repercussions of his absence on the team's performance.

Balde's Injury and its Consequences: The injury sustained by Balde has raised considerable concern within the FC Barcelona community and the wider football fraternity. The severity of the injury has led to a predicted recovery time that is expected to be protracted, hampering Balde's participation in crucial matches. This unanticipated setback disrupts the team's dynamics, requiring prompt adjustments and strategic planning from the club's management to fill the void left by the absence of this talented player.

The Impact on FC Barcelona: The absence of Balde, an accomplished player renowned for his exceptional skills, is likely to impact FC Barcelona's performance across various dimensions. Balde's absence from the field can disrupt the team's cohesion, tactical strategies, and overall performance. The club's coaching staff now faces the formidable task of recalibrating their lineup, reorganizing formations, and identifying suitable alternatives to maintain the team's competitiveness during Balde's recovery phase.

Mitigation Measures and Recovery Process: In response to this significant setback, FC Barcelona's medical team is expected to employ a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to expedite Balde's recovery while ensuring the athlete's long-term well-being. Specialized treatments, physiotherapy, and rigorous training regimes are anticipated to be implemented, guided by the expertise of the club's medical professionals. The meticulous approach to Balde's rehabilitation process will be aimed at facilitating his return to the field at the earliest opportunity, while minimizing the risk of further complications or re-injury.

The recent injury suffered by Balde has dealt a significant blow to FC Barcelona, impacting the team's performance and strategies. As the club embarks on the challenging journey of managing Balde's absence, there is a pressing need for careful planning, strategic adjustments, and identifying suitable replacements. Balde's recovery process will be closely monitored, with the collective hope of his swift return to full fitness, enabling him to contribute to the team's success once again.

The absence of Balde due to his injury is likely to have far-reaching consequences on FC Barcelona's team dynamics and player morale. Balde's presence on the field not only contributes to the team's offensive and defensive capabilities but also serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for his teammates. His absence may lead to a temporary void in leadership and a decrease in team morale, requiring the coaching staff and senior players to step up and fill the void to maintain a positive atmosphere within the team.

Strategic Adjustments and Tactical Reconfigurations:

With Balde unavailable for an extended period, FC Barcelona's coaching staff will be compelled to make strategic adjustments to compensate for his absence. This could involve altering the team's formations, tactics, and style of play to accommodate the strengths and abilities of the remaining players. The absence of a key player like Balde can be seen as an opportunity for other individuals to showcase their skills and contribute to the team's success. The coaching staff will need to identify suitable replacements or reshuffle the existing lineup to ensure continuity and maintain the team's competitive edge.

Recruitment Considerations:

The injury to Balde also raises questions about FC Barcelona's depth and strength in terms of squad composition. The club's management may consider the possibility of recruiting new players or promoting talents from the youth academy to reinforce the team's roster during Balde's recovery period. Identifying players with similar skill sets or complementary attributes to Balde's could be a priority, ensuring that the team remains well-balanced and capable of competing at the highest level.

Balde's Personal Development and Mental Resilience:

Apart from the physical aspect of his recovery, Balde's injury provides an opportunity for personal growth and mental resilience. The extended period away from competitive football will necessitate a significant mental fortitude to overcome the challenges associated with rehabilitation and maintain a positive outlook. Balde's determination, discipline, and perseverance will play crucial roles in his recovery journey, as he aims to regain full fitness and return to the pitch stronger than ever.

Support from the Club and Fans:

During Balde's recovery process, FC Barcelona is expected to provide extensive support to ensure his well-being and successful rehabilitation. The club's medical staff, coaches, and support personnel will work closely with Balde, offering the necessary guidance, resources, and expertise to facilitate his recovery. Additionally, the unwavering support of the club's fans will serve as a source of encouragement and motivation for Balde throughout his rehabilitation journey.

The injury to Balde represents a significant setback for FC Barcelona, affecting various aspects of the team's performance, dynamics, and strategic planning. The club's management, coaching staff, and players must rally together to adapt to the circumstances and minimize the impact of Balde's absence. As the recovery process unfolds, FC Barcelona will strive to provide the necessary support, implement strategic adjustments, and maintain a positive team environment to ensure Balde's successful rehabilitation and eventual return to the pitch. The resilience and determination displayed by both Balde and the club will play a pivotal role in overcoming this challenge and achieving future success.

"Sunstroke: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment - A Comprehensive Guide"

Introduction: As summer temperatures rise, it becomes crucial to be aware of the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure and the potential development of sunstroke. Also known as heatstroke, sunstroke is a severe condition that requires immediate attention and can have serious consequences if left untreated. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of sunstroke, including its causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

Causes of Sunstroke: Sunstroke occurs when the body's internal temperature regulation system fails to keep up with the heat load it is subjected to. Several factors contribute to the development of sunstroke:

High Temperatures: Exposure to intense heat, especially during hot summer months, increases the risk of sunstroke.

Prolonged Sun Exposure: Spending extended periods in direct sunlight without adequate protection can lead to sunstroke.

Physical Exertion: Engaging in strenuous physical activities or exertion in hot environments can raise the body's temperature and trigger sunstroke.

Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake or excessive sweating without proper hydration can hinder the body's ability to regulate temperature.

Symptoms of Sunstroke: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sunstroke is crucial for timely intervention. Common indicators include:

High Body Temperature: Sunstroke is characterized by a core body temperature of 40°C (104°F) or higher.

Altered Mental State: Confusion, disorientation, irritability, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness may occur.

Skin Redness and Dryness: The skin may appear flushed, hot, and dry to the touch, indicating impaired sweat production.

Rapid Pulse and Breathing: Increased heart rate (tachycardia) and rapid, shallow breathing are often observed.

Headache and Nausea: Throbbing headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting may accompany sunstroke.

Prevention of Sunstroke: Preventing sunstroke is crucial, especially during hot weather or outdoor activities. Consider the following preventive measures:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and hydrating fluids to maintain adequate hydration levels, especially when exposed to the sun for prolonged periods.

Seek Shade: Limit direct sun exposure during peak daytime heat. Stay in shaded areas or use umbrellas, hats, and lightweight, breathable clothing to protect against the sun's rays.

Schedule Outdoor Activities Wisely: Plan outdoor activities during cooler times of the day, such as mornings or evenings, to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Take Breaks and Cool Down: If engaged in physical exertion, take regular breaks in shaded or cool areas. Use cooling methods like cold towels or sprays to help regulate body temperature.

Treatment of Sunstroke: If sunstroke is suspected, immediate medical attention is vital. Meanwhile, the following steps can be taken:

Move to a Cool Area: Transfer the affected individual to a shaded or air-conditioned space to reduce heat exposure.

Cool the Body: Apply cool water or ice packs to the armpits, neck, and groin areas to facilitate heat dissipation. Use wet towels or sprays to cool the skin.

Rehydrate: Offer cool water or oral rehydration solutions if the person is conscious and able to drink.

Seek Medical Assistance: Sunstroke is a medical emergency, and professional medical evaluation and treatment are essential to stabilize body temperature and manage complications.

Conclusion: Sunstroke is a serious condition that demands attention and proactive measures to prevent its occurrence. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing preventive strategies can help safeguard against sunstroke during hot weather conditions. It is crucial to prioritize hydration, seek shade, and practice caution when exposed to high temperatures

VINCOV-19, an antidote, and a cure against COVID-19, successfully completes Phase 2 Clinical Trials

VINCOV-19, developed by VINS Bioproducts in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH), is the first antidote against COVID-19 and has successfully completed Phase 2 Clinical Trials across multiple centres in India.  

Hyderabad, : VINS Bioproducts Limited, a leading immunological company, based in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and the University of Hyderabad (UoH), announced the successful completion of Phase 2 Clinical Trials of VINCOV-19, India’s first antidote and a cure against SARS-CoV-2 virus. VINCOV-19 is now ready for market authorization and for simultaneous Phase 3 Clinical Trials.

Phase 2 Clinical Trials were conducted across multiple centres in India and included over 200 patients. The Phase 2 Clinical Trials also included testing the antidote against the Omicron variant to ensure maximum coverage against the virus and its known mutations. 

Phase 2 Clinical Trials were completed successfully in September 2022. In this phase, VINCOV-19 was administered to patients with moderate severity of COVID-19. One group of patients was given VINCOV-19, along with Standard of Care (SoC), and another group was given Standard of Care (SoC) only. VINCOV-19 showed excellent safety profile in the Phase 2 Trials. There was a good and early improvement in the clinical condition of the patients administered VINCOV-19.

VINCOV-19 contains Equine polyclonal antibodies (EpAbs) against the COVID-19 virus. VINCOV-19 comprises highly purified F(ab’)2 antibody fragments that have a high neutralizing capacity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Since neutralizing antibodies could block the internalization of SARS-CoV-2 to lung cells, it was postulated that their passive administration should render maximal clinical benefits if they are applied at the early stages of the disease.

Dr. Vinay K. Nandicoori, Director, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, while speaking on the successful completion of the Phase 2 Clinical Trials said, “We are very proud of the highly successful collaboration between VINS, CCMB, and UOH. These therapeutic antibodies are the first in India and among the few around the globe. It is essential to have multiple options, including therapeutic antibodies, especially for severe clinical cases of COVID. It is a major step for the future targeted collaborations between academia and industry”.

Prof. B J Rao, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad also congratulated the team members for their efforts in successfully completing Phase 2 trials for VINCOV-19. He expressed happiness at this academia and industry collaboration with complimenting technical and infrastructural strengths available in the three partnering organisations yielding fruitful results in less than a year.

Team led by Dr. Krishnan H Harshan at CCMB isolated SARS-CoV-2 in April 2020, which led to this successful collaboration. His group led the studies pertaining to the characterization of the virus, antigen, and viral neutralization assays. He said, “We are happy that we overcame all the uncertainties pertaining to the development of this product and are excited to see its success in clinical trials”.

The UoH team is headed by Dr. Nooruddin Khan, an Associate Professor at the Department of Animal Biology, School of Life sciences, University of Hyderabad. Dr. Khan specializes in the area of immunology and Vaccinology. His expertise in immunological studies helped in the success of VINCOV19 in Clinical trials. Dr. Khan said that the VINCOV19 is an outcome of outstanding academia-industry collaboration that reflects our strength in fighting pandemic.

Speaking on the successful completion of the Phase 2 Clinical Trials of VINCOV19, Siddharth Daga, Chief Executive Officer, VINS Bioproducts Limited said, “Phase 2 Clinical Trials of VINCOV-19 have been very successful. VINCOV-19 has been shown to be safe and ensures the speedy recovery of patients suffering from COVID-19. The development of VINCOV19 by VINS Bio is an affirmation of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the collaboration between the three partners is a step in the right direction. We would urge the authorities to allow us market authorization so that we can strengthen our fight against COVID-19.”

The development of VINCOV-19 is through a collaborative effort between the  Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) that helped develop the viral antigen; the University of Hyderabad (UoH) that helped with product characterization; and VINS Bioproducts Limited that managed the equine immunization and clinical development in their state-of-art manufacturing plant in Telangana. 

Hyderabad list of Govt Hospitals and contact numbers in Telangana

  Contact Numbers of Govt Hospitals in Hyderabad & Telangana

Osmania General Hospital	040-23538846, 040-24600146
Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad	040-2750556, 9849902979 Fax: 040-27507711
MNJ Cancer Hospital,Red Hills	040-23397000, 040-23318422, 9701544047,  Fax:040- 23314063
Niloufer Hospital-Red Hills	040-23314095, 9866894898
Director, NIMS	040-23489999, 040-23390933
T.B & Chest Hospital, Erragadda	040-23814939, 23814421, 9505078786, Fax: 23814425
Govt Dental College & Hospital	040-24619012, 040-24601930, 9849903007
E.S.I. Erragadda	040-23700531
ENT, Koti	040-24740245, 9849134831
Inst. of Tropical Diseases Govt. Fever Hospital	040-27664285, 9849902999
Homeopathy Hospital	040-24240593
Govt Maternity Hospital, Sulthan Bazar	040-24653647 9849902987
Govt Maternity Hospital, Nayapool	040-24523641,24523643, 9849902991
Mental Hospital, Erragadda	040-23814270
Nizamia Genl. Hospital	040-24568000
Railway Hospital, Lalaguda	040-27001134
S.D. Eye Hospital,Mehdipatnam	040-23317274, 24653647, 8374954545, Fax:040- 23399611
State T.B. Centre, Erragadda	040-23811797
SBBB. Maternity Hospital	040-24525830, 8008553908
Govt. Ayurvedic Hospital, Erragadda.	040-23800226, 9840553349
Govt. Ayurvedic Hospital, Charminar	040-24512927, 9989240150
Barkas Hospital	040-24441504, 8008553911
Golconda Hospital	040-23513776, 27504916, 8008553903
Nampally Hospital	040-23214424, 27790844
Malakpet Hospital	040-24527320, 8008553896
King koti Hospital	040-24758827
Inistitute of Mental Health	040-23814270 , 9849903003

Emergency Contact numbers in Telangana and Hyderabad

Contact Numbers

Police	100
Fire	101
Ambulance	102,108
Mee Seva Call center	1100,9121006472,18004251110
Women helpline	181
Blood Bank	040-24745243
Railway Enquiry	131 / 135
Electricity Complaint	1912
Child line (For children in distress  )	1098
Crime stopper	1090
Traffic helpline	1073
Osmania General Hospital	040-23538846/24600146
Gandhi Hospital	040-27505566
Govt Chest hospital	040-23814421 /22/23/24
Govt ENT hospital	040-24740245 / 24742329

Curry Leaves - కరివేపాకు మీ శరీరానికి చేసే మేలు తెలుసా?

 కరివేపాకులో యాంటీఆక్సిడెంట్లు ఆక్సీకరణ ఒత్తిడిని తగ్గించడం మరియు ఫ్రీ రాడికల్స్‌ను తొలగించడం ద్వారా మీ శరీరాన్నిరక్షిస్తాయి. కరివేపాకులో విటమిన్ ఎ, విటమిన్ బి, విటమిన్ సి, విటమిన్ బి2, కాల్షియం మరియు ఐరన్ అధికంగా ఉంటాయి,. ప్రతిరోజు మీ భోజనంలో కరివేపాకులను చేర్చుకోవడం ద్వారా  ద్వారా విరేచనాలు, డయేరియా, మధుమేహం, మార్నింగ్ సిక్‌నెస్ మరియు వికారం తదితర సమస్యలను తగ్గించటంలో సహాయపడుతుంది.

1. డయాబెటిస్ చికిత్స:

కరివేపాకులోని హైపోగ్లైసీమిక్ గుణం శరీరంలోని రక్తంలో చక్కెర స్థాయిని తగ్గించడంలో ముఖ్యమైన పాత్ర పోషిస్తుంది. కరివేపాకు తీసుకోవడం వల్ల ప్యాంక్రియాటిక్ β-కణాల నుండి ఇన్సులిన్ ఉత్పత్తి చురుకుగా మారుతుంది. ఇది గ్లూకోజ్‌గా స్టార్చ్ విచ్ఛిన్నతను తగ్గించడంలో సహాయపడుతుంది, ఫలితంగా రక్తంలో గ్లూకోజ్ స్థాయిలను తగ్గించటంలో సహాయపడుతుంది 

2. రక్తహీనతను నివారిస్తుంది:

శరీరంలో ఇనుము లోపం వల్ల రక్తహీనత వస్తుంది. ఇనుము అధిక మోతాదుకలిగిన కరివేపాకు రక్తంలో హిమోగ్లోబిన్ మరియు ఎర్ర రక్త కణాల సంఖ్యను పెంచడంలో చాలా ప్రభావవంతంగా పనిచేస్తుంది. ఇది సహజ రక్త శుద్ధికి  తోడ్పడుతుంది, అలసట మరియు అలసట లక్షణాలను మెరుగుపరుస్తుంది మరియు ఇన్ఫెక్షన్లు వచ్చే అవకాశాలను తగ్గిస్తుంది. 

3. చక్కటి దృష్టికి

కరివేపాకులో విటమిన్ ఎ మరియు β-కెరోటిన్ పుష్కలంగా ఉండటం వల్ల కంటి చూపును మెరుగుపరచడంలో మరియు కంటి సంబంధిత సమస్యలకు చికిత్స చేయడంలో కీలక పాత్ర పోషిస్తుంది. ఇది కార్నియా ఎండిపోకుండా మరియు కళ్ల ముందు మేఘాలు ఏర్పడకుండా నిరోధిస్తుంది, తద్వారా రాత్రి అంధత్వం వచ్చే అవకాశాలను తగ్గిస్తుంది. 

4. ఇన్ఫెక్షన్లతో పోరాడుతుంది:

కరివేపాకులో శక్తివంతమైన యాంటీ బ్యాక్టీరియల్, యాంటీ ఫంగల్, యాంటీ ఇన్ఫ్లమేటరీ మరియు యాంటీ ఆక్సిడెంట్ లక్షణాలు ఉన్నాయి. కాబట్టి కరివేపాకులను క్రమం తప్పకుండా తీసుకోవడం వల్ల మన శరీరాన్ని వివిధ రకాల ఇన్ఫెక్షన్లు మరియు జెర్మ్స్ నుండి కాపాడుకోవచ్చు. 

5. బరువు తగ్గడానికి సహకరిస్తుంది:

కరివేపాకులకు బరువు తగ్గించే విశేష గుణం కలిగివుంటుంది.ఆకులలో కార్బజోల్ ఆల్కలాయిడ్స్ ఉండటం వల్ల బరువు పెరగకుండా చేస్తుంది మరియు రక్తంలో LDL కొలెస్ట్రాల్ (అంటే చెడు కొలెస్ట్రాల్) తగ్గిస్తుంది. ఇది శరీరం నుండి హానికరమైన టాక్సిన్స్‌ను తొలగిస్తుంది మరియు, అదనపు కొవ్వును తగ్గిస్తుంది. 

6. జీర్ణక్రియకు సహకరిస్తుంది:

కరివేపాకులలో ఫైబర్ యొక్క అధిక కంటెంట్ అనేక జీర్ణశయాంతర సమస్యల చికిత్సలో ప్రయోజనకారిగా నిరూపించబడింది. కరివేపాకులోని కార్మినేటివ్, డైజెస్టివ్, మరియు యాంటీ-డిసెంటెరిక్ గుణాలు జీర్ణక్రియలో సహాయపడటమే కాకుండా మలబద్ధకం, విరేచనాలు, , పైల్స్, వికారం, ఉబ్బరం మొదలైనవాటిని నివారిస్తుంది. ఇది సహజమైన ఉద్దీపన, ఇది ఆకలిని పెంచుతుంది. 

7. క్యాన్సర్ నివారిస్తుంది:

ప్రోస్టేట్ మరియు కొలొరెక్టల్ క్యాన్సర్‌లకు చికిత్స చేయడంలో మరియు నివారించడంలో ఫినాల్స్ మరియు కార్బజోల్ ఆల్కలాయిడ్స్ చాలా ప్రభావవంతంగా ఉన్నాయని ఇటీవలి పరిశోధనలు సూచిస్తున్నాయి. 

8. దంత సంరక్షణ:

కరివేపాకులో యాంటీ బాక్టీరియల్ మరియు యాంటీ మైక్రోబియల్ లక్షణాలు ఉన్నాయి, ఇవి మంచి నోటి ఆరోగ్యాన్ని కాపాడుకోవడంలో చాలా ప్రభావవంతంగా పనిచేస్తాయి. ఆకుల్లో ఉండే ముఖ్యమైన నూనెలు చిగుళ్లను మరియు దంతాలను బలపరుస్తాయి, చెడు వాసనను తొలగిస్తాయి మరియు సూక్ష్మజీవులు మరియు ఇన్ఫెక్షన్ల నుండి దంతాలు మరియు చిగుళ్లను రక్షిస్తాయి.

Dry Eye problem ? How many times Human Blinks per day ?

 How many times Human Blinks per day ? Is it a must for blinking of eyes frequently to keep dry eyes problem away ? How many times our eyes blinks in a life time .some interesting facts .

Eye care - Warning signs of glaucoma in children and how to prevent it.

Authored by: Dr. Anita. C. Kamarthy, Glaucoma surgeon, Maxi Vision eye hospital - Hyderabad

Glaucoma is an irreversible cause of blindness in children. The prevalence of primary congenital glaucoma (PCG)is one in 3,300 live births and PCG accounts for 4.2% of all childhood blindness in Indian population. This has a very major impact on the quality of life and also since life expectancy is more, one has to endure more years of suffering.

PCG can occur in newborn (that is true congenital seen at birth or intrauterine), infantile ( < 3 years) or Juvenile glaucoma (10- 35years). Secondary glaucoma’s can be due to other ocular anomalies like trauma, infection, inflammation, steroid use, small eyes (nanopthalmos)or some systemic problems like Sturge-Weber’s syndrome. The genetic pattern of PCG is 10% autosomal recessive and 90% sporadic. Loci linked are 14q24 1p36. Mostly seen in boys and is usually bilateral.

PCG presents with a triad of symptoms - 1. Epiphora or excessive watering of eyes.

1.      Photophobia or inability to see in light.

2.      Blepharospasm or closure of eyes tightly. Parents may give a history of eye rubbing.

Presentation also can be with a Bull’s eye or buphthalmos is when the cornea are enlarged and become hazy due to raised pressure in the eye. A good ocular examination by a trained ophthalmologist should be sought at the earliest in case of any of these symptoms.

As most say prevention is better than cure, it can be prevented to a certain degree by mother’s getting fully vaccinated especially rubella prior to pregnancy. Also avoiding teratogenic drugs and drug abuse during pregnancy.

Most of these children have to be examined under general anaesthesia for intraocular pressure, corneal diameter, retinoscopy, ophthalmoscopy and gonioscopy. Depending upon the severity of involvement, the management varies which is mostly surgical. Initially medical treatment is used to lower intraocular pressure by using hyperosmotic agents , beta-blockers,carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. While miotics and alpha agonists are contraindicated in PCG.

Surgery can be

·  Incisional surgery - we have Goniotomy (possible only if cornea is clear and <14mm) and Trabeculotomy. Recent technologies include endoscopic goniotomy , fibre optic microcatheter trabecolotomy.

·  Filtration surgeries are Trabeculectomy with adjunctive antimetabolites. The best standard surgical procedure is primary combined Trabeculotomy and Trabeculectomy with antimetabolites in PCG.

·  Glaucoma drainage devices are last resort. It can be a Baerveldt, AADI or Ahmed glaucoma valves.

Dr. Anita. C. Kamarthy, Glaucoma surgeon, MaxiVision eye hospital - Hyderabad