The leading causes of childhood blindness have recently been identified.
They were listed by the chief pediatric ophthalmologist of the Ministry of Health of Belarus, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Victoria Krasilnikova.
According to the specialist, the most common cause of complete loss of vision in children in the republic is congenital diseases.
Glaucoma, cataract
Among these, she noted anomalies in the development of the retina of the optic nerve, glaucoma and cataracts.
In addition, eye injuries and previous illnesses, including infectious ones, can lead to blindness, the Minsk-Novosti agency quotes the ophthalmologist as saying.
She separately noted that in Belarus such children receive ophthalmological care at a high level.
Today, congenital cataract surgery is not only the implantation of an artificial lens, but also the use of 3D technologies, Krasilnikova noted.
And she added: doctors have learned to cope with congenital glaucoma.
Innovations
The country also uses innovative approaches to treating congenital retinal developmental anomalies, the professor said.
She named retinopathy of prematurity as another cause of blindness.
This is an eye anomaly in premature babies associated with a disruption in the formation of retinal vessels.
At the same time, in recent years in Belarus there has been a “breakthrough in the treatment of this pathology.”
To do this, we use not only laser and cryotechnologies, but also innovative medications that allow us to slow down the active growth of damaged vessels, the doctor explained.
Unique treatment experience
She also reported that at the end of last year a children's microsurgery department opened at the 10th hospital in Minsk.
Children with the most complex and rare ophthalmological pathologies are sent here from all over the country.
And at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining of Healthcare Personnel of the Belarusian State Medical University (in the 10th hospital), - notes Krasilnikova, - there is already unique surgical experience in treating children with:
- congenital cataracts and glaucoma;
- injuries to the organ of vision and orbit;
- corneal diseases;
- congenital pathology of the adnexa of the eye;
- strabismus.
