Dr. SANJOY CHOWDHURY

, DR. NILANJAN CHOWDHURY

Abstract

Cataract is the commonest cause of blindness.90% of affected population live in low income countries where only a few can afford premium surgeries and the rest left in darkness. Innovation alone can solve this problem. Methods: Innovative applications like cut razor blades with Jeweler-cutter, Povidone Iodine application (PI) in three stages, sterilized air, Triamcinolone assisted needling (TAN) are used in a prospective randomized study in Eastern India. Results: 5100 cataracts and 60 posterior capsular opacity (PCO) cases are cohorts. No statistically significant difference in visual outcome is observed when compared with premium surgical procedures. But cost and carbon footprints with our innovations are significantly lower. Conclusion: Cataract is the most successful major surgery. Economic burden of both treatment and blindness is huge. $74 billion eye care market is much bigger than 1.6 billion visually deprived! Innovation only can bridge the gap.