Lucknow’s KGMU to Acquire Advanced Tech to Combat Diabetic Retinopathy Blindness

This follows the state government granting INR 2 Cr to KGMU for acquiring advanced machines and services to treat diabetic retinopathy blindness.

Lucknow’s King George's Medical University (KGMU) is set to acquire advanced machines and technologies to combat blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition resulting from damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to poorly controlled blood sugar levels. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss and even blindness.

This move comes after the state government granted INR 2 Cr to the medical institution, specifically to acquire advanced machines and services for the treatment of this eye condition.

Highlighting the impact of the allocation, professor Sonia Nityanand, VC, KGMU, stated that patients in the ophthalmology department will now have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

According to her, the funding will enable the center to offer specialized treatment for diabetic retinopathy, including admissions and comprehensive care for those in need.

Funding Focus & Utilization

The new funding will enable KGMU to purchase a wide-angle imaging system and feco emulsification services, both of which play a crucial role in improving the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Sharing thoughts, Dr Sudhir Singh, a distinguished medical professional & professor, KGMU, said, “The new equipment is being purchased to meet the needs of our patients. With additional funds, we will be able to treat more patients and increase admissions.”

Diabetic retinopathy, characterized by damage to the retina's blood vessels due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, impacts the eye's light-sensitive tissue. With 4% of Uttar Pradesh's population being diabetic and 18% pre-diabetic, the establishment of a diabetic retinopathy treatment center at KGMU holds significant importance.

Additionally, given the prohibitive costs of procedures in private hospitals, KGMU's center is expected to cater to those unable to afford such expenses.

Further, the acquisition of advanced technologies is poised to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, playing a crucial role in addressing this health challenge.

KGMU’s Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy Centre

In the budget proposed by the state government, INR 2 Cr has been allocated for the further development of the center, originally conceptualized in 2021.

Launched in 2021, KGMU’s Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy Centre aims to address the growing concern of diabetic retinopathy. The center, being developed in a phased manner, is equipped with cutting-edge facilities including a green laser photocoagulation machine, digital vitrectomy, high-end operating microscope machine, and optical coherence tomography, among others.

Moreover, the center focuses on early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetic retinopathy to prevent vision loss and blindness. Reportedly, it has been providing treatment to approximately 50 to 60 individuals daily.

Professor Nityanand also pointed out that with new technologies, quality treatment will be more accessible to a larger number of patients. This move is poised to make a significant difference in the fight against preventable blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy in Uttar Pradesh, she added.

Previously, KGMU collaborated with the University of Manitoba to set up a data center for disease profiling. The data center at KGMU records clinical information including diagnoses, genomic data of patients, familial connections, and patterns, which helps with conducting risk analysis.

In addition to enhancing KGMU's research capabilities, the facility also assists the government in closely monitoring changes in prevalent diseases and determining their severity.

Founded in 1905, King George’s Medical University (KGMU) is a renowned institution in Uttar Pradesh. The University aims to improve healthcare access for the community and is committed to advancing medical research and innovation. It further encourages faculty and students to engage in research projects, clinical trials, and scientific exploration.

Recently, KGMU’s doctors have developed a novel method for identifying gallbladder cancer. By combining carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) with carbohydrate antigen 242 (CA242), they achieved almost 100% accuracy. This breakthrough could revolutionize early detection and lead to better outcomes for patients.