Laser Machines At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi

Source:Coastweek

Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N) has installed Yag and Argon state–of-the-art laser machines in its Ophthalmology Centre.

The equipment will be used to treat and manage eye diseases such as after-cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

The Ophthalmology Centre situated on the 5th floor of the Aga Khan University Hospital’s Doctors Plaza, is open from 7.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and at 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Centre is manned by highly trained and experienced medical professionals who provide excellent specialized clinical care to patients

Dr. Dan Kiage, Head of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery at AKUH, N, said,

“The Yag laser equipment is used to correct posterior capsular opacification.

“This is the clouding of the residual lens capsule left in place after cataract surgery and may gradually cause loss of vision.

“The machine vaporizes a portion of the capsule, allowing light to pass through to the retina.

“This procedure is painless and takes only a few minutes at the eye clinic.”

“The Yag machine also treats closed angle glaucoma disease brought about by the root of the iris interrupting the drainage of the eye and causing a sudden painful blockage which can lead to loss of vision.

“The Yag laser is used to open a hole in the iris enabling the patient to see again.”

Open angle glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness if not diagnosed and treated early.

In this condition the eye fluid drainage channels called trabecular meshwork are narrow thus leading to high pressure in the eye due to fluid accumulation.

The Argon laser can safely and effectively enlarge these channels to relieve the eye pressure with excellent results.

Further talking about the Argon laser, Dr. Kiage commented:

“The commonest and perhaps the most serious complications of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy.

“It is the leading cause of blindness and is on the rise in Kenya .

“Diabetes can cause the walls of the vessels in the retina to be weak and eventually burst resulting in bleeding inside the eye.”

“There are usually no symptoms of diabetic retinopathy until there is sudden loss of vision.

“Sometimes there is blurring of vision and floaters, but these are non specific. It is therefore necessary for diabetic patients to have a complete eye examination by a qualified eye specialist at least once a year.”

“If diabetic retinopathy is detected early the eye doctor can perform a simple laser procedure using Argon machine.

This treatment is carried out in the eye to prevent progression of the diseases.

When done properly and at the right time, it is very effective in preventing a patient from becoming blind.”

“Follow up at the Ophthalmology Centre of the Aga Khan University Hospital after these laser procedures is necessary and in some cases the doctor may repeat some of the treatments after a certain interval,” concluded Dr. Kiage