#EndBlindness

Aims to #End Blindness  Background Today, we are launching our campaign to raise awareness and express our concerns about the increasing spread of vision impairment and blindness. This troubling situation has developed due to the ban imposed by the Punjab caretaker government in September 2023 on an off-label drug, Avastin, which was previously used to treat eye diseases. This ban was enacted without providing a low-cost alternative for eye patients. Although the ban was later lifted, there was a lack of proper notification to doctors and hospitals, who reported not receiving any communication until the time of this report. Impact of the Ban Ophthalmologists had been using Avastin off-label because it was cost-effective and affordable for low-income patients. The cost of Avastin was approximately Rs. 1200 per dose per eye in government-run hospitals and Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 in private hospitals, including hospital charges. Other alternative drugs, such as Partiza, Eylea, and Lu...

Aims to #End Blindness #EndBlindness Several eye diseases require the injection of drugs directly into the macula. These conditions often involve abnormal blood vessel growth or fluid leakage that can damage the macula and impair vision. The main diseases treated with injectable drugs into the macula include: 1. *Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)*: Particularly the wet form, where abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and macula, leading to bleeding, leaking, and scarring. 2. *Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)*:  A complication of diabetes where fluid accumulates in the macula due to leaking blood vessels. 3. *Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)*:  Blockage of the veins that drain blood from the retina can lead to macular edema. 4. *Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization (mCNV)*: Abnormal blood vessels that grow under the retina in patients with severe myopia. 5. *Macular Edema following Retinal Detachment*:  Fluid accumulation in the macula can occur after the retina has be...

#Aims to #End Blindness  If age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy (DR) are not followed and managed properly, the consequences can be severe and may lead to significant vision loss or blindness. Here are the potential outcomes for each condition: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) 1**.Progressive Vision Loss: AMD primarily affects the central vision, which is crucial for tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Without monitoring and treatment, vision can deteriorate progressively. 2. *Loss of Central Vision*: Advanced AMD can lead to the loss of central vision, making it difficult to see fine details directly in front of you. 3. *Difficulty with Daily Activities*: Activities that require sharp vision, such as reading, cooking, and working on a computer, become challenging or impossible. 4. *Increased Risk of Depression*: Vision loss can significantly impact quality of life, leading to social isolation and depression. 5. *Potential for Legal ...