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ยป Past Research Programmes |
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1984 - Study of Eales' disease
This project was launched under the Indo-US Science and Technology initiative, sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research in collaboration with the Madurai Kamaraj University. This study evaluated the effect of combined cryoablation and blue-green argon laser photocoagulation on patients with Eales' retinopathy. The laboratory study examined the immunological basis of Eales' disease, particularly in possible association with tuberculous allergy.
This study concluded in October of 1989 that photocoagulation applied in stages II and III Eale's retinopathy is beneficial in preventing vitreous haemorrhage in patients with Eales' disease.
1986 - Operations Research for Effective Delivery of Cataract Services
This project began in 1985, in collaboration with the National Eye Institute (U.S.) and the University of Michigan, to discover methods to reduce barriers to cataract surgery. The study assessed the effectiveness of various public health interventions in increasing the awareness and acceptance of surgery for cataract.
1986 - Rapid Survey Techniques for Ophthalmic Health Planning and Monitoring
The objective of this study was to develop and test a cost-effective method for diagnosing cataract blindness using paramedical workers. This study was funded by the Board on Science and Technology for International Development of the National Academy of Sciences, USA.
1987 - Effect of Small Doses of Vitamin A in Children Under 5 Years of Age
In collaboration with the Ford Foundation, Aravind Eye Hospital carried out a study on the effect of small doses of Vitamin A on diarrhoea and respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age. The study also employed 'Impression Cytology' and estimated Vitamin A serum levels on a sample group to determine changes in serum Vitamin A levels. Dr. Barbara Underwood of the National Eye Institute, USA collaborated in developing the protocol.
1989 - Safety and Efficacy of Vanadium Stainless Steel (VSS) Sutures in Cataract Surgery
The Vanadium Stainless Steel Suture project was a clinical trial approved by the Indian Government and sponsored by the World Health Organization in cooperation with the National Eye Institute (USA). This trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of VSS sutures in cataract surgery in India. The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the VSS suture group and the control group (conventional silk sutures). However, positive characteristics of VSS were identified, including lack of local reaction of VSS on the body (it is biochemically inert), its excellent effectiveness in wound closure and virtual absence of serious postoperative complications.
1989 - Study on Salt Pan Keratitis
Salt pan workers appear to have a high rate of keratitis, possibly due to over-exposure to light or salt by-products. A study was designed with informal collaboration of the National Eye Institute, USA and the office of the Salt Commissioner of India to ascertain the prevalence of salt pan keratitis amongst salt pan workers. Preliminary analysis indicated that salt pan workers have a relative risk of 26.92% of developing salt pan keratitis with a 95 % confidence interval. The study also established that keratitis occurs more frequently in men and in those engaged in scraping work. The study indicates that the salt pan workers are at a greater risk than the general population of developing keratitis.
1992 - Madurai IOL study
The Madurai IOL study (MIOLS) was a randomized, hospital-based, clinical trial which evaluated the long-term outcome of posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation compared to that of the common intracapsular method of cataract surgery. Factors considered included the safety and efficacy of the surgery as well as the quality of life of the patient before and after treatment.
1993 - Childhood Cataract in South India
The ophthalmology clinic at Aravind and the International Centre for Eye Health in London undertook prospective investigations to determine the aetiology of cataract in children and the best surgical treatment when presentation is late, facilities are limited, and follow-up is poor. The study also examined the treatment options (lensectomy vs ECCE), the reasons behind poor visual outcome after cataract surgery, and the frequency and cause of operative, early postoperative and late complications.
1994 - Aravind Comprehensive Eye Survey
The Aravind Comprehensive Eye Survey examined the types of glaucoma and other eye disorders prevalent in the Tirunelveli and Madurai districts in Tamilnadu.
1998 - Vitamin A Supplementation in Newborns (VASIN) Study
The study examined whether Vitamin A supplementation in newborns, administered within 48 hours after delivery reduced infant mortality, respiratory tract infection, and diarrhoeal diseases and improved growth in newborns. The study was conducted at the Kariapatty and Natham blocks in Southern Tamilnadu. A total of 14,055 pregnant women were enrolled and 11,411 newborns were given the dosage.
1998 - Role of Antioxidants in prevention of cataract
In collaboration with the Proctor Foundation, USA this study documents the impact of antioxidants in retarding or preventing cataract development. This study is a double-masked, placebo controlled, randomised, community-based clinical trial. Every year between January and February an annual evaluation of subjects is conducted in the field to assess the impact of antioxidants on the growth of cataracts. For the past two years, the team has achieved 98% coverage.
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