Ophthalmology

The department of ophthalmology provides a well-equipped facility for the complete examination, diagnosis, and treatment (both medically and surgically) of all ocular diseases in both adult and pediatric patients.

The department is comprised of a dedicated and well-qualified team of healthcare professionals with excellent support from nursing and administrative staff. Eye disorders can be diagnosed and treated at Amrita, including cataract, glaucoma, strabismus and amblyopia, ocular trauma, refractive disorders, cornea and external diseases, lachrymal drainage disorders, uveal diseases, and retinal disorders. 

Key Features

• Dedicated and well-qualified healthcare professionals
• Support from nursing and administrative staff
• Diagnostic equipment such as Humphrey Field Analyzer, Ultrasound A scan and B scan, Fundus camera, Optical coherence tomography (OCT), ERG, Auto refractometer, Hand-held slit lamp, and Tonometry devices
• Therapeutic equipment including Nd-YAG laser, Phacomachine, LASIK equipment, Vitrectomy system, Carl Zeiss OPMI Visu 150 microscope, and Alcon Constellation vision system.
• Services provided for retinal diseases, cataract, glaucoma, lid and occuloplasty, cornea and refractive surgery, squint, low vision aid, paediatric ophthalmology, uveitis, and LASIK.
• Community services through ophthalmology camps and free cataract surgeries for low-income individuals.
• 24/7 ophthalmological emergency management and trauma care.
• Amrita Eye Bank for cornea retrieval and transplantation.
• Collaboration with the department of Rheumatology for the management of patients with rheumatological disorders.
• Specialized sub-department for Amrita Lasik services.

• Well-equipped facility for examination, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular diseases
• Availability of finest equipment which includes:

Retinal Services 

All retinal diseases are evaluated and managed. Many treatments are done as outpatient procedures, including: 

Digital Retinal Photography

An ideal tool for documentation and follow up and can also give an accurate assessment of the progression of the disease.Fundus fluorescein angiography is performed on a daily basis in order to diagnose and manage all vascular and neurological abnormalities of the retina. It is an integral part of retinal OPD practice. 

Ocular Ultrasonography

 A noninvasive investigation performed in some cases for which evaluation is required for retinal tumors, vitreous hemorrhage and intraocular foreign bodies.

Optical Coherence Tomography

Another noninvasive investigation that can be used to study the cross-sectional anatomy of the retina. It is useful in the diagnosis, management and follow up of almost all macular diseases.

Laser Photocoagulation

 Done on a daily basis with the Zeiss Visulas system. It is used in the management of diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, vascular blocks and many other retinal disorders. Screening of preterm neonates for ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) and others for any congenital abnormality and treatment are routinely performed.

Retinal Surgery

Our team is well equipped with an Accurus vitrectomy machine, facilities for endolaser and cryopexy, and a wide-angle surgical viewing system which is one of the latest innovations in retinal surgery. Retinal surgeries being performed include:

•       Pars plana vitrectomy
•       Complicated procedures for retinal detachment, proliferative diabetic retinopathy
•       Intraocular foreign body removal

 Cataract Services         

• Out Patient Services          
  We are equipped with an AMO signature and Constellation, higher-end phacoemulsification system that minimizes tissue damage during cataract surgery. Micro incision cataract surgery [MICS] is also available for cases in which the wound size is even smaller. Intraocular surgery is done with a Zeiss OPMI Lumera surgical microscope and the finest titanium surgical instruments. All types of intra ocular lenses [IOL], including foldable IOLs, toric IOLs and multifocal IOLs are routinely inserted with excellent results. Availability of day care surgery (operation without admission) makes it more convenient for the patient. Congenital cataract surgeries are performed with utmost proficiency under the observation of paediatric anaesthesia team.    
• Operation Theatre Services           
  We are equipped with an AMO signature and Constellation, higher-end phacoemulsification system that minimizes tissue damage during cataract surgery. Micro incision cataract surgery [MICS] is also available for cases in which the wound size is even smaller. Intraocular surgery is done with a Zeiss OPMI Lumera surgical microscope and the finest titanium surgical instruments. All types of intra ocular lenses [IOL], including foldable IOLs, toric IOLs and multifocal IOLs are routinely inserted with excellent results. Availability of day care surgery (operation without admission) makes it more convenient for the patient. Congenital cataract surgeries are performed with utmost proficiency under the observation of paediatric anaesthesia team. 

Glaucoma Services

The glaucoma clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic care for adult as well as congenital glaucoma.

Diagnostic

The services rendered include slit lamp examination with Applanation tonometry, Gonioscopy and sterioscopic optic disc evaluation.    
Our department is equipped with: 

• Non-contact tonometer (Topocon CT800) 
• Perkins tonometer (Clement Clarke Perkins MK3, hand held tonometer) 
• Tonopen (Reichert Tonopen AVIA) 
• Non-contact pachymeter (Topcon specular microscope – SP 3000P) 
• Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA – Carl Zeiss Meditech inc 750i) 
• Optical coherence tomography (Cirrus HD OCT – 4000) along with Fundus photography 

Therapeutic 

Our department is equipped with Nd- YAG laser for the treatment of Pupilary block glaucoma.

Surgical Services

Trabeculectomy, trabeculotomy, glaucoma drainage device implantation are the various surgical services available here.

Lid and Occuloplasty Services 

Emergency trauma care with elective cosmetic surgeries including lid and orbit is performed here. Cosmetic procedures like Botox injections are done on a daily basis for excellent results.

Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services

Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Amrita Hospital, Kochi has under its umbrella a wide range of diagnostic and treatment modalities. 

Amrita LASIK Centre 

 LASIK is a procedure that eliminates the need for wearing glasses or contact lenses for clear vision. It does so by accurately reshaping the cornea with the help of excimer laser. At Amrita LASIK centre we take every possible effort to make sure that the procedure is perfectly safe for your eyes. A variety of customisable treatment options are possible with Carl Zeiss MEL80, our high precision sturdy German machine. Phototherapeutic keratectomy [removal of corneal scars with excimer laser] is also offered. 

Refractive Surgery 

Other laser vision correction procedures like LASEK [Laser assisted epithelial keratomileusis] and PRK [Photorefractive keratectomy] as well as phakic IOL [ ICL, IPCL or RIL] is done routinely for spectacle free vision.

Corneal Transplant Unit 

 Lamellar keratoplasty or selective replacement of corneal tissue based on the level of corneal pathology has established its role as the procedure of choice in the field of corneal transplantation. With anterior segment OCT for precise assessment of corneal pathology and automated lamellar keratoplasty system [the first unit in Kerala] for performing, more refinement and accuracy is possible in lamellar keratoplasty. Endothelial keratoplasty is also done routinely.

Amrita Eye Bank 

Our department also houses a state-of-the-art eye bank with Konan cell check D model CD -15 specular microscope, a laminar flow hood , 24/7 cornea retrieval team including an eye bank ambulance. After careful evaluation the donor tissue is preserved in MK medium or distributed.

Keratoconus Clinic 

A comprehensive keratoconus clinic with

• Top notch imaging system – Atlas Corneal topography and Visante Omni imaging, Wasca analyzer for evaluating ocular aberrations
• Collagen cross linking [C3R] and Topography guided PRK with C3R for stabilising the disease
• Different types of corneal transplantation – automated lamellar keratoplasty, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty 
• Customised contact lens fitting – RGP, Kerasoft and Miniscleral lenses are available.

Dry eye and Ocular Surface Clinic 

A comprehensive evaluation of dry eye with meibography and rheumatology support is available. From punctal plugs in moderate dry eye to microvascular transfer of salivary gland in advanced dry eye is offered [the latter is done by a team comprising of microvascular, head & neck and ophthalmic surgeon]. Amniotic Membrane Transplantation, Mucous Membrane Grafting and rarely Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation are also done. 
Infections of cornea and sclera are treated with good microbiological and molecular diagnostic support as well as Infectious Disease Department support.

Squint Clinic

The squint clinic provides methodical assessment for the diagnosis of various types of squints followed by medical management or surgical treatment. 

Community Services 

Ophthalmology camps are conducted with the objective to provide free intraocular lens implantation surgery for low-income individuals with cataracts who are unable to afford cataract surgery. Members of the department have shown tremendous dedication in participating in these eye camps. Approximately fifty camps are conducted every year, during which eleven thousand patients are seen and fifteen hundred cataract surgeries are performed.

• A 24/7 Ophthalmological Emergency management, trauma care with operation theatre services are available. 
• Low Vision Aid Clinic 

To rehabilitate patients with irreversible blindness is taken up here.

Paediatric Services 

Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening: A thorough screening of preterm neonates for ROP with therapeutic services including LASER and Surgical management are performed here. 

A thorough, finest screening and management (medical and surgical) of congenital cataract, glaucoma and other conditions with very good outcomes are a part of regular services provided here. 

Amblyopia services, refractory surgeries, squint surgeries are performed with ease. 
 

Uveitis Clinic 
A comprehensive management with the department of Rheumatology for paediatric and adult patients with rheumatological disorders is a highlight.

Dr. Anil Radhakrishnan, MS Register No : 23003 Consultant, Cornea and Refractive Surgery Department of Ophthalmology Amrita Hospital, Ponekkara P.O Kochi, Kerala, India Pin: 682026 
Phone: 0484 - 6681559, 0484 – 2851559

Dedicated on-call mobile: 79949 99586 

Telephone: 0484 – 2851050 
 
Email: ophthalmology@aims.amrita.edu