Medical experts see fungus as cause of blindness

Hyderabad,Nov 17: A team of medical experts appointed by the state government to probe the Bollineni Eye Hospital operations in which 13 persons lost sight,has confirmed that the fungus and bacteria in the saline bottles was responsible for the infections.The committee which submitted its report to the government said the deadly bacteria can survive in anti-septic solutions and can thrive in the surface of the Eyes,operation theatres or intra-ocular solutions used for surgeries.Of the 34 patients who were operated upon in October at the Bollineni Eye Hospital,15 reported back to the hospital with pain, redness and blurring of vision.

The experts’team found all the patients with similar symptoms in varying degrees and confirmed that the patients had pseudomonas aeruginosa.The bacteria is a virulent type that multiplies rapidly and produces toxins that can damage the retina.If not treated on time, the bacteria can enter the blood stream and can cause fatal destruction.The infection was severe and the patients Eyes had to be extracted to save their lives,'the Committee opined.