Tehran, April 28, IRNA - Iranian ophthalmologists and specialists perform some of the most complicated eye surgeries such as stem cell transplant and corneal transplantation, also known as corneal grafting, an official said.In an exclusive interview with ?Iran Daily?, Dr. Mahmoud Jabarvand, the head of Farabi Eye Hospital said that clinical trials involving stem cell transplantation started after tests were conducted successfully on animals.
The development of nano-ophthalmology is underway in the country, he said.
He explained that drug discovery and delivery are among scientific areas influenced by nano-ophthalmology.
Biopharmaceuticals, implantable materials, implantable devices and diagnostic tools are other areas of early importance in this field.
The expert further said Iran has a large number of specialists and ophthalmologists who perform successful surgeries.
Referring to Irans high potential in medical tourism, he said patients from neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kuwait and other Persian Gulf states are traveling to the country to receive medical and surgical care because of the high quality of healthcare and affordability.
Tehran Medical Universitys Department of Ophthalmology recently reported that infectious eye diseases such as trachoma are not widespread in Iran.
Trachoma is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection causes a roughening of the inner surface of eyelids. This roughening can lead to pain in the eyes, breakdown of the cornea and possibly blindness.
Cataracts, refractive errors, glaucoma, tear duct disorders and retinal diseases are widespread eye disorders in the country, Jabarvand said.
A refractive error, or refraction error, is an error in the focusing of light by the eye and a frequent reason for reduced visual acuity.
By IRNA
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