Amarendra, which literally means the immortal king of gods, is a harbinger of hope and resurrection to many disabled and critical eye patients who are left languishing to their ill-fated destiny.  A messiah among the ophthalmologists, Dr Amarendra Samal is a relatively young  physician and a son of the soil, who has achieved such superb skill by conducting critical eye elements with a rare dexterity, adroitness blended with an inimitable craftsmanship of his own. It is indeed difficult to recognise the sleight of his hands unless one comes in contact with the mighty stroke of his instruments which inspires wonder and awe.  

It is no fluke. After having passed out from the MKCG Medical College in Brahmapur with flying colours in 2002, he pursued  higher studies and obtained MD degree from the coveted All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi in 2007. Subsequently, he pursued further studies under Dr Rajesh Fogla, being awarded with a cornea fellowship. He also had his fellowship further at the ASG Eye Hospital, Jodhpur. His training under the tutelage of Dr Fogla, an authority on anterior segment surgery, cataract surgery, refractive surgery, laser procedures, ocular surface disease management and managing various corneal disorders sharpened Samal’s skill further and shaped his career with sanguine success. His quest for refractive surgery found him at the Neo Vision Laser Centre, Ahmadabad, where he got mastered in the delicate surgery that boosted his confidence further. He also underwent through glaucoma training at the Lotus Eye Care Hospital, Coimbatore, under Dr Sundarmurthy. Currently, he is working at the ASG Eye Hospital, Bhubaneswar. In an interview to The Pioneer, Dr Samal spoke to Sugyan Choudhury immediately after he came out from the operation theatre.

What are the common eye ailments prevalent in the India?
 

In India, most common eye problems are refractive errors, cataract, infections, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. Eye ailments were sporadic some decades ago, but they have become endemic in modern times.

What is your opinion on the increase of eye disorders?

Many eye diseases are now becoming prevalent and taking shape of endemic like diabetic retinopathy, refractive errors and dry eye. Particularly, myopia (shortsightedness) is becoming a major eye disorder in growing children because of increased indoor stay and screen time and avoidance of outdoor activities. Evolutionarily, eyes are meant to be seeing distant objects as hunting was our prime way of surviving. With modern era, eyes are increasingly used to see at very short distances for reading, TV watching and use of mobile phones and laptops. So, we are forcing our genes to evolve for the task and the result is progressive pathological myopia. Secondly, recent novel studies in Singapore show that violet light (wavelength 410 nm), which is very close to ultraviolet light (wavelength ranging up to 400 nm) is very vital to check the progression of eye length. This violet light is available only in natural sunlight and absent in artificial light and indoors. Widespread use of 400-UV free glasses is keeping us away from such useful light. So, together with indoor activities, lack of outdoor sports and natural sunlight and excessive gadget use are causing an alarming epidemic of shortsightedness. It is recommended to play or engage in outdoor activities in sunlight for at least two hours per day. Another alarmingly rising eye disorder and irreversible cause of blindness is diabetic retinopathy due to rise of diabetics. People with diabetics need proper diet control, exercise, medication and at least one annual eye examination. Timely intervention is the key to prevent blindness. Age-related macular degenerations and glaucoma are also rising due to increase in average-life span and need awareness and regular eye checkups with specialists to prevent blindness.

What’s your view about an era of revolution in the field of eye surgery?

I am planning and working to develop a centre of excellence and research in cornea and glaucoma, which are my two favourite subjects. Lamellar and minimally invasive corneal surgeries are the need of the hour which will reduce the recovery time very fast with least complications and won’t put financial burden with prolonged bed stay.

You have achieved much success in Odisha during your short stint of one year. People of the State desire your prolonged stay here. How are you going to assure them in serving them through the magic of your hands?

Odisha is my home and it has always been my life dream to serve the peoples of my State with utmost sincerity and educate and guide young ophthalmologists to make our State blind-free.
Source: https://www.dailypioneer.com/2019/state-editions/---myopia-now-a-major-eye-disorder-in-growing-children---.html