ABSTRACT
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and glaucoma are emerging causes of blindness and visual impairment in India and the world. Both diseases do not have any early warning symptoms, and once the symptoms appear, the diseases are reasonably advanced. Because of the long-standing nature of the diseases, one cannot adopt the cataract detection and treatment model so successfully developed in India. It requires an altogether different approach for screening and related infrastructure including human capital development. The solutions developed to reduce the burden of DR/glaucoma should be customized to urban, semi-urban, and rural areas. Greater advocacy, improving the health-seeking behavior, development of infrastructure and skilled personnel appropriate for the points of care, and an emphasis in comprehensive eye care are some of the solutions.
ABSTRACT
Anatomical, physiological and biochemical adaptations that occur during pregnancy are profound. Changes in respiratory physiology are a part of the same process. In the present study of 70 selected women, 50 pregnant and nonpregnant control, it was found that out of seven parameters studied five showed changes. There were changes in respiratory frequency, tidal volume, vital capacity, inspiratory capacity and expiratory reserve volume. Maximum voluntary ventilation and timed vital capacity did not change. RF, VT, VC and IC rose significantly while ERV had a significant fall. These changes may be affecting ante-intranatal behaviour of pregnant women and their pregnancy outcome.