'Couching' technique for cataract very dangerous: Dr Hilmi

BALIK PULAU: The Health Ministry does not permit the 'couching' treatment, namely, pushing the eye lens into the cavity vitreous, conducted by certain quarters, allegedly to treat cataracts, which went viral on social media, because it is very dangerous to patients.
Deputy Health minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the treatment could cause numerous complications, especially glaucoma.
"I have never heard of this technique in my 40 years in medicine. We cannot allow that. Cannot be allowed, very dangerous," he told reporters after flagging off a charity motorcycle convoy and aid to the poor, here today.
An eye treatment service advertisement believed to be based in Kuala Kurau, Perak became viral on the Internet recently, and it was scheduled to hold a three-day tour of Langkawi on Dec 23.
The action of pushing the lens of the eye into the cavity vitreous could cause blindness due to inflammation, and the pressure in the eye could increase to cause glaucoma. — Bernama