The country’s first Thyroid Eye Clinic has been launched at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi, offering a beacon of hope for those battling thyroid-related eye ailments. Inaugurated by Al-Shifa Trust President General Rehmat Khan, the clinic aims to provide specialized care through a team of eye and hormone specialists.

General Rehmat Khan emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis and consistent monitoring, which can significantly reduce the risk of complications associated with this condition. Notably, Thyroid Eye Disease affects an estimated 3% to 5% of the Pakistani population, predominantly women. This translates to approximately 14 million citizens grappling with the disease.

Dr. Tayyab Afghani highlighted the financial burden of treatment, stating that surgical intervention costs between Rs. 150,000 and Rs. 200,000, while regular medication expenses range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000. Cutting-edge treatment options, imported from the US, cost between $16,000 and $17,000. Collaborative efforts with international organizations are underway to make these costly treatments more accessible through subsidies.

While residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have immediate access to the clinic, those in Balochistan, interior Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may face travel challenges. To address this, Al-Shifa plans to deploy telemedicine services and mobile clinics for remote areas, coupled with efforts to train local doctors and raise awareness about the disease.

Professor Afghani cautioned that smoking significantly exacerbates eye problems, yet public understanding of this risk remains inadequate. The clinic intends to educate the community about the dangers of smoking and emphasize the importance of early intervention by healthcare professionals.

Globally, Thyroid Eye Disease exhibits varying prevalence rates: 5 to 16 new cases per 100,000 individuals, with a significantly higher incidence in women. In the US, the prevalence is approximately 250 per 100,000, while in Europe and Asia, the figures range from 90 to 155, and 100 to 300, respectively. Of those affected, 20% experience moderate to severe symptoms, while the remainder suffer from a milder form of the disease. The condition primarily affects adults aged 35 to 60, while its presence in children is rare.