Thai Eye Doctors Win International Gold Medal

BANGKOK, April 17 (TNA) - A team of Thai ophthalmologist with the help of a German composer has successfully created a form of musical therapy to alleviate stress among patients during cataract operations. The invention won the gold medal in an international contest in Geneva. The work carried out by ophthalmologist from the Thammasat Eye Centre was selected by the National Research Council of Thailand and Thammasat University to compete in the 46th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in Switzerland which was held from April 11 - 15 where it won the gold medal. Associate Professor Dr. Sakchai Wongsakittirak the research team leader stated that cataract was a form of deterioration of the lens in the human eye. It is age related and is the leading cause of blindness in many countries including Thailand. Most patients fear cataract operations because no sedation is used and they will be conscious throughout the process and as a result many cases go untreated finally leading to blindness. Because of this doctors at the Thammasat Eye Centre sought the help of a German composer to employ music to help alleviate patient stress and anxiousness during operations. The original tune has been found to significantly reduce stress levels in more than 3,000 successful operations at the Thammasat Eye Centre. (TNA)