“The symptoms occurring in the eye can indicate many diseases. For example, when someone wakes up in the morning and cannot see well enough to read a newspaper or when the text seems to disappear as they look at it. After eye examination, it was found that vision had disappeared in the lower half, indicating an abnormality in the nervous system. The patient was sent to the Stroke Fast Track unit for medication, and the condition improved immediately. In this case, if the doctor had only focused on the eyes and treated the eye condition alone, the true cause would not have been found, and the patient would have been misdiagnosed as having a stroke. This delay in diagnosis could result in poor treatment outcomes. Therefore, identifying the cause of the disease as quickly as possible is crucial for targeted treatment, which leads to better patient outcomes.” 

After Dr. Kankanath Ngamvichairath graduated with a medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, she pursued advanced training in ophthalmology at Phra Mongkutklao Hospital, as well as subspecialty certification in neuro-ophthalmology from Chulalongkorn University. She also furthered her studies in neuro-ophthalmology in Switzerland. She shared her motivations and experiences in her studies: 

“I chose to study medicine because it not only provides knowledge that benefits myself and my family, but more importantly, it allows me to help a large number of people. When I became a doctor, I found that I enjoyed the challenges of delivering the best possible treatment for each case. I chose ophthalmology because of the opportunity to use a microscope to directly view the optic nerve without needing to inject dye or perform X-rays. This allowed me to see the eye’s complexity and marvel at its wonders. Examining the eyes can reveal a lot about a person’s health. I also discovered the significant relationship between several cranial nerves and the eyes, which can even indicate brain conditions, making me even more interested.” 

The Importance of the eyes beyond vision 

In addition to treating common eye conditions such as cataracts, pterygium, and dry eye disease, Dr. Kankanath has special expertise in the treatment of optic nerve diseases, which are closely linked to brain health. 

“When examining or treating the optic nerve, it’s like searching for the cause of the problem. It’s like being a detective solving a case through the eyes because the optic nerve is closely related to the brain. Some diseases may first manifest through eye symptoms. If not properly diagnosed and treated, the problem could progress to the brain, leading to muscle weakness or even paralysis without the patient realizing it. Therefore, when examining a patient, I look for issues not only with vision but also with potential brain conditions. I give detailed advice on what should be done to avoid further injury or worsening symptoms, explaining treatment methods and teaching both the patient and their family how to understand the patient’s vision for proper care.” 

A Commitment to thorough and careful treatment 

Dr. Kankanath is a meticulous ophthalmologist who combines her knowledge, skills, and years of experience to provide comprehensive care. She prioritizes patient communication, explaining the disease and treatment processes in simple terms and listening to all of the patient’s concerns to collaboratively determine the best treatment approach. 

“The eyes are delicate and important organs, so diagnosing and identifying the cause of an eye condition requires careful history-taking and a thorough examination. When patients come to me, they should leave with not only treatment but also valuable knowledge that will help them take care of themselves. I believe that providing information and teaching patients about their condition, along with self-care advice, is one of the greatest benefits I can give. When performing surgery, I focus on precision to the millimeter, ensuring that every action is exact. This attention to detail ensures the best possible treatment outcome.”

Eye Health and Preventive Care 

Regular eye exams are essential for preventing or identifying diseases that may not show clear symptoms right away. Some conditions can be severe by the time they present noticeable signs, such as glaucoma, which can lead to blindness if left untreated. 

“Eye health checkups are crucial, especially for people over 40 or anyone at risk or experiencing any unusual symptoms. It’s important to take breaks from screen time because in today’s world, we are constantly looking at phones and computers. I recommend that every hour, you take a 5-minute break, and if you’ve been using your eyes continuously for 3 hours, take a break for at least 15 minutes. Regular breaks are key. If you feel eye pain, redness, or blurred vision that comes and goes, don’t ignore it. You should get a timely diagnosis to ensure proper treatment.”