Section chief at the Pyongyang Municipal Ophthalmic Hospital, Choe Song Il, has recently revolutionized glaucoma surgery with the introduction of a new method utilizing a gonioscope, achieving remarkable success in treatment.
A graduate of Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences, Choe has been serving at the hospital since 2007. With a stellar academic background and unwavering dedication, he has treated numerous cases of eye diseases, earning the trust and gratitude of his patients.
Encountering a young patient complaining of intense eye pain, Choe discovered that the child was suffering from glaucoma. Recognized as an incurable condition, glaucoma inflicts severe discomfort and poses a risk of permanent vision loss, often recurring after surgery.
Driven by his commitment to his work and a deep sense of responsibility, Choe resolved to perform surgery on the young patient, much like he would for his own child.
In his research on glaucoma surgery, Choe found a breakthrough in Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), which required a four-sided gonioscope as a crucial medical instrument for diagnosis and treatment.
The 61-degree or 62-degree four-sided gonioscope, recognized globally as indispensable for glaucoma surgery, ensures precise examination and facilitates effective and straightforward medical procedures.
Delving into the latest literature, Choe and his research team embarked on the production of a four-sided gonioscope. Collaborating with experts, they meticulously determined optimal technical specifications and employed cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to create an innovative design.
Setting it apart from its predecessors, the new instrument proved user-friendly and enabled swift and accurate examinations, reducing infiltration during surgery and significantly alleviating the physical burden on patients in clinical practice.
Armed with this groundbreaking tool, Choe instilled fresh hope in the young patient and countless others afflicted by glaucoma.
Highlighting the clinical significance of the instrument, Choe emphasizes its efficacy in treating both closed and open-angle glaucoma, known for their high recurrence rates.
Recognizing his pioneering contribution, Choe’s instrument clinched the first prize at the national exhibition of sci-tech achievements in the public health sector held last November.
Moreover, Choe has spearheaded the development of additional medical devices, including a cornea depressor and a V-shaped machine for glaucoma surgery, further advancing the country’s medical sciences.
