Worldwide about 64.3 million people are affected by glaucoma, 2.1 million are believed to be blinded by this disease and another 4.2 million visually impaired. Approximately 11.2 million Indians, who are over the age of 40 are likely to be infected by this disease amounting to 12.8% of blindness in our country. Early diagnosis can help in making the patient comfortable and thus improve the condition of the patient. In order to spread the awareness about glaucoma, World Glaucoma Week is celebrated from 13 to 18 March.
“We at The Eye Foundation, on this momentous week, 13 to 18 March have reached out to the glaucoma population at our hospital base and beyond to create an increasing awareness programme, more intensive that what is ongoing and contribute to early detection and management of this blinding eye disease.”Dr Chitra Ramamuruthy, Medical Director, The Eye Foundation said during a press meet that was hosted at this hospital today.
Glaucoma, most simplistically understood leads to gradual painless loss of vision with raised eye pressure being the triggering factor. The symptomless trend of the disease, if undetected, can lead to progression of this condition.
“individuals at risk of glaucoma, are those over 40, patients with diabetes, high myopia, injury, inflammation, a positive family history, steroid intake and congential eye disorders. Some studies estimate that only 50% of patients with glaucoma have had an eye examination in the past. This makes routine screening for glaucoma, in high risk groups a must and glaucoma is aptly called a silent thief of sight.” Dr Muralidhar R, Consultant- Glaucoma and Paediatric.
As a part of World Glaucoma Week and with the aim of encouraging the public to get tested for glaucoma, The Eye Foundation is offering free eye check up for glaucoma.