Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disease of the optic nerve in the ageing population, is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, next to cataract, 70 million worldwide affected by Glaucoma , 2-3 % Population affected in our country. Glaucoma mostly being an asymptomatic (No complaints) disease, if not diagnosed and treated early will cause gradual loss of peripheral field of vision resulting in permanent and irreversible blindness. This multifactorial disease mostly affects the ageing population above 40.
Patients with raised eye fluid pressure run the highest risk, other associated factors includes Diabetes, Hypertension, low blood pressure, High Myopia (Short sightedness), Steroid drug overuse and a family history of Glaucoma, A few patients may also present with symptoms like eyebrow ache, heaviness around the eyes, Headache aggravated after sunset, acute attack of pain and redness associated with seeing colored halos around headlights , frequent change of Glasses.
Experts from Siloam Thomas Eye Hospital share that only by early detection of Glaucoma we can preserve, maintain and improve the quality of vision and life for the patient. Siloam Thomas Eye Hospital is committed in bringing about a public awareness on Glaucoma and prevention of blindness in our society.
This hospital is equipped with the Laser GDX PRO imaging device which would detect the earliest structural change in the retina the World Standard Humphrey Visual field Testing machine (Perimeter) to quantify the Visual field defect due to Glaucoma damage.
A source from this hospital shares with us that a master eye check up is performed for every individual who is over the age of 40. This which includes Eye pressure recording, along with detailed Optic Nerve and Retinal evaluation. Upon suspicion, the patient will undergo further evaluation for the Earliest Structural Changes in the Retina, detected by GDX machine which would precede a later Functional damage to the optic nerve as Loss of Peripheral field of Vision recorded by Visual Field testing Perimetry.
This hospital inaugurated a free Glaucoma Detection camp in association with Rotary club of Coimbatore on the 17th March 2017. Dr. JG Shanmuganathan, Chairman Ganga Hospital inaugurated the Glaucoma Clinic, Gurpreet Singh, President, Rotary Club of Coimbatore inaugurated the Public Awreness programme. Dr. Sarojini Thomas , Founder of Siloam Thomas Eye Hospital and Dr. Devdutt Thomas conducted the Glaucoma screening for 48 patients on day one of the camp.
Jaganathan Senior member, Rotary Club of Coimbatore,. RamKumar- Secretary, Rotary club of Coimbatore and Raja- Senior citizen participated in this camp.