Shillong, March 13: Glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness in India. 12 million people are affected accounting for 12.8% of the countries blindness and studies report prevalence between 2 to 13 %. Glaucoma can affect any age group, including newborn, infants, children, elderly and Blindness from glaucoma is irreversible. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye in which fluid pressure within the eye rises – if left untreated the patient may lose vision, and even become blind.
This week’s is observed as World Glaucoma Awareness Week 2014 (09-15 March 2014) and we urge people to go for an eye health check today, and continue to have regular eye tests, particularly if they are over the age of 40, have a family history of Glaucoma, are short-sighted and have diabetes. Early detection and treatment literally saves sight, as over 90% of individuals who are diagnosed early will retain useful sight for life. Despite such promising results, it is estimated that over 50% of cases of Glaucoma remain undetected.
Awareness is critical, as further research shows that although most people have heard of Glaucoma (96%), only a third (31%) realise it is an eye disease and just 17% know that it can lead to blindness.
Bansara Eye Care Centre in collaboration with the Meghalaya Blindness Control Society has initiated a joint program to observe the World Glaucoma Week. BECC has organized multiple screening programs and awareness talks on Glaucoma in the following Centres which are Laitryngew PHC, Mairang CHC, Pomlum PHC, Smit PHC, Nongstoin Vision Centre and Pynursla CHC. These centres will provide free Glaucoma examination along with free comprehensive eye examination.
Bansara Eye Care Centre along with MBCS is going to organize an exclusive awareness cum eye camp on Glaucoma on 15th March 2014 in MUDA Complex (Parking Area) between 10 am to 3pm. The eye specialist will attend the camp and provide free eye examination and disseminate information related to Glaucoma. A special talk on Glaucoma will be delivered by the medical team from Bansara Eye Care Centre during the camp to create awareness and sensitize the community.(SP News)
