Diagnosing glaucoma can save sight: HOA

HYDERABAD: Diagnosing glaucoma early is the key to preventing blindness stated the Hyderabad Ophthalmologists Association (HOA) on Sunday. Glaucoma is the increasing pressure in the eyeball due to which the vision begins to diminish from the sides. Ophthalmologists state that screening must be carried out aggressively and more awareness programs must be carried out about glaucoma, like it has been done for cataract.

One out of every 5 victims of glaucoma worldwide, is from India. This high incidence of the disease is because it remains undetected. Dr Vanita Pathak-Ray, consultant glaucoma specialist explained, “The reason for high prevalence of glaucoma is there are no specific symptoms. The vision begins to decrease from the sides. A random survey has shown that 80,000 people in Hyderabad are afflicted with glaucoma. There are no specific tests to detect glaucoma. A battery of tests has to be done. Those who have a family history of eye diseases must get their eyes checked regularly.”

Worldwide, 68 million people have been found to suffer from glaucoma in a recent study. Those who are in the 65 plus age group have a prevalence rate of 7.5 per cent but this number is bound to go up to 10 percent by 2020. There is a strong need to have better screening and more awareness programs stated the HOA to prevent blindness due to glaucoma.