This World Glaucoma Week, Allergan, an AbbVie company, came together with renowned experts in the field of ophthalmology at a health conclav...
This World Glaucoma Week, Allergan, an AbbVie company, came together with renowned experts in the field of ophthalmology at a health conclave on Tuesday to emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment of glaucoma to prevent eye impairment. The experts also shed light on the essential measures for managing risk and prevention techniques, as well as the latest developments in treatment.
World
Glaucoma Week is celebrated annually in March to raise awareness about the
importance of early detection and treatment of glaucoma. World Glaucoma Week
(March 12-18) serves as an important platform to draw attention to the growing
public health concern of glaucoma and the need for improved eye health systems
to prevent vision impairment.
Dr. Maneesh Singh, Director, Netralayam, the super-speciality eye care centre said,
“The prevalence of glaucoma in India varies between rural and urban
areas. This can be attributed to several factors, such as lifestyle
changes, increased life expectancy, and The burden of glaucoma in India is
expected to increase in the coming years due to several factors such as an
aging population, lifestyle changes, and an increase in chronic diseases like
diabetes, which is a risk factor for glaucoma. It is essential to
increase awareness about glaucoma, improve access to eye care services, and
develop effective screening programmes, particularly in rural areas.”
Dr. Debasis
Chakrabarti, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma and Cataract Services, at
Centre For Sight, Kolkata added, " Numerous myths and false beliefs regarding glaucoma may discourage people from
getting the treatment and care they need. The idea that glaucoma only affects
older people is among the most common misconceptions about the disease.
Although elderly people are more likely to get glaucoma, it can afflict
anyone at any age, including infants and young adults. In addition, those with a family history of the illness are at a higher risk. Even though having high eye pressure increases your risk of
developing glaucoma, it's not the sole risk factor. “
Highlighting
the importance of timely intervention, Dr. Rishi Jain, Medical Director, Allergan, said
“Early detection is key to prevent vision loss, as once lost it cannot be
reversed. Visit an ophthalmologist at least once every year to get your eyes
checked. The early symptoms of glaucoma are normally detectable during an eye
exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Tonometry, ophthalmoscopy, and
perimetry are simple tests for detecting increased eye pressure (tonometry),
optic nerve damage (ophthalmoscopy), and vision loss (perimetry). Additionally,
your doctor may perform other procedures, such as gonioscopy and pachymetry,
which measure the angle between the cornea and iris.”
Dr. Partha Biswas, Medical Director, Trenetralaya,
Kolkata and Chairperson, Scientific Committee, All India Ophthalmology
Society elaborated on the various measures
that can help reduce the risk of developing glaucoma. “Regular eye exams are
essential for identifying glaucoma early before any serious damage occurs.
Every year, those over 40 should undergo a comprehensive eye exam, and those at
higher risk (such as those with a family history of the condition) should get
check-ups more frequently. Early detection by regular eye check-ups is the best
way of tackling glaucoma. Another crucial aspect of glaucoma prevention is
protecting the eyes from injury. Lastly, underlying medical issues like
diabetes and high blood sugar should be managed well in patients with glaucoma.
Globally, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness after cataracts. It is estimated to cause blindness in 4.5 million people worldwide, whereas, in India, out of 12 million people who are suffering from glaucoma, 1.2 million people are blind owing to this disease as per 2012 statistics. Despite this, glaucoma is largely undiagnosed, with more than 90 percent of untreated cases. It has become a growing cause of concern for the country. Being a progressive and irreversible condition of blindness, early detection and management are of utmost importance.
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