Screening and early detection can eliminate irreversible blindness

In order to bring public focus on the eye disease that affects both adults and children, the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) has planned a series of activities to commemorate Glaucoma Awareness Week from March 6,A ‘Glaucoma Awareness Walk’ is being organised on March 6 to create more understanding and knowledge on Glaucoma, which is seen as the leading cause of irreversible blindness in India.

The Hyderabad Royals team (Royal Enfield motorcycle club) will flag off the walk and fashion designer and model Shilpa Reddy and other celebrities from Tollywood will be attending the walk. The same was announced by Dr G Chandra Sekhar, Vice-Chair, LVPEI; Dr Sirisha Senthil, Head, Glaucoma Services and Dr Anil K Mandal, Consultant - Cataract, Glaucoma, Paediatric Ophthalmology on Friday.

Glaucoma is a disorder associated with increase in the eye pressure, and is characterised by damage to the optic nerve leading to irreversible blindness. High myopes, diabetics and those with a positive family history have higher risk of developing glaucoma. Screening family members of patients with glaucoma is mandatory, as this disease can affect siblings and children of patients with glaucoma in upto 10‐20 per cent of cases.

Speaking at the announcement, Dr Srisha Senthil said, “Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if it is diagnosed and treated early, the disease can be controlled. Loss of vision caused by glaucoma is irreversible and cannot be restored. However, successfully lowering eye pressure can help prevent further visual loss from glaucoma. Most people with glaucoma do not go blind if they follow their treatment plan and have regular eye exams.”

“Most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain from this increased pressure, hence it is important to see your eye doctor regularly so that glaucoma can be diagnosed and treated before long-term visual loss occurs,” she added.