Glaucoma Awareness Week begins with a walk

Governor of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, ESL Narasimhan inaugurated the ‘Glaucoma Awareness Walk’ in Jubilee Hills on Sunday. Organised by LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), the event had an enthusiastic participation from over 300 people that included members of the hospital Dr G Chandra Sekhar, Vice-Chair; Dr Sirisha Senthil, Head, Glaucoma Services and volunteers.

The walk was organised as part of the ‘World Glaucoma Week’ being held from March 12 to 18 to build awareness on this ‘silent’ eye condition. Narasimhan said, “Today is the most important day world over in creating awareness about Glaucoma and I am extremely happy that L V Prasad Eye Institute has taken the initiative to observe the day.”

“Glaucoma is an ailment which beats all age groups. It can impact a child or an elderly person, sometimes its hereditary, with the members of a family with past history of Glaucoma can get it. Indiscriminate use of steroids can also lead to glaucoma,” warned the governor.

“I emphasise on healthcare being holistic in approach, a gynaecologist should check for everything in a newborn and not limit to a few mandatory checks. This way a problem like glaucoma can be detected early and treated. Also everyone in a family with history of Glaucoma should undergo regular eye check up,” he said.

Dr Sekhar said, “To raise awareness about the second largest cause of blindness in the world, the World Glaucoma Association, decided to observe this week, every year in March. Most patients suffering from Glaucoma aren't aware of their condition and by the time it is detected it may be late.”

Dr Senthil added, “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.”