INDIA: AFMC Observes 1st World Glaucoma Day

PUNE, Maharashtra (The Times of India), March 9, 2008: The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) observed the first ever World Glaucoma Day on Friday. A special screening camp was conducted to identify those afflicted by the disease at the college. According to Colonel Ajay Banarji, professor and head of department of Ophthalmology at the AFMC, around 65 million people in the world are affected by glaucoma, of whom 12 million are from India. "Though it is known colloquially as'kala motia', most people do not realise that it can cause irreparable damage to eyesight. Glaucoma is a chronic progressive optic neuropathy caused by a group of conditions which damage the optic nerve with loss of eyesight," Banarji said. Glaucoma affects all age groups, especially those aged over 40 and have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. "It can also affect those wearing high minus glasses. Increased fluid pressure in the eye causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve in glaucoma," Banarji said. Initially there is decrease of peripheral vision and the patient can only see objects that are in front of him which can progress to complete blindness. Lasers are available which can help in the drainage of the fluid in the eye and surgery can also be performed. "Strict adherence to instilling medicines and regular follow up with the eye surgeon will go a long way in preventing blindness due to this disease," said Banarji. The World Health Organisation has recently declared March 7 as the World Glaucoma Day. Copyright © 2008 Times Internet Limited.