Free Eye Check Up Camps on World Glaucoma Day

On the occasion of World Glaucoma Day on March 12, 2009, Free Eye check up camps are being organized in Bangalore.

Did you know that Glaucoma is called the “Sneak Thief of Sight”? On March 12, 2009, Eyecare professionals will join hands to conduct free eye check up camps in Bangalore to spread awareness about Glaucoma, which is a disease that affects close to 12 million Indians and 65 million people globally.
“In India, Glaucoma is the second leading cause of Blindness. Since it cannot be cured, we must do our best to make sure that we detect it early, so that we can begin treatment and preserve your balance of vision” says Dr Gowri Murthy. “If you are 40 years or above, it is essential to have regular eye check ups to evaluate the optic nerve and measure eye pressure”
Glaucoma, aptly called the silent sight stealer, is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve in the eye. Glaucoma can silently develop in people at risk, without showing any symptoms, while gradually causing vision loss. Those with high pressure inside the eye also called intraocular pressure or IOP are at higher risk.
Unlike healthy eyes that produce a fluid called aqueous humor at the same rate at which it drains, eyes that have pressure inside the eye cannot do this.  Since the fluid does not drain out, there is increased pressure on the nerve fibers that make up the optic nerve gradually become damaged and cause blindness. IOP is the only treatable risk factor for glaucoma, therefore make sure you get your eyes checked regularly so that you may save your vision.

Says Dr. Gowri Murthy “Many people are not even aware that they have Glaucoma until they experience problems with seeing. Just about anyone can develop glaucoma but some people are at a higher risk. If it is not detected at the right time and treated, the person could become blind.”
Who is at risk?  If you have a family history of glaucoma or have high intraocular pressure or pressure inside the eye, you are at risk. Also, those over age 40 are at risk. If you suffer from diabetes or have been using steroids for a long time, you are at risk of glaucoma. People who have suffered physical eye injuries are also at risk”
The best way to detect glaucoma is to get your eyes checked regularly. Your ophthalmologist will do a complete eye examination which includes measuring IOP, check the drainage angle of the eye, optic nerve and visual field tests that will check your peripheral vision in each eye.
If glaucoma is detected, treatment of IOP can begin with prescription eye drops or surgery in some cases. Make sure that you follow the treatment instructions diligently – because it can make the difference between permanent darkness and sight!
For more details visit Prabha Eye Clinic, 40th Cross, 8th Block, Jaya Nagar 080-22444141 or Vittala Institute of Ophthalmology, 7th Block, Hosakerehalli, Banashankari, Bangalore 080-26722213 for your free eye checkup.