Increased awareness among people is the key to eradicate Glaucoma in the society, said Dr. Sirisha Senthil, Head, Glaucoma Center, LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) at a Glaucoma awareness program organized in Hyderabad. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. With early detection and treatment, one can often protect eyes against serious vision loss. “Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in India. Therefore the first step is to create awareness about it, which can ensure early diagnosis and prevention,” says Dr. Sirisha Senthil.

Glaucoma is a disorder associated with increase in the eye pressure and is characterized by damage to the optic nerve leading to irreversible blindness. Everyone should undergo regular eye checkups and insist on eye pressure when undergoing check up by ophthalmologist. Eye pressure is a major risk factor for optic nerve damage. Another risk factor for optic nerve damage is rise in blood pressure. High myopes, diabetics and those with a positive family history have higher risk of developing glaucoma. Educating the general public on the harmful effects of prolonged steroid use can prevent serious and blinding steroid induced glaucoma that mostly affects children.

Image Source: healthydunia

By Premji