The Hindu News Update Service News Update Service Wednesday, March 11, 2009 : 0300 Hrs
Health Three per cent of TN's population suffer from Glaucoma Kozhikode (PTI): Over three per cent of the total population in Tamil nadu suffer from `Glaucoma', a degenerative change in the optic nerve, which is now emerging as the most common cause of irreversible blindness next only to cataract, two Opthalmogists said. `According to latest WHO statistics,about 67 million people across the world are suffering from Glaucoma which results in permanent blindness if not diagnosed at an early stage', Dr Shanthi Sunil and Dr V K Saji, Senior Consultants, Glaucoma Department, Vasan Eye Care Hospital, told reporters here on Tuesday. `The optic nerve is damaged in Glaucoma resulting in field defects. Patients seldom notice these blind spots in their field of vision until considerable damage has occurred to the optic nerve. But this rarely occurs if the disorder is diagnosed early and treated', the Doctors said. While Glaucoma is usually reported in people above 40 years, it can also occur in children called `Conginetal Glaucoma'. Blurred vision, pain or redness in the eye, headache and vomitting and constricted field of vision were the symptoms which were mostly silent until diagnosed, they said. Laser and surgical treatment besides use of eye drops helped in curing Glaucoma if detected early, the Doctors said. The Vasan Eye Care Hospital is conducting a free eye camp to treat those suffering from Glaucoma here on March 12, the World Glaucome Day, they added. To unsubscribe send a message to [email protected] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
