Port Blair, Mar 20: Under National Programme for Control of Blindness, World Glaucoma Week has been observed from 12th to 18th March 2017” to create awareness amongst the public about the prevention and control of Glaucoma and emphasis the need for more initiatives with regard to Glaucoma.
Glaucoma is second largest cause of blindness worldwide. About 80-million people could be affected by this disease by 2020. Glaucoma is known as “Sneak thief of sight” is characterized by a gradual loss of vision resulting from the death of nerve, which transmit visual images through the eye to brain. As the optic nerve becomes irreversible damaged, permanent vision loss and blindness can occur. Early detection is the key to treat and halting the effects of glaucoma, but current worldwide estimates reveal that more than half of glaucoma sufferings do not even realize that they have the disease. People above 40-years of age, have family history of glaucoma; those who are suffering from diabetes and hypertension, short sighted vision must screen themselves for glaucoma. Early detection and proper treatment only prevent blindness due to glaucoma.
On 16th March 2017, a sensitization programme was held at PHC Garacharma to sensitize the PRIs/ASHA/Health Workers about prevention and control of glaucoma. The camp was inaugurated by Dr (Mrs) Shipra Paul, DHS/MD (NHM) by lightening lamp. In the inaugural speech, the DHS appreciated the work performed by the NPCB Officials, Medical Staffs, PRIs, ASHA workers at ground level to prevent and control of various eye diseases including glaucoma. She further appealed the PRIs/ASHA workers to come forward and give more focus to identify eye disease with the help of concerned Ophthalmic Assistant, so that patients can get proper treatment without any delay.
Thereafter, Dr. (Mrs) Anita Shah, DD (Ophth) / JS (NPCB) sensitized the gathering on Glaucoma with Multimedia Presentation. She informed about the Signs & Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment of Glaucoma. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but blindness due to glaucoma can be avoided, if detected early and treatment properly and regularly. She advised the glaucoma patients, to do regular check-up and medication as advised by the Eye Specialist. Since 2007, every Tuesday, glaucoma patients are screened in G. B. Pant Hospital on free of cost. In the concluding session, an interaction session was held, where Dr (Mrs) Anita Shah cleared the doubt of medical staffs / PRI and ASHA workers.
As part of the activity, a Glaucoma screening camp has been conducted at District Hospital Garacharma on 17th March 2017 from 90.30-AM by an eye team headed by Dr. (Mrs) Anita Shah, JS (NPCB)/DD (Ophth), G.B. Pant Hospital, Port Blair. A total of 129-eye patients examined, out of which 22-eye patients have been referred to G.B. Pant Hospital for further investigation and treatment.
The programme was ended with vote of thanks proposed by Dr. M. K. Mahato, MS, DH Garacharma.
