'Early detection key to managing glaucoma'

In the absence of preventive and corrective measures for glaucoma, early detection and management is the key, said chairman of Narayana Nethralaya Dr K Bhujang Shetty.

Speaking at a ‘candlelight walk’ event organised by Narayana Nethralaya here on Sunday to mark the World Glaucoma Week, he said, “Glaucoma is known as the sneak thief of sight. According to the World Health Organisation, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is estimated that 11.1 million people will be blind due to glaucoma by 2020, accounting for an estimated 12 per cent of all world blindness.” This is why creating awareness during the World Glaucoma Week will make a lot of difference, he said.

Several activities have been planned to raise awareness about glaucoma. It is a collaborative initiative between the World Glaucoma Association, the world body comprising the national glaucoma societies (Glaucoma Society of India, GSI, being the national society of India) and the World Glaucoma Patient Association. Free screening for first-degree relatives of glaucoma patients has been organised through the week in all four branches of Narayana Nethralaya from Tuesday.