New Delhi: On the occasion of World Glaucoma Day 2017, Governor of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh E S L Narasimhan today stressed on the need for creating awareness about glaucoma.


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"I believe in a holistic approach towards healthcare. A gynaecologist should check for everything in a just born and not limit herself to some mandatory checks, this way problems like glaucoma can be detected early and treated.


 


"Also, everyone in a family with history of glaucoma should undergo regular eye check-up," he was quoted as saying in a release issued here.


Narasimhan took part in a "Glaucoma Awareness Walk" organised by the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI).


"Sometimes, indiscriminate use of steroids can also lead to glaucoma. The problem with glaucoma is that many are not aware till it hits them hard.


Therefore, creating awareness about glaucoma becomes a high priority."


The LVPEI has organised a series of activities to commemorate the Glaucoma Awareness Week (March 12-18) to bring public focus on eye disease that affects both adults and children.


Glaucoma is a disorder associated with increase in the eye pressure, and is characterised by damage to the optic nerve leading to irreversible blindness.


Currently, in India, every 8th individual, or nearly 40 million aged 40 years or older, either has glaucoma or is at risk of developing the disease, the release said.


Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if it is diagnosed and treated early, the disease can be controlled, it said.


(With PTI inputs)