World Glaucoma Day: ‘4.5 million people are blind because of Glaucoma globally’

World Glaucoma Day: ‘4.5 million people are blind because of Glaucoma globally’
Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness and unfortunately, there is no cure yet for glaucoma, early diagnosis is the first step to preserving your eyes, this was stated by Post Graduate Medical Institute (PGMI) Principal Professor Dr Al-Fareed Zafar during the Glaucoma awareness walk held at Lahore General Hospital (LGH) in Lahore on Monday.

“Everyone is at risk of developing glaucoma from children to the elderly,” Professor Zafar said.

He added that elderly people or adults are more likely to develop glaucoma, but babies could be born with glaucoma.

“Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization,” he pointed out.

The PGMI principal further stated that more than 4.5 million people across the globe are blind because of glaucoma.

He said that in order to observe the beauty of the world and enjoy life to its fullest, it is essential to have eyesight.

‘Value of eyes can be assessed only by those who for some reason have been deprived of this great blessing of Allah Almighty,” Professor Zafar said.

Similarly, constantly watching cartoons on the small screens of the phone by children and working without computer shields in adults is also harmful for eye health.

Professor Dr. Muhammad Moin, Professor Hussain Ahmed Khaqan, Professor Tayyaba Gul Malik, MS Dr. Khalid Bin Aslam, Dr. Lubna Siddique, Dr. Fatima, Dr. Adeel Randhawa, Kaneez Fatima, Zahra Ambreen, Misbah Tariq and a number of young doctors, nurses and paramedics were present.

Professor Moin and Professor Khaqan said that almost many people in Pakistan are suffering from eye disease (glaucoma).

They said that this disease can affect any age group in general.

MS Dr. Khalid bin Aslam disclosed that eye examination and operation facilities are available at LGH.

There is modern medical equipment for timely diagnosis and treatment, he added.

Dr. Lubna Siddique said that the rate of visual impairment in children is increasing day by day as most of the parents give mobile phones to the children of 2 to 6 years of age to entertain or feed them.

They should spend part of the day on the ground and on the greenery and they have good eyesight, she added.

Medical experts also informed about the symptoms and precautions of cataract and highlighted its timely treatment.

Talking to the media, Principal PGMI said that raising public awareness for timely diagnosis and treatment of eyes is a need of the hour so that older people can change their lifestyle.

Professor Zafar believes in addition, unnecessary use of children's mobile phones should be stopped which is leading to wearing thick spectacles in low sun.

He added that air pollution, vehicles emitting smoke on the roads are also affecting eye health.

Therefore, the concerned departments should also pay proper attention to this issue for the betterment of public health so that the eyes of the citizens are not affected by the smoke.

Participants also carried play cards slogans for the prevention of cataracts.

 

 

The writer is a senior correspondent at The Friday Times with a focus on politics, economy and militancy. He also hosts the Hassan Naqvi Show on Naya Daur.