Dimapur: National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI) organised week-long World Glaucoma Week from March 12 to the 18th in Dimapur.
It was observed at District Hospital Dimapur Opthalmology department on the theme “Let’s beat Invisible Glaucoma”.
A total of 150 patients were screened for glaucoma during the week, an update stated.
Dr. Asonla Aying, senior specialist, stated that gluacoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. It is also the leading cause of preventable irreversible blindness worldwide.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Glaucoma usually does not give any warning until it is in the advanced stage but the damage it causes to vision is ongoing and could become irreversible.
With prompt diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, vision impairment can be prevented, she said. However, as many people are not aware or do not have access to such eye care, it poses a great risk. Thus raising awareness about glaucoma and urging people to get tested have been the main activities during the week long observation, it stated.
The doctor also emphasised on preserving eyesight by going for regular eye check-ups, reducing digital screen-time or limiting use of such devices along with eating food rich in eye-friendly nutrients.