In a clarion call to confront the escalating threat of glaucoma-induced blindness, Ophthalmologist DH Senapati Dr L Rita stressed the imperative of early diagnosis and vigilance during the observance of World Glaucoma Week 2024.
The event, convened at the State Ophthalmic Cell in Lamphel, Imphal West, on Friday was organised by NPCB &VI, the National Health Mission, and the Directorate of Health Services.
Delivering her keynote address, Dr Rita emphasised the irreversible nature of vision loss caused by glaucoma.
She stressed the urgency of proactive measures, noting that once vision is compromised, restoration becomes unattainable.
Glaucoma, she revealed, ranks as the third leading cause of blindness nationwide, affecting a staggering 12 million individuals, with 8.9 million having already succumbed to sight loss.
The doctor dispelled any notion of a cure or definitive treatment for glaucoma, underlining the pivotal role of early detection in averting blindness.
“Early intervention is paramount,” she asserted, “as it can arrest the progression of the disease and preserve vision.”
Highlighting the theme of this year’s World Glaucoma Week, “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World,” she urged collective action to combat this silent epidemic.
Highlighting the demographic predispositions to glaucoma, Rita flagged individuals with diabetes, hypertension, eye inflammatory diseases, trauma, eye injuries, and prolonged steroid usage as particularly vulnerable.
To mitigate risk, she recommended routine eye checkups for all individuals above 40 years, stressing the importance of periodic screenings every four years.
The event also witnessed the presence of Health Services director O Sanahanbi, NPCB&VI state nodal officer Vikram Singh Khoisnam and actor Bonney Gurumayam as presidium members.
