Rally raises awareness on glaucoma
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 13 2025:
A rally to create awareness on glaucoma was jointly organised by Shija Eye Care Foundation and Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI) as part of the World Glaucoma Week on Thursday.
The rally was flagged off from Kangla Western Gate by SHRI managing director Dr Kh Palin.
In his address, Dr Palin explained that glaucoma is an eye disease where the optic nerve is gradually damaged, eventually leading to vision loss.
Currently, there are 11.9 million people worldwide with glaucoma, with 6.9 million affected by the disease.
It is estimated that around 3,000 people in the state are living with glaucoma.
Since there is no cure for the ailment, prevention is the only solution.
Therefore, it is crucial for people to understand and be aware of the condition, he stressed.
Meanwhile, Dr Dinakumar highlighted that the primary goal of the rally was to educate the public about glaucoma.
Shockingly, 90 out of every 100 people who have glaucoma are unaware of their condition.
Since glaucoma is asymptomatic, many individuals seek medical help only after losing 50 percent of their vision.
Glaucoma is one of the top three causes of blindness, and once it progresses, ultimately leads to permanent blindness.
Therefore, it is important to have regular eye check-ups and monitor eye pressure, said the doctor.