Glaucoma impairs the transmission of visual information from the eye to the brain due to damage to the optic nerve.
6th March 2011 marks the beginning of the 'Glaucoma Awareness Week'. Glaucoma impairs the transmission of visual information from the eye to the brain due to damage to the optic nerve. Optic nerve can be damaged because of increased eye pressure. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Due to lack of awareness several cases still go undiagnosed. About 11.2 million people in India suffer from glaucoma and about 1.1 million have lost their vision. Late onset of the symptoms results in many people being unaware that they could be suffering from glaucoma. Early diagnosis can reduce the progression of the disease. Regular eye check up will help prevent glaucoma.
As part of the awareness week several events have been lined up by eye institutes across the country.
Source-Medindia