A public awareness program was organized on 30th January 2023 in PGICH, Noida by department of Ophthalmology on Screening and prevention of Glaucoma. This was held in continuation of spreading public awareness on Glaucoma, January being celebrated as ‘Glaucoma Awareness Month’ worldwide.
Dr Divya Jain Additional Professor, Ophthalmology told that glaucoma being “silent thief of vision” usually is asymptomatic, and thereby routine screening is important for timely diagnosis and treatment. This effects the peripheral vision of patient first and central vision being preserved till end the patients do not have symptoms initially.
The angle closure variant can present with headache, redness and coloured halos (rainbow colours around light) during the attack and is more common in females.
Predisposed individuals like with family history of glaucoma, those with diabetes, high blood pressure, myopia (minus number of spectacles), low blood pressure are more prone and should get their eyes checked more often to screen glaucoma on time.
Dr Vikrant Sharma, Additional Professor & HOD, Ophthalmology PGICH, told that over the counter eye drops like steroids can lead to glaucoma if use without monitoring. Pediatric glaucoma can also be result of trauma.
Dr DK Singh, Dean PGICH told that high index of suspicion should be maintained in children with large corneal diameter, excessive watering and photophobia.
On this occasion Finance officer Mr Sushil Kumar, CMS Dr Manish Girhotra, MS Dr Akash Raj along with other faculty members were present.
