Glaucoma is the second most common cause of eye blindness worldwide. In the country, Glaucoma cases are on the rise according to doctors with the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH).
People above 40 years of age are most vulnerable to glaucoma. Glaucoma is caused by raised eye pressure. If glaucoma is not detected early then there is no treatment to regain the vision. According to Glaucoma specialists, people have very little knowledge about the disease and they visit hospitals only when the damage is severe.
“One of the main challenges is the lack of awareness of the disease and its seriousness. Since it doesn’t cause them any pain, discomfort, or an increase in pressure, they don’t seek eye care service. They don’t understand the severity of the disease, that’s why they don’t use medication on time. They need to come for routine follow-up. Most of them forget to do follow-up and by the time they come to the hospital to seek our help, the vision is already gone and we cannot do anything,” said Dr Deki, an Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma specialist with the JDWNRH.
25-year-old Karma Uden from Pema Gatshel was diagnosed with Glaucoma in 2013 during the school screening programme. Since it was detected early, she says she was saved from going completely blind.
“After losing the vision in my left eye, I come to the hospital almost every day on check-up for a month or two weeks. The doctor helped me to reduce my eye pressure. I could have completely lost my vision but in 2013 the doctor referred me to Gelegphu hospital and helped me a lot in the treatment, that’s why I could now at least see with one eye,” she said.
Every year, glaucoma week is celebrated between mid of March to create awareness. This year, glaucoma week was celebrated with the theme, ‘The World is Bright, Save Your Sight,’ to provide advocacy on Glaucoma.
Kelzang Choden
