Glaucoma leading cause of irreversible blindness: MKRMS seminar

LAHORE: Glaucoma is known as the silent thief of eyesight and a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world.

“It means that whatever vision the patient loses due to glaucoma is lost forever therefore early diagnosis and treatment is very necessary,” these views were expressed by experts while addressing a seminar on “Glaucoma – Awareness for Prevention” held in connection with World Glaucoma Day under Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (MKRMS) (Jang Group of Newspapers) in collaboration with Shaigan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd here at a local hotel.

Central President of Ophthalmology Society of Pakistan and Head of Department of Ophthalmology, Jinnah Hospital Prof Dr Nadeem Hafeez Butt said that there are chances of recovery of vision from cataract, but eyesight affected due to glaucoma cannot be recovered. He advised people above the age of 40 and those with a family history of glaucoma should get their regular check up to ward off the danger of blindness.

He said that training was being imparted to the upcoming ophthalmologists and eye surgeons under Ophthalmology Society of Pakistan and Pakistan Glaucoma Association and other eye associations, which will help cope with the burden of eyes diseases in the country.

Professor of Ophthalmology at Postgraduate Institute / Ameer Ud Din Medical College, General Hospital, Lahore Dr Muhammad Moin said that the glaucoma is a genetic disease that also affects the children. “In one case, a patient had lost 90 per cent of his eye vision, but he was not awareness of it at all,” he said, while suggesting how glaucoma silently destroys eyesight. He emphasised the need to create awareness regarding glaucoma, which can be diagnosed with OCT test.

Founder President of Pakistan Glaucoma Association, Rawalpindi, Prof Dr Syed Imtiaz Ali said that Pakistan Glaucoma Association had been raising awareness among medical students and general public for prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma among the people.

President of Pakistan Glaucoma Association, Multan, Prof Dr Afzal Bodla said that pressure on eye and pain are symptoms of glaucoma, which should alarm the patient to get it diagnosed at an early stage to prevent its devastating effects on the eyesight.

Head of Department of Ophthalmology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad Dr Arif Khan said that the patient may lose eyesight permanently if treatment of glaucoma was not initiated in time.

Head of Department of Ophthalmology, Madina Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad, Dr Amir Ali Chaudhry said that glaucoma affected peripheral vision, which cannot been recovered if not arrested at an early stage.

Shaigan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd Senior Business Unit Manager Dr Mudassar Hussain, in his opening remarks, said that the company was actively engaged in spreading awareness among people regarding various diseases for prevention, control and treatment.

Shaigan Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd General Manager Sales and Marketing Amir Yaqoob Mir gave vote of thanks.

MKRMS Chairman Wasif Nagi hosted the seminar. Samiullah Khan recited verses from Holy Quran, while Hafsa Khalid presented Naat Rasool (PBUH).