Last Updated on December 12, 2019 by The Health Master
NAGPUR: Glaucoma is a disease where the optic nerve located at the back of the eye becomes damaged. The loss of vision in glaucoma is permanent, but with early treatment, the damage to vision can be minimized. For this, latest drugs are available which can control eye pressure effectively and can prolong or avoid surgeries, said Professor Rupert Bourne, ophthalmic surgeon at Cambridge University hospital and director of Cambridge Eye Research centre, on Sunday.
“More potent drugs with fewer side effects than earlier medications are now available. Regular use of eye drops can minimize the damage of vision. For this, we need to detect glaucoma at the early stage,” said Prof Bourne who was in Nagpur to attend ‘Glaucoma central 2019’, the annual conference on glaucoma organized jointly by Ophthalmological society, Nagpur and Suraj Eye Institute of Dr Vinay Nangia. Dr Bourne said that glaucoma remains undetected by patients due to lack of awareness.
“Generally, an unaffected eye can ‘fill in’ for the other so, patients came to know about this condition only when it advances. Moreover, people wrongly assume that the reduction in their vision is simply due to age,” he said, adding that everyone over 40 years of age should ensure that they have regular eye tests every two years.
Dr Vinay Nangia said that latest advances in diagnostics and surgical techniques to deal with glaucoma are now available. “Nagpur has every advanced treatment and technology available for glaucoma management. Surgical techniques have also improved in Central India. It is estimated that around 95% of those diagnosed early with glaucoma will retain useful sight for life. The most advanced Glaucoma implant surgery is also done in city,” he said.
Doctors discussed various aspects of glaucoma treatment during the one-day workshop. A comparative study of clinical management of glaucoma in India and Europe was also presented. Poster and photography competition on the subject was held for the resident doctors.
Dr Ashok Madan, head of the ophthalmology department of the Government medical college and Hospital (GMCH) said that the event was an academic feast for practicing as well as budding doctors.
