Health Minister released an awareness poster
Timely examination and treatment is essential for the prevention of glaucoma: Dr. Balbir Singh
Six state-of-the-art machines installed in government hospitals to identify glaucoma
Chandigarh, March 7 (Punjab khabarnama) : Taking forward Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s dream of providing standard healthcare facilities to common people, Punjab Health Department will observe ‘World Glaucoma Week’ from March 10 to March 16, 2024. This information was given by Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh here on Thursday.
Releasing awareness posters in this regard, the minister said that as part of this campaign, free glaucoma screening camps will be conducted by the Punjab Health Department in district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals and government medical colleges during this week so that glaucoma sufferers People can be identified and this disease can be treated in time.
He asked the concerned officials to distribute this awareness poster in all health institutions of the state so that people can be made aware about the symptoms and treatment of glaucoma.
Reiterating the promise of the Punjab government, Dr. Balbir Singh said that six state-of-the-art machines (non-contact tonometers) for detecting glaucoma have already been installed in six district hospitals of Punjab, while more such machines are being provided in the rest of the districts.
Dr. Balbir Singh, who is an eye surgeon himself, said that cataract is the biggest cause of irreversible blindness in the world. In 90 percent of cases, blindness caused by glaucoma can be prevented by early detection and appropriate treatment. This is due to damage to the optic nerve due to increase in eye pressure (intra-ocular pressure). Glaucoma is sometimes called a ‘silent thief’ of sight because it can cause irreversible damage to the patient without showing any early symptoms. The patient does not notice symptoms until the disease reaches an intermediate or advanced stage.
Balbir Singh added, “Anyone can get glaucoma but some people are at higher risk such as age above 60 years, family history, medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, myopia, corticosteroid preparations especially. A person who injects eye medicine for a long time. Glaucoma can also occur as a result of an eye injury. Early detection and careful treatment can save most people’s sight.”
It is worth noting that about 12 million Indians are suffering from this disease and 1.2 million have become victims of blindness due to it. Therefore, people at risk and people over the age of 40 should have an eye examination every two to three years, and people over the age of 65 should have an eye examination every six months.
There are serious challenges in glaucoma management such as: lack of awareness, unknown and untreated cases, poor access to glaucoma diagnostic and treatment services and many issues related to treatment adherence.
The minister said that the health department n. P. c. B. End. V. I. Under this, IEC is making a systematic plan of activities to create awareness among people about the prevention and control of cataracts, including radio talks in schools, awareness talks/CMEs, street plays, awareness rallies, speeches, painting competitions, walks. and social media campaigns are involved.
Meanwhile, the minister also encouraged the common people to get their eyes checked in the free check-up camp to be held this week and to contribute towards the prevention of glaucoma.
On this occasion, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Adarshpal Kaur and State Program Officer N. P. c. B. And VI Dr. Neeti Singla was also present.
