‘Awareness key to tackling glaucoma’
A seasoned health expert has emphasised the importance of raising public awareness about timely medication and surgical treatments to address the growing cases of glaucoma among children.
Glaucoma, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," has become a cause for concern globally, including in Pakistan, where millions are affected.
Dr Shahzad Saeed, a senior Ophthalmologist, shared insights on the significance of promoting eye care across different age groups in an interview.
He highlighted the proverbial saying, 'Prevention is better than cure.'
Glaucoma is an eye ailment that damages the optic nerve, resulting in visual impairment. Dr Saeed explained that this condition arises from fluid accumulation in the front part of the eye, causing increased eye pressure.
The doctor delineated two types of glaucoma including open-angle and close-angle (narrow-angle) glaucoma.
Additionally, he recommended incorporating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
He noted that the former is more common and develops gradually, while the latter is more perilous due to its sudden and painful onset. Dr Saeed detailed how Glaucoma can impact a person's ability to read, depending on its severity, and recommended the use of text-to-speech technology for optimal reading.
He urged parents to ensure timely eye checkups for their children, particularly if a child complains of headaches and watery eyes, which could be indicative of poor eyesight.
He underscored the necessity for specialised medical and surgical care when treating glaucoma in children, acknowledging the psychological and financial stress parents of affected children often experience.
Responding to a query, he clarified that glaucoma typically exhibits no symptoms until irreversible vision damage or blindness occurs, with the risk increasing with age and prolonged neglect. In response to another question, he attributed the primary cause of Glaucoma in children to congenital malformation during the eye's formation in the womb.
Dr Saeed advised parents not to delay consultations with pediatric eye specialists.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2023.