This story is from March 17, 2014

Glaucoma doesn't spare even teens, doctors say

Glaucoma, a disease which damages the optic nerve, is now found even among youth in the city.Incidence among teens is also not unheard of in Madurai, said ophthalmologists.
Glaucoma doesn't spare even teens, doctors say
MADURAI: Glaucoma, a disease which damages the optic nerve, is now found even among youth in the city. Incidence among teens is also not unheard of in Madurai, said ophthalmologists. To promote awareness on the disease, the Madurai Ophthalmologic Association (MOA) is now planning various steps.
The popular belief is that glaucoma affects only those above 40 years. However, the latest trends indicate that even teens are afflicted with it.
"Even youth who are below 20 years are affected by glaucoma. While one 18-year-old was found with the disease in my hospital, two more young women from Alanganallur area were also diagnosed with the disease recently," said Dr G Basakara Rajan of MOA.
Glaucoma is caused by increasing fluid pressure within the eye. Dr N Sirish Kumar, senior consultant of Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre, said glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness. As the damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, doctors advise regular check-ups. Proper treatment can considerably slow down the progression of the disease, and even prevent further loss of eyesight.
MOA is planning to conduct free medical camps to find out the disease at an early stage. About one percent of the population world over is found with glaucoma. Of which only 10% are treated. Normally, one in 200 aged 40 years and one in eight aged 80 years is found with the disease.
Usually, people realise they have the disease when it becomes acute. Hence, the disease is termed the silent thief of sight. Eye sight is lost suddenly even though one may not have pain or visible symptoms of the disease early. Treatments involve either improving the flow of fluid inside the eye, reducing its production, and sometimes both.
The World Glaucoma Week was marked from March 9 to 15.
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