BANGALORE: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), almost 60.5 million people are blind because of glaucoma. In India, 2.5 per cent of the population is afflicted by glaucoma. In South India, almost 90 per cent of the people who suffer from glaucoma have no idea of its existence due to lack of warning symptoms and regular medical check-ups.
On the occasion of World Glaucoma Day on March 11, Glaucoma Society of India and Bangalore Ophthalmic Society will organise a glaucoma awareness walkathon in which more than 300 doctors, eye-care professionals, politicians, film stars and prominent personalities are expected to take part. The walkathon will start at 8 am from Freedom Park and culminate in front of the Mahatma Gandhi Statue on M G Road.
Organising secretary of the walkathon Dr Sirish Nelivigi said, “Glaucoma is the most common cause for blindness after cataract. But unlike cataract, it is irreversible. The only way to tackle this problem is through regular eye check-ups and screening tests. We believe that the most crucial step is to create awareness of this blinding disease through mass media.”