Speaking at a seminar on World Glaucoma Day, S S Pandav, head of the ophthalmology department of PGI, said that glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. Over 60 million people all over the world and 1.5 million people in India are blind because of this ailment.

He said that those above forty should get their check up done regularly to prevent blindness.

“In 90 per cent of cases, there are no symptoms. Most patients get to know about the ailment once they lose their vision. So, everyone above forty should go for regular check ups.”

He said there was no definite reason why the disease was linked with age. “Besides age, glaucoma can be caused due to an eye injury, use of certain steroids, diabetes or hereditary.”

He said that those with short sightedness should be extra careful and get their eyes tested by an ophthalmologist instead of an optician since screening of optical nerve is required to diagnose glaucoma.

“The problem is that peripheral vision is affected first, which is not noticeable. It is only when central vision is lost those patients rush to doctors. Another misconception is that people generally mix glaucoma with cataract, which can be corrected through surgery,” said Dr Sushmita Kaushik of the ophthalmology department, PGI.

PGI also held a workshop for the glaucoma patients, where their relatives today and formed a support group.