Srinagar, July 10: The eye specialists have expressed serious concern over the increasing number of glaucoma cases in Valley.
 According to SKIMS Medical College Bemina, Ophthalmology Head of Department, Dr Sheikh Sajjad Ahmad, the eye disease was prevalent particularly in high altitude areas. “Majority of patients who visit the hospital belong to North and South Kashmir,” Dr Sheikh Sajjad said.
 “It is prevalent in Hajin and Sumbal areas of North Kashmir wherein every third person is diagnosed as suffering from the disease,” he said.
 In South Kashmir, Dr Sheikh Sajjad said, the disease was prevalent in Islamabad (Anantnag) and Pulwama districts.
 He linked the disease with cold climatic conditions and use of steroids and drugs for minor eye ailments without prescription. 
 The disease, he said, was also on rise among diabetic patients.
 The medico underscored a need for conducting a thorough research study on the prevalence of disease in the Valley. “A person suffering from this disease loses eye sight at chronic stage. Glaucoma is similar to hypertension and it is a life-long disease. It can’t be cured by drugs, but through surgery,” he added.
 SMHS Ophthalmology, Head of Department, Dr Manzoor Qadir Keng said, the disease could not be cured, but blindness could be prevented by timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
 Keng said a study conducted in the Valley in 2006-07 found that 38.3 per cent people were suffering from pseudo exfoliation glaucoma.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST