60m affected by glaucoma globally, says research

Globally 60 million people in both developed and developing countries are affected by a group of eye diseases called glaucoma, reports BSS.
According to a study by a non- government organisation Sightsavers, glaucoma is the third biggest cause of blindness worldwide and if it could be diagnosed earlier it can be prevented, but as it develops gradually, people remain unaware of it.
In Asia, where eye tests are not as common, checking for glaucoma is more difficult, and is not likely to get picked up until it reaches a stage where it is much harder to treat, the study added.
"According to a survey conducted during 1997 to 1998 in Dhaka, at least 2.8 per cent people are affected by glaucoma, while 90 per cent of people do not know about the disease", Secretary General of Bangladesh Glaucoma Society (BGS) Dr Nazneen Khan told the news agency.
Highlighting the necessity of early detection, the eye expert, also an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Dr Sharfuddin Ahmad said, "Medications, treatments, technology and research can help the patients afflicted with glaucoma but early detection is the first and most important step to protect the eyes". Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve at the point where it leaves the eye to carry visual information to the brain.