IN observance of Glaucoma Week, which is being celebrated from March 8 to 14, 2015 the Ministry of Health, via the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), yesterday held a one-day eye clinic at Fogarty’s on Water Street, Georgetown.The clinic, which was held in association with the University of Guyana (UG) Department of Ophthalmology, saw a huge turnout of members of the public.
Long lines of people awaiting glaucoma testing yesterday at Fogarty’s
Dr. Genalin Ang told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that during the annual celebration of World Glaucoma Week in Guyana, a day is usually set aside for glaucoma screening. That day this year was yesterday.
She explained that some of those persons found to have glaucoma would then be given relevant treatment, while some would be referred for surgery, among other methods of treatment.
Dr. Ang, who is a lecturer at UG, said GPHC personnel and UG students were among the more than 100 persons who turned up at the clinic yesterday, including the elderly and children, as well as persons who journeyed from afar.
Ophthalmologist and event coordinator, Dr. Shailendra Sugrim also noted that persons who are of African descent are at a higher risk for this disease, and recommended that they do regular check-ups.
LASER TREATMENT
Recently, the GPHC introduced laser treatment for open-angle glaucoma by a procedure called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT). Dr. Sugrim, however, the first Guyanese ophthalmologist to specialize in glaucoma treatment, underscored that a lot of the Caribbean countries do not own a SLT. He added that “this is a big plus for us” since patients now have a third option of treatment besides medication and surgery.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect the eye nerve (optic nerve). In glaucoma, there is characteristic damage to the optic nerve that occurs slowly over the years and can lead to blindness if not treated early. An elevated eye pressure is usually an associated risk factor for glaucoma.
Discovering glaucoma early means that you can be treated early, so you can prevent yourself from losing your sight. It is advised that persons consult their physician or any Ministry of Health Centre or regional hospitals to be referred for testing and treatment of glaucoma.
Diagnosing and treatment can be accessed from the Eye Clinic at GPHC, New Amsterdam Hospital, Linden Hospital Complex, and Diamond Regional Hospital and from your private ophthalmologist.
SILENT THIEF
Glaucoma is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight” because it slowly damages the eyes and can cause irreparable harm before there is any vision loss. But this disease is stealthy in more ways than one. There are treatments to delay vision loss, but no cure, making it a leading cause of blindness all over the world.