A recent research survey has brought to light a critical situation where only 200,000 out of two million individuals affected by glaucoma, a set of eye conditions damaging the optic nerve, receive medical attention. Shockingly, the remaining 1.8 million patients are left untreated, posing a significant risk of blindness.
On World Glaucoma Day, speakers at a discussion session emphasized that around 90% of the glaucoma-affected population in the country faces the looming threat of blindness due to the absence of proper medical care.
Dr. Sheikh MA Mannaf, Managing Director of Harun Eye Foundation Limited and former president of the Glaucoma Society, shared insights from a survey conducted from 2021 to 2022 across 65 upazilas, serving 17,000 people. The findings indicated that approximately 3.2% of the population is affected by glaucoma.
Despite the alarming prevalence of two million glaucoma cases, only 200,000 individuals receive treatment, as revealed by the survey. Dr. MA Mannaf highlighted a slightly higher prevalence in urban areas compared to rural ones, with both genders susceptible to glaucoma, albeit at varying rates.
Glaucoma is classified into two main categories: open-angle, progressing slowly, and angle-closure, advancing rapidly. Open-angle glaucoma affects 4.5% of males and 2.5% of females, while angle-closure glaucoma affects 6% of females and 1.5% of males. Additionally, about 10% of people outside the surveyed areas may also be prone to glaucoma.
Professor Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, Secretary-General of the Bangladesh Glaucoma Society, underscored the silent progression of glaucoma towards blindness, often going unnoticed unlike cataracts, which can be treated through surgery.
Globally affecting 7.7 million people, glaucoma leads to nerve damage due to pressure on the eyes, potentially resulting in blindness. Detection in the early stages is challenging, and the disease may not exhibit noticeable symptoms initially, leading to delayed medical attention.
Dr. Siddiqur Rahman emphasized the prevalence of glaucoma in individuals over 40, highlighting that while the disease cannot be fully cured, it can be controlled with regular eye check-ups. Awareness and understanding are crucial for both patients and doctors in managing this condition, he concluded. Treatment options include reducing intraocular pressure using eye drops, laser procedures, and, in advanced cases, surgery may be recommended.
