ENTOD Eye Health Foundation is Organising Glaucoma Awareness Campaign in Kolkata Supporting ‘World Glaucoma Week’
Kolkata, 14th March 2023: ENTOD Eye Health Foundation has launched a glaucoma awareness campaign (#GetTestedForGlaucoma) from 12th – 20th March across different parts of Kolkata supporting the ‘World Glaucoma Week’. The campaign’s overarching goal is to reach 10 million individuals throughout the country, with a particular focus on those aged 40 and above, as well as the younger generation. The initiative seeks to disseminate knowledge about glaucoma and urge people to have their eyes examined at frequent intervals so they can evaluate their risk factors, as well as familiarize themselves with the glaucoma treatment alternatives that are available at every stage of the disease. ENTOD Pharmaceuticals will support ENTOD Eye Health Foundation in its effort to raise awareness of glaucoma and prevent its progression.
“Glaucoma, also known as the ‘sneak thief of sight’, can cause severe issues and even permanent vision loss due to lack of awareness. In India, nearly 11.2 million people above 40 years of age are affected with glaucoma. Our objective in launching a glaucoma awareness campaign is to increase awareness about this condition through various engaging activities. In order to prevent glaucoma blindness, several issues must be addressed. Glaucoma often presents no warning signs until it reaches an advanced stage, but the damage it causes to vision is ongoing and irreversible. Fortunately, treatment can stop the damage for many patients. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial for preserving vision and preventing blindness. The glaucoma awareness campaign aims to emphasize the importance of regular, simple eye exams, which can lead to early detection and preservation of sight. We will also be engaging with celebrities and influencers on social media to promote the importance of checking one’s vision to fight glaucoma” said Mr Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.
The campaign is being conducted across Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Punjab, Bihar and Jharkhand & Kashmir would not only disseminate information and raise awareness on glaucoma but screen people and conduct awareness talks with specialists to support glaucoma prevention strategies. Free eye checkupcamps, walkathons for Glaucoma Awareness, CME Workshops, Pre OPD Camps are being organized in various states/cities.
“The Hooghly River Glaucoma Study (HRGS), which was conducted in 2016 in West Bengal and involved 14,092 participants, found that 2.7% of individuals in rural areas and 3.23% in urban areas had glaucoma. This high incidence rate is a serious cause for concern. Glaucoma is a particularly fearsome eye disease because it can be difficult to detect. Raising awareness about the risk factors and symptoms of glaucoma can help with early detection and management. It is recommended that individuals above the age of 60 undergo an eye check-up every 6 months, those aged 40-60 every 1-2 years, and those under 40 every 2-3 years to facilitate early diagnosis and medical intervention to manage the effects of glaucoma” said Dr Ayan Mitra, Silverline Eye Hospital, Kolkata.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
