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Glaucoma in Asia: Survey Reveals Low Awareness, High Risk for Blindness
HONG KONG (AFP) — More than 8.4 million people in Asia are likely to go blind from glaucoma by 2010 if they do not undergo timely treatment, a region-wide survey showed.
Glaucoma, irreversible damage on the optic nerve caused by high pressure within the eye, is the world’s second leading cause of blindness after cataract, according to data released by All Eyes on Glaucoma, a global education campaign.
High blood pressure, family history, and a prevalence of the disease among Asians were among the risk factors contributing to the predicted high figure, the group said.
“Whereas cataract can be cured by surgery, glaucoma can lead to irreversible loss of eyesight and is the single largest cause of preventable blindness in Asia,” said Ivan Goldberg, president of World Glaucoma Association, at a press conference held in Hong Kong.
The survey, which interviewed 935 people from nine Asian countries including China and India, was a response to a low level of awareness. It showed that only 54 percent had even heard of glaucoma.
As many as 9.4 million people in China aged 40 or over have glaucoma. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of Chinese with the glaucoma is expected to increase by about six million, according to the group.
Blindness from glaucoma could be prevented by using eye drops, laser treatment or surgery if detected at an early stage, Goldberg said.