March 6 was the first day of the World Glaucoma Week, and while many not be paying too much attention to the disease, it is worth mentioning that the eye condition is the second biggest cause of blindness across the world. What is really worrying is that the number of people suffering from glaucoma is now all set to rise with the aging population.

An irreversible condition, glaucoma can be easily kept at bay if diagnosed earlier and with proper measures. A recent study brought to light the disappointing fact that over 90% of the glaucoma cases across the globe tend to go undiagnosed, thereby implying that had the diagnosis happened earlier, the problem could have been prevented.

Age and the tendency to not take eye conditions seriously seem to be the biggest reasons for the rising number of cases. But an even bigger reason, I feel, is the lack of awareness.

The World Glaucoma Week, which is set to come to a close on March 13, is aimed at spreading awareness about the condition and measures that can be employed to keep it at bay.

While it is true that glaucoma tends to attack the older population more, children and youngsters also face a substantial risk. The most important thing to do then is to ensure that one is undergoing regular eye check-ups, especially if any unusual developments are noticed.

Although there are no acute and noticeable symptoms of glaucoma, patients might experience severe headaches, nausea, pain in or around the eye ball and some visual disturbances. If any of these symptoms are noticed, the best thing to do is insist that the doctor checks for glaucoma.

Awareness is the only weapon that can help people fight against this irreversible condition which tends to take away the beautiful gift of vision, and with the World Glaucoma Week on, now is the best time to start.