The Malaysian Government has expressed concern over young people suffering from Glaucoma. Earlier, people above 45 were afflicted by the disease, but now even youngsters in their early 20s and 30s are affected by it.

Deputy Health Minister, Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shirlin blamed present lifestyle and heavy strain on the eyes responsible for this.

She said that out of 27 million of country's total population, 1.8% is suffering from Glaucoma.

While a total of 1,269 Malaysians went for treatment for Glaucoma in government hospitals, 7,238 went to specialist centers in 2008.

She said that awareness of the disease was lowest among Malaysians since 70% Malaysians do not even know what Glaucoma was.

Rosnah said that nine government hospitals were operational to treat Glaucoma.

She added that while, 68 million people globally were diagnosed with the disease in 2008, the World Health Organization has predicted that the number would surge to 88 million by 2020.

MGS President, Stevens Chan, who is partially blind due to Glaucoma, said that regular eye check-up is essential to detect Glaucoma and early detection and treatment can help to control the development of the disease and save vision.

To raise awareness of the disease, MGS conducted eye examinations in 15 other areas in the Klang Valley, including Bangsar, Puchong and Subang.