ENTOD Pharma launches glaucoma awareness campaign

Team L&M

ENTOD Eye Health Foundation has launched a glaucoma awareness campaign (#GetTestedForGlaucoma) across different parts of the country supporting ‘World Glaucoma Week’. The campaign’s overarching goal is to reach 10 million individuals throughout the country. 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 familiarise 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 is to raise awareness about this condition through various engaging activities. 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,” says Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, adding that regular, simple eye exams can lead to early detection and preservation of sight.

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 also screen people and conduct awareness talks with specialists to support glaucoma prevention strategies.

“High eye pressure is one of the main risk factors for developing glaucoma. Additionally, the incidence of the disease tends to increase with age, making it more common in individuals aged 40 years and older. Those with a family history of glaucoma (such as parents or siblings), high myopia (over 6 dioptres), or a history of eye traumas are at high risk of developing the disease. Early detection and treatment can prevent up to 90 per cent of cases of glaucoma-related blindness,” says Dr Satyajit Sinha, Chairman, AB Eye Institute, Patna.