Glaucoma Awareness to Prevent Blindness

 The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Philippine Glaucoma Society have recently organized a series of forums, screening tests and surgeries in selected hospitals and eye care centers in the country. These initiatives are part of a global awareness campaign that aims to address the alarming rise of Glaucoma cases in the Philippines and all over the world. 

According to the Philippine National Survey of Blindness, Glaucoma, an eye disease that can lead to progressive, irreversible vision loss, presently ranks as the number 1 cause of permanent blindness in both eyes among Filipinos. Alarmingly, glaucoma is also the leading cause of permanent blindness in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). A study conducted by Prof. Harry Quigley and Aimee Broman of the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute in Baltimore, Maryland reveals that by the year 2020, over 11.2 million individuals are estimated to suffer from this disease. 

“Glaucoma is a serious and debilitating condition that can affect both infants and the elderly. 50% of afflicted individuals do not exhibit obvious symptoms. We encourage Filipinos to immediately visit an eye doctor if they feel that they are suffering from this condition. Through various activities that engage PAO doctors all over the Philippines, we are hoping to make a significant step in creating public awareness to eventually diminish the growing number of Filipinos who will lose their eye sight because of glaucoma,” shared Dr. Jose Ma. Martinez, President of the Philippine Glaucoma Society, a subspecialty affiliate society of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO).

The PAO is an internationally-recognized specialty society of ophthalmologists in the Philippines. It aims to ensure access to quality eye care for Filipinos. The PAO commits to continuously develop its members professionally through clinical education, research and practice management, in a collegial and harmonious environment, contributing to ethical, professional and compassionate practice. For more information about the PAO, please visit: www.pao.org.ph.