Around 250,000 persons out of 22 Million Sri lankan Population(6%) are identified as suffering from eye disorder "Glaucoma" according to the Consultant Eye Surgeon Dr.Muditha Kualthunge.
"Glaucoma" known as the second major eye disorder in Sri Lanka which causes Blindness is on the increase here Dr.Kulathunge has said.
Those who are over 60 years of age,Persons whose Parents and Blood Relatives are suffering from 'Glaucoma",Those who are having eye contusion and Persons who are wearing Heavy spectacles are identified as at risk of getting "Glaucoma" she has said.
'If you are over 40 years of age check your eyes for Glaucoma atleast 2-3 times per year as the disease is not showing any prior symptoms Dr.Kulathunge has further added.
A person can develop Glaucoma due to the damage of the Optical Nerve of the eye and if not receiving treatment in early stage of the disease one can develop the situation in to blindness according to Eye Specialists.
As almost all the government hospitals in the country are equipped with "Glaucoma" Testing facilities people are advised to get a free checkup for the disease in any of the government hospital.
From March 06th to 12th of March has been declared as International Glaucoma Week and to mark this week a special free Glaucoma testing eye clinic will be held tomorrow(11)at Colombo National Eye Institute(Eye Hospital) from 8 a.m to 1 p.m.
The Habaraduwa Police have yesterday(09) arrested two persons near the Babagala Bridge for killing an endangered species "Sea Eagle" and after the suspects were produced before Galle Magistrate court today(10) they were remanded until 24th of March according to sources.
