IN CONJUNCTION with World Glaucoma Day 2010, the Eye Specialist Clinic of Suri Seri Begawan Hospital in Kuala Belait invites members of the public to come to the clinic for a free glaucoma check-up between March 10 and March 13.

According to Patrick On, an eye specialist from the Suri Seri Begawan Hospital, there are two main types of glaucoma — open angle glaucoma and closed angle glaucoma.

Open angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and is caused by the eyes drainage canals becoming clogged over time. This clogging causes the inner eye pressure to rise because fluids cannot drain from the eye properly. The constant pressure eventually damages the optic nerve in the back of the eye.

In closed angle glaucoma, the drainage canals in the eyes become blocked or covered because the angle between the iris and cornea is too narrow. If not treated immediately, it could lead to permanent blindness.
Glaucoma cannot be cured completely but it can be controlled through medication, laser treatment or even surgery.

Over 100 people had their eyes checked for glaucoma. According to Patrick, some of them were diagnosed to have the disease and they were subsequently advised to make a doctor’s appointment for further check-up.
The Suri Seri Begawan Hospital is the first to provide an “Opthalmic Nursing Educator” (ONE) service, where members of the public can seek advice on their eye-related problems.

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