More than 500 out of 1,500 people screened for eye diseases in seven Kumasi communities were found to be suffering from glaucoma.

A team of medical personnel from the Eye Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) carried out the exercise at Patasi, Santasi, Ahodwo, Sokoban, Kaase, Atonsu and Adum.

It formed part of activities organized by the “Mama Ellen Foundation”, a health NGO, to mark World Glaucoma Week.

It is estimated that 50,000 of the nation’s population have the disease.

Glaucoma, an eye-related disorder, is characterized by increased pressure within the eye, a situation that leads to vision impairment and could cause eye damage or total loss of vision in the long term.

Mrs Ellen Adutwumwaa Semanyo, Executive Director of the Foundation, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that those diagnosed with the disease had been referred to KATH for treatment.

She said the growing number of glaucoma cases in the country gave cause for concern and that it was important to step up public education to create awareness among the people to ensure early report to the health facilities for treatment.**