Specialist Dr. Palitha Mahipala, the Secretary to the Ministry of Health, discloses that nearly 5% of Sri Lanka’s population is currently grappling with glaucoma, a condition identified as one of the primary causes of blindness.
Dr. Mahipala elaborated on the escalating prevalence of glaucoma, not only in Sri Lanka but globally, underscoring its impact on eye health. Comparing the global average of 3.54% affected by glaucoma, he noted that Sri Lanka’s rate is higher, potentially attributed to the increased elderly population.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the Health Secretary emphasized the critical need for regular eye check-ups. He encouraged the public to take advantage of existing programs within the country’s health system aimed at early detection of eye illnesses.
