An open day will be held at health centres on Wednesday to encourage people to check whether they have the symptoms of glaucoma.

Health Minister Joseph Cassar said today - World Glaucoma Day - that this was a silent disease which could lead to total blindness unless treated. The government, therefore, was encouraging all those aged over 40 to have their eyes checked.

Ophthalmologist Martin Francalanza said glaucoma could be treated with a few eyedrops that would stop its progress, but the damage could not be reversed and it was therefore essential to catch it early.

Glaucoma is a disease in which the optic nerve is damaged. Last year, screening at health centres detected 755 cases. Screening takes some 10 minutes during which checks are made to blood pressure on the eyes and the optic nerve.

Checks will be carried out on Wednesday at the health centres of Floriana, Mosta, Qormi, Birkirkara, Gzira and Paola.

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