Globally 60 million people in both developed and developing countries are affected by a group of eye diseases called glaucoma.

According to a study by non-government organisation Sightsavers, glaucoma is the third biggest cause of blindness worldwide and if it could be diagnosed earlier blindness can be prevented. In Asia, where eye tests are not as common, checking for glaucoma is more difficult, and is not likely to get picked up until it reaches a stage where it is much harder to treat, the study added.

"According to a survey conducted during 1997 to 1998 in Dhaka, at least 2.8 percent people are affected by glaucoma, while 90 percent of people do not know about the disease," Secretary General of Bangladesh Glaucoma Society (BGS) Dr Nazneen Khan told the news agency.

Highlighting the necessity of early detection, eye expert Dr Sharfuddin Ahmad said, "Medications, treatments, technology and research can help the patients afflicted with glaucoma but early detection is the first and most important step to protect the eyes".

With the slogan "Beat Invisible Glaucoma", Bangladesh is also observing The World Glaucoma Week countrywide like other countries from March 8 to March 14.