Stress can lead to blindness, expert warns

Stress can lead to blindness, expert warns

JAKARTA (JP): Stress can lead to blindness, an expert warned yesterday.

Stress is the main cause of Glaucoma, an eye disease which is the third main cause of blindness in Indonesia, said Arleen Djohan Wirawan, the President of the Indonesian Glaucoma Foundation.

Arleen, who is a glaucoma patient herself, has more bad news in store.

Glaucoma cannot be completely cured, in spite of the laser technology developed for eye surgery, she said during a media conference to announce an upcoming seminar on the disease.

People with Glaucoma should avoid stress as much as possible, she said, acknowledging that this could pose a big challenge for many people. "It seems like stress has become part of our everyday lives."

Glaucoma is marked by an increased pressure within the eyeball that can result in damage of the optic disk and gradual loss of vision.

Glaucoma usually affects people over 40. The symptoms include sensitivity to brightness, bad weather and certain medications.

"Besides stress, Glaucoma is also caused by diabetes, hereditary causes, accidents and hypertension," Arleen said.

She said awareness of the disease in Indonesia has only developed recently and that there are no official statistics on the number of Glaucoma sufferers here.

The Indonesian Glaucoma Foundation, which was established in April last year, is currently compiling the figures. The foundation is also planning to build a clinic to treat the disease.

A 1989 Ministry of Health survey showed that around 50 percent of all Indonesians have eye problems.

The one-day seminar, to be held at the Wisma Metropolitan II on Saturday, will discuss strategies for overcoming stress.

The speakers will include G.D. Sharma of India, who is presenting a paper on Stress Management and Yoga, Indonesian humorist Jaya Suprana with tips for overcoming stress, and Arjatmo Tjokronegoro of Indonesia on Stress, Sex and Relaxation. (31)