Kampala — MASAKA residents have been urged to conduct regular eye tests. This follows increasing cases of blindness attributed to cataracts and glaucoma, the most dangerous eye diseases.

"We encourage people to have regular eye check-ups. We can stop these diseases by examining the optical nerves, visual fields and minimising the eye pressure," he said.

About 43 out of 148 glaucoma patients have gone blind in the last six months, Dr. Francis Mulwanyi, the officer in charge of the referral eye department said.

Mulwanyi said glaucoma is caused by pressure on the optic nerves, which can result into irreversible blindness if not treated early.

The symptoms include gradual reduction of vision. He said despite the increase of cases of cataracts and glaucoma, the eye department is understaffed.