Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.
According to the Ophthalmologist Society of Nigeria, about two million Nigerians over the age of 40 suffer from glaucoma with a large number without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred, hence the nickname, “silent thief of sight”.
Prevalence
The exact cause of glaucoma is not known, but it is believed to be caused by increased pressure in the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
Factors that may contribute to the development of glaucoma include genetics (people with a family history of the disease), age, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Other risk factors include history of eye injuries, long-term use of corticosteroids.
Glaucoma is also prevalence in people of African descent. The Head of Glaucoma Unit, Department of Optomology at the University Collage Hospital, UCH Ibadan, Associate professor Olusola Olawoye explained that people from Africa whether they reside in the continent or elsewhere in the world, their risk of glaucoma is higher compared to those from other continents.
Symptoms
In the early stages, glaucoma may not cause any symptoms. As the disease progresses, however, symptoms may begin to manifest such as loss of peripheral vision, blurred vision, halos around lights and eye pain.
Prevention
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent glaucoma. However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the disease. These include:
Regular eye exams: regular eye exams are crucial, especially for those at higher risk of developing the disease (those above 40-years or have a family history of glaucoma).
Testing is also recommended for children of all ages, according to an Ophthalmologist, Dr Jane Ifechukwu glaucoma could be found in children.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.
Managing medical conditions: diabetes or high blood pressure could lead to glaucoma, so it is very important to manage these conditions to reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Treatment
Treatment for glaucoma typically involves lowering the pressure in the eye. This can be done through by the use of Eye drops, Laser therapy and Surgery.
In conclusion
Many people in Nigeria do not have access to regular eye exams or treatment for glaucoma, this is due to the cost of seeking medical help and lack of awareness about the disease, as well as shortage of trained eye care professionals in some rural areas.
As a result, many people with the disease go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to unnecessary vision loss and blindness.
To address this issue, there is the need for increased awareness about glaucoma and the importance of regular eye examination.
There is also a need for more resources and trained eye care professionals to provide early detection and treatment for those with the disease where they are needed.
RN
