By Nneka Nwogwugwu
An optometrist and Public Health Expert, Dr. Chioma Nwogwugwu has warned that people should engage in regular eye checks, saying that anyone can be a victim of glaucoma.
Dr. Nwogwugwu said this in commemoration of World Glaucoma Week which began on Sunday, 6 March and ending on Friday, 12 March.
In a statement she released to NatureNews, she stated that the Awareness Week is an initiative planned to raise awareness and sensitize the public on Glaucoma, as a public health concern which is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
According to her, the theme of this year is, “The world is Bright, save your sight.”
Explaining more about the disease, she said, “GLAUCOMA is an eye disease that causes damage to the Optic Nerve leading to loss of vision.
“Glaucoma is often characterized by the build-up of pressure in the eyes known as INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE (IOP). A raised eye pressure is a threat to the damage of the Optic Nerve.
“Glaucoma is the silent thief of sight. It gives no warning. Most people living with glaucoma are not aware of it. Anyone can become a victim.
“In its early stage, glaucoma patients may not notice any symptoms or even experience poor vision. Any vision lost when detected can never be restored.”
The eye expert, highlighted that people at risk for glaucoma are:
• People over 40 years.
• People with a family history.
• People who suffer from Diabetes and High blood pressure
• People who have suffered an Eye Injury /trauma
• The Black race
• People who have been on long-term steroid use.
She advised that early detection of the disease will earn people the great opportunity of stopping further deterioration(vision loss) and preserving their vision for the years to come.
She further noted that glaucoma is only revealed through a Comprehensive Eye Examination and blindness from glaucoma is irreversible but avoidable.
