The national president of the Nigerian Glaucoma Society, Professor Olusola Olawoye, says that each Nigerian, regardless of their age, class or gender, is in danger of glaucoma, an avoidable cause of irreversible blindness and, therefore, urges regular ocular exams.
Professor Olawoye, who disseminated in the launch of the World Glaucoma Week at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, said that glaucoma is a disease that occurs more commonly in blacks than whites, particularly after 40 years.
According to her, glaucoma is a silent thief of sight, and the only way to meet people with eye disease is through regular ocular examination.
“If you are black, if you are over 40 years old, or if you have a family history of this disease, be it your brother, sister or even half sisters, you must check your eyes. He is a silent thief of sight.
“Unlike all other eye diseases where you have redness, pain, tear or discharge, with glaucoma you feel anything. And yet, he is doing your harm. The only way to know early is to have an eye exam, ”he added.
Professor Olawoye, however, said that approximately 50 percent of people who have glaucoma enter a blind eye and the other also blind, warning that once glaucoma blindness occurs, it is irreversible.
She said: “We must all take the eye checks seriously. And we must create this awareness wherever we go. And this week, we are going to project the public members on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Then, ask that question: Is there glaucoma in my eye? If the doctor says there is none, he is ready to go. But you must also consult at least once every two years. If you are told that you are suspicious in some way, consult next year. Be sure to take it seriously. “
Uch's main medical director, Professor Jesse Otegbayo, in a comment, emphasized the importance of good vision and warned that people with increasing vision should give up buying glasses from the road, but rather search for an adequate ocular exam before having a couple of recommended glasses.
“In UCH, Ibadan, we have the capacity and the team, even the sophisticated eyes for eye care. There is treatment for glaucoma. And if not, it can lead to irreversible total blindness. So, it is best to verify the pressure of their eyes, just as we review our blood pressure.
“I have done it almost every year during the last 15 years, and I do not regret it. In fact, a pre-glaucoma diagnosis was made, which means that I have no glaucoma, but my pressure has increased a bit. So I must do something to not enter the glaucoma range, and I have been completely obeying it, ”he said.