Prevalence of glaucoma among Abia residents worrisome – Otti’s Aide

Prevalence of glaucoma among Abia residents worrisome – Otti’s Aide

By Steve Oko

Eye Specialist and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Alex Otti on Special Duties, Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi, has expressed worry over the prevalence of glaucoma among Abia residents.

Dr Obasi who stated this Wednesday after inspecting the on-going free eye screening at some Local Government Areas as part of activities marking this year’s World Glaucoma Week, said that one out of every four patients at the eye clinic of Abia Diagnostic Centre, had glaucoma.

According to her, out of about 5,400 eye patients at the centre screened between October 2023 and February 2024, 1410 of them were diagnosed with glaucoma.

She regretted that about 50 per cent of the patients were not even aware that they had glaucoma until they began to have eye impairments, adding that once the symptoms begin to manifest, loss of sight is usually imminent if not properly managed.

Although she admitted that glaucoma is irreversible, she however, said it could be controlled if detected early enough.

She, therefore, urged residents especially those from 40 years to go for eye screening, at least once in six months to avoid sudden blindness by glaucoma.

” Glaucoma comes so suddenly. It attacks the optic nerves, and once it damages it, it becomes irreversible. It’s the silent thief of sight. That’s why we encourage people to come for eye check at least every six months.

” If it’s detected early, just like high blood pressure, it can be managed for life, and at a cheaper cost. But if it is detected at late stage which is usually the case here, the drugs cost about N22,500 per month in government hospitals, and it is irreversible”.

The SSA hinted on plans by the team to embark on aggressive sensitisation of residents about the ailment as part of the proactive steps to stem its prevalence.

She said her target was to reduce the ratio of glaucoma in the state to about 1:8 patients in the years ahead.

The SSA who said that the on-going screening and treatment were free, commended Gov. Alex Otti for providing the drugs and logistics for the exercise.

She also commended the Governor for providing the eye clinic at the Abia Diagnostic Centre Umuahia, with the state-of-the-art equipment for screening and treatment of glaucoma, saying the set of equipment at the centre are among the best in the country.

” The Governor is providing equitable, affordable, accessible and all-inclusive health care for the people”, she said.

Dr Obasi who visited some of the screening centres including Umuahia, Ikwuano and Umunneochi LGAs, expressed satisfaction with the large turn out of people for the screening.

Addressing the patients at Isuochi, the SSA assured them that the State Government was determined to tackle and reduce the ravaging effect of glaucoma by ensuring that the patients received the best of attention.

The Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Mr Ndubuisi Ike, commended the Governor as well as the SSA for their spirited efforts towards containing the rising cases of glaucoma.

He said that the Council would complement the on-going efforts of the Otti administration to improve the health of the people.

 

Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.

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