How to prevent irreversible blindness from glaucoma – Experts * As Abia declares free eye test 

How to prevent irreversible blindness from glaucoma – Experts

* As Abia declares free eye test

By Steve Oko

Experts have identified early detection through regular eye examination and strict compliance with treatment protocol as the only way to prevent irreversible blindness from glaucoma.

The experts who spoke during an awareness campaign march in Umuahia Abia State, agreed that although glaucoma leads to irreversible blindness, its progression could actually be halted if detected early and treatment protocol religiously followed.

They prescribed full eye screening at least twice a year for everybody.

Speaking at the rally, Eye Specialist and the Chairperson, Optometrists Association of Nigeria, Abia State chapter, Dr Onyedikachi Ogbonna, likened glaucoma to “high blood pressure of the eye”, explaining that if the patient regularly takes anti-glaucoma drugs, it goes down and blindness averted.

She said:”Glaucoma is irreversible but preventable if detected early and followed up with treatment. It’s not blindness -sentence if you follow the treatment protocol; it can be prevented”.

Dr Ogbonna debunked some misconceptions about glaucoma, asserting that contrary to beliefs, glaucoma is not the handiwork of ones enemies nor is it for old age alone.

She also advised against reluctance to anti-glaucoma drugs on the excuse that they do not recover lost vision, explaining that the drugs are “only meant to preserve what remains of the sight”.

“You will discover the potency of anti-glaucoma drugs on the day you stop taking it -‘your sight will just close up”, she warned.

Various experts at the rally urged those with family history of glaucoma not to joke with periodic eye screening, affirming that early detection is the only remedy to glaucoma.

In her address, the Administrator, Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr Mrs Betty Emeka- Obasi, decried the prevalence of glaucoma in the state, revealing that the state’s eye centre recorded an average of 50 glaucoma patients every week from January to December, 2024.

She noted that 90 per cent of glaucoma patients are unaware of the disease until too late as it usually presents no symptoms.

“Glaucoma has become a prevalent health challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the South East region. At our Diagnostic hospital eye centre, records show that we treated an average of 50 confirmed glaucoma patients every week from January to December 2024.

“Alarmingly, 90% of these individuals were unaware they had the disease until it was too late. Of course, by the time of diagnosis, over 50% of patients had already suffered irreversible vision loss.

” This is not just a health crisis; it is a societal and economic burden that affects families, communities, and our state at large. Another reason we must act now”, she said.

She called for collaboration and intensified awareness by all stakeholders, while commending Gov. Alex Otti for his commitment to providing quality eye care to the people.

According to her the state’s eye care centre now has sophisticated equipment for eye screening.

She announced a free eye test courtesy of the Governor from March 12 to 14 simultaneously in all the Local Government Areas of the State.

Dr Mrs Emeka-Obasi who is also a Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, urged residents to take advantage of the gesture to know the status of their eyes.

Speaking at the event, the Governor’s wife represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, called for collaboration and action against glaucoma which she described as the leading cause of irreversible blindness.

She said that the State Government had initiated measures to provide quality health care services to the people.

In a remark, Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Blossom Uma- Kalu, said “glaucoma is a silent thief of sight”, and also advocated regular eye checks.

The Chief Medical Director, Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Dr Chimezie Okwuonu, said the State Government had made significant investment in the health care sector, urging residents to take advantage of it to access quality health care services.

He particularly commended the creation of a special bureau for eye management, which, he said, “demonstrates the Governor’s high value for the people’s health.”

The CMD revealed that unlike before, the hospital now has equipment for Lasser surgeries.

The rally which was staged to herald this year’s World Glucoma Day coming up next week, was attended by various stakeholders in the state including traditional rulers.

 

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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