11. 2m People Will Go Blind Due To Glaucoma By 2020 - Optometrist

Dr Echendu Damian, an Optometrist, says more than 11.2 million people will lose their ability to see properly by 2020 due to the effect of glaucoma worldwide.

Damian, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Optometric Association, FCT Chapter, said this in Abuja on Monday on the sidelines of a walk organised by the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, as part of activities to mark the World Glaucoma Week.

According to him, already glaucoma had rendered 4.5 million blind gblobally.

He said that the walk was organised to create awareness on the menace of glaucoma and advised the public to ensure that it examined its eyes at least once a year.

 “Glaucoma is the silent thief of sight. It’s a group of diseases that lead to damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that sends information to the brain, for one to see.

“And it is estimated that globally, about 4.5 million people have been blind due to glaucoma; and it is also projected that by the year 2020 about 11. 2 million will lose their sight due to glaucoma.

“So, what we are doing today is to enlighten the public on this scourge and to let them know that it’s very important for them to go to an eye clinic and have their eyes examined at least once every year.

“Why we are saying this is because glaucoma is a condition that does not come with any sign or symptom.

“One can wake up one day and find out that he or she is not seeing. And by the time he or she gets to the hospital you find out that its glaucoma that has caused it.’’

The chairman said though glaucoma could not be treated, its progression could be slowed down to prevent blindness if diagnosed early.

“We are having free screening in all clinics and all the general hospitals in the FCT for glaucoma.

“So, from today (Monday) till Friday, members of the public have been invited to avail themselves of the opportunity to go to the eye clinics in town, go to the general hospitals in Kubwa, in Asokoro, in Wuse, in Maitama, in the State House Medical Centre, in Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, in other private eye clinics in town and have their eyes screened for glaucoma for free.”

Damian, who said that there was no known cause of glaucoma, explained that some of the conditions that could encourage its emergence were increase in eye pressure, short sightedness and family history.

He said that glaucoma was more common in black people and people above the age of 40 years were also at risk.

``If you are above 40 years of age, it’s also expedient that you will have your eyes checked because it’s also common with advancing age.’’

NAN reports that members of the all the ophthalmological societies in the FCT participated in the walk.

The walk commenced from Berger through Wuse market carrying placards and distributing flyers, after which a health talk on glaucoma was given.

Some of the placards read: ``190,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with glaucoma yearly’’; ``Half the people with glaucoma do not know they have it’’; and ``If you change your glasses frequently, get screened for glaucoma’’.



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