A consultant opthalmologist, Adeola Onakoya, on Tuesday said early detection and appropriate treatment of glaucoma could reduce blindness from the disease.
Onakoya, who is the Head of Department of Ophthalmology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, made the assertion on Tuesday during a free eye screening to mark the 2017 World Glaucoma Week.
The programme was initiated by the Pfizer Specialities and Glaucoma Patients to commemorate the 2017 World Glaucoma Week holding between March I2 and I8.
Its theme is entitled: “Beat Invisible Glaucoma.’’
Onakoya said that no fewer than 1.8 million Nigerians of over 40 years were suffering from glaucoma, with almost 360,000 of them became blind in both eyes.
She said up to 99 per cent of the glaucoma patients presented their cases very late for treatment, adding that once the patient lost vision due to glaucoma, it could not be reversed.
Onakoya said glaucoma was the world leading cause of irreversible blindness, adding that about 7O million have glaucoma and approximately half do not know it.
“We are focusing on First Degree Relatives (FDR) of Glaucoma patients, because of the heritability nature of the disease.
“Anybody screened today and detected with glaucoma will be treated and follow up by specialist.
“It is a genetic hereditary disease which deals with age, especially from 4O years and above.
“Primary glaucoma occurs more in adults, and glaucoma is symptomless, because early stage of glaucoma show no signs.
“There will be no pain in the eyes, no reddish eye, no problem of reading book at the early stage, but the later stage leads to blindness,” she said.
According to her, glaucoma affects the perceval vision which creates tiny spot on the eye which most people do not notice on time.
“It is a progressive disease which has no cure, but can be controlled, if detected early.
“Also, 2O to 3O per cent of people who have glaucoma go blind at least in one eye after 2O years.
“People who have high blood pressure and people who suffer from myopia, have a high risk of glaucoma.
“We also have people who suffer from low blood pressure, diabetic patients; people who are under steroid medications too can be at risk,’’ the expert said.
Onakoya called for more awareness, enlightenment programmes and regular screening to help reduce blindness.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Oyindamola Akintokun, 35, said, “I understand the importance of regular medical checkups and having good health.
“This initiative is commendable.
“I appeal to other groups, individuals and governments to always remember us and create more awareness about health issues,’’ she said.
Also, Mr Lateef Akande, a businessman, said that his friend told him about the free eye screening after complaining of regular itching in his left eye.
Akande said, “I always have blurry sight which made reading difficult for me.’’
Another beneficiary, Mrs Modinat Akinsola, said that she has been a glaucoma patient for five years and was placed on medication every six month.
Akinsola urged people to go for regular eye screening, saying that she discovered eye problem during a free eye screening.
