A population-based survey by the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey indicates that 1.1 to 1.4 million adults in Nigeria have glaucoma, most of whom are not aware that they have the disease. One in every 20 Nigerians aged 40 years and above has glaucoma, and one in five being blind.
It’s one thing to have a disease. It’s another to know one has it. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of irreversible blindness, accounting for 8% of all blindness, affecting an estimated 3.12 million blind people. Yet, many people who have this disabling condition are unaware. Let’s discuss glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the eye’s optic nerve which happens to be highly instrumental in eyesight. This damage usually comes as a result of a pressure build up in the eye. This damage is so gradual that symptoms are often seen only at advanced stages at the disease. Worse still, the damage cannot be undone once it causes blindness. Why does glaucoma happen? The eye contains a fluid known aqueous humor which is a transparent fluid occupying the space between the crystalline lens and cornea of the eye. Normally, aqueous humor flows out the eye through a mesh-like channel. If this channel gets blocked, the liquid builds up and this is the basis of glaucoma causation. The reason for this is not known but this condition is usually inherited. Other risk factors for developing this condition include:
- Being over age 60
- Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia
- Having corneas that are thin in the center
- Being extremely nearsighted or farsighted
- Having had an eye injury or certain types of eye surgery
- Taking corticosteroid medications, especially eye drops, for a long time.
Preventing glaucoma is the best option to opt for. The place of occasional eye checkups and lifestyle choices that limit one’s chances of developing the metabolic syndrome cannot be overemphasized here. However, glaucoma isn’t without symptoms. These symptoms include seeing halos around lights, vision loss, redness in the eye, eye that looks hazy (particularly in infants), nausea or vomiting, eye pain and narrowed vision (tunnel vision). If any of these is noticed, seek immediate medical care!
Stay healthy!
Reference: https://mg.co.za/
