CONSULTANT OPHTHALMOLOGIST INSISTS ON REGULAR EYE CHECK TO PREVENT GLAUCOMA

REPORTER: JOHN MADUAGWU

Residents of Abia State have been urged to take matters concerning glaucoma and other eye defects seriously to avoid loss of their eyesight in the future.

A Consultant Ophthalmologist with the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Dr. Oluchi Ekwufulem, made the call while speaking with Radio Nigeria on this year’s World Glaucoma Week, which is observed from March 9 – 15 annually.

Dr. Ekwufulem explained that “glaucoma comes up when the optic nerve, which connects the eyes to the brain and helps in interpreting objects the eyes see, is damaged and no longer able to function normally.”

She identified some of the causes of the disease.

They include elevated intraocular pressure, diabetes, hypertension, people who are short-sighted, those who have a family history of glaucoma and those who have had trauma to their eyes in the past which predisposes them to have the eye defect.

According to the Consultant Ophthalmologist, it is important to devote a whole week to throw more light on glaucoma, as blindness from the ailment is irreversible, noting that it is more prevalent, aggressive and more difficult to treat among black people.

Dr. Ekwufulem lamented that because some patients might not even notice any symptoms, they often started coming for treatment when it was already too late and at the verge of losing their sight.

The eyecare specialist said glaucoma related blindness could be prevented through regular eye-check, especially by people who were forty years and above to detect the ailment at its earliest stage.

Earlier detection would also help the patient to commence treatment on time, avoid self-medication.

She pointed out that those already diagnosed of glaucoma must take necessary steps to monitor the intraocular pressure and ensure effective use of the eye drops and other prescribed medication.

Dr. Ekwufulem also advised those who engage in jobs that might pose a risk to their eyes to use eye shields to protect their eyes from trauma.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU