HIGH PREVALENCE OF GLAUCOMA IN THE SOUTH EAST: Regular Eye Check Advocated
Some consultant Ophthalmologists have advised members of the public to cultivate the habit of regular eye check to prevent irreversible blindness caused by Glaucoma. They gave the advice while contributing to Media Link, a Radio Nigeria Enugu Live Interactive Programme.
One of them, Doctor Nkiru Kizor-Akaraiwe of the ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane said Glaucoma was more prevalent in the South East with one out of thirteen persons suffering from the disease, hence the need for early check. Dr. Akaraiwe who described glaucoma as the first leading cause of irreversible blindness urged agencies such as the media, churches, schools and pressure groups to join the campaign against Glaucoma.
Another guest, a Consultant Ophthalmologist from Ebonyi State Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Dr Shiwobi Obinna announced that people with cases of short sightedness, Diabetes, relations with blindness were at high risk of suffering from Glaucoma. Dr Obinna advised people to check their eyes even when they had not noticed any problem.
He noted that the group is ready to partner any health institution to ensure wide spread of campaign and screening of the eyes. Also, the Operation Manager of the Eye Specialist Hospital TECH, Enugu, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Rita Njokuoti said there would be a free eye check on Saturday, 8th of April at number 282 Enugu-Nsukka road, Cospan Ugwungwo. She urged people to avail themselves of the opportunity.
Callers on the programme commended the organizers for the sensitization, but appealed to them to take the campaign to rural areas for wider participation.
OBINNA OGBUKA