The eyes are one of the most developed and
important sensory organs in the body. About 80% of what we perceive are from our
sight. However, millions of people around the world become blind because of one
disease. GLAUCOMA!!!
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can
damage the eye’s optic nerve and result in vision loss and blindness if left
untreated. It is the leading cause of irreversible blindness but can
be managed when diagnosed early.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible
blindness but can be managed when diagnosed early. Despite its severity up to
90% of people who have glaucoma are undiagnosed with the majority of them living in
developing countries. Approximately 17% of blindness in Nigeria is due to
Glaucoma. It is the second leading cause of blindness in Nigeria after cataract. In its early stages, glaucoma patients may not notice any
symptoms or even experience poor vision because it affects the peripheral
vision first before the central vision. Although
there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment such as prescribed
eye drops, laser treatment or surgery can stop the damage and protect your
vision.
Vision is important in socio-economic development of a
people. Nigeria with other member States at the United Nations General Assembly
recently adopted the vision for everyone; accelerating action to achieve the
Sustainable development goals resolution aimed at committing the international
community to eye health for 1.1 billion people living with preventable sight
loss by 2030.
Our Response
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social
Welfare through its National Eye Health Programme, continues to prioritize comprehensive
eye care services across the country and this includes care for glaucoma. A few
of our recent efforts include development of:
ØNigeria Glaucoma Guidelines and Toolkit to guide clinical and programmatic management of
this condition. It contains practical steps towards the
diagnosis of glaucoma, risk assessment for progression and management
decisions, specific guidance for treatment, setting up patient support systems and
referral to key resources.
Ø The National Eye Health Strategic Development
Plan (2024-2028) which focuses on ‘universal eye care services towards
universal health coverage’ for Nigeria. The strategy is to implement inclusive,
integrated, people-centered eye services that meet the needs and aspirations of
Nigerians, striking the balance between promotive, preventive, curative and
rehabilitative services.
This week is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of early detection and compliance to treatment and follow up. We urge every Nigerian aged over 40 years to GET an eye exam today and thereafter, annually. Glaucoma is a silent thief of sight, do not let it steal your vision. Let us join hands and unite for a glaucoma free world.
