Maroc - NEWSLINENG.COM.NG - A La Une - 29/Jan 19:06

How to prevent Glaucoma Blindness- Opthalmologists

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan Opthalmologists have stressed that glaucoma (eye disease) could be prevented from causing blindness by early detection (through screening) and appropriate treatment instituted.This, they made known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ibadan.Dr Tarela Sarimiye, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma specialist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, remarks that regular eye check is key by an eye doctor.Sarimiye, also from the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ibadan, urged those 35 years and above to endeavour to have glaucoma screening annually.He added that someone with a family history of glaucoma should start the screening much younger.The Consultant Ophthalmologist describes glaucoma as a group of eye diseases with a common pathway that when left undiagnosed/untreated usually ends in irreversible blindness.According to him, Glaucoma, though a cause of permanent blindness, can be treated either through use of medications, laser or surgeries.He highlighted some risk factors that could put people at higher risk in developing primary glaucoma. "Some of the major risk factors include: High eye pressures, African race, Older age, Family history of glaucoma, etc, the listed risk factors cannot really be prevented. "That is, one cannot change his race and his biological make up for instance. "A few of the glaucoma are referred to as secondary glaucoma. In this group of glaucoma the cause is known, so prevention may be achieved in some instances. "Example is the steroid induced glaucoma. That is glaucoma due to steroid use, most times prolonged usage. Such as use of lightning/bleaching cream that contains steroid, the purchase and usage of eyedrop containing steroid from the chemist/drug store without prescription etc. "Not engaging in the above act can prevent the development of this type of glaucoma," he said.Sarimiye underscored the need for government at all levels to make glaucoma care a priority.He emphasised that primary eye care with glaucoma screening as a key component should be properly inserted in the primary healthcare programme of the country. By doing this, he said there would be easy access of people to cheap/free screening for glaucomaHe also called for wavers on the import duties on all medical drugs/medical raw materials and consumables, including that for glaucoma. "*Currently, there are some glaucoma eye drops that are more than  N30, 000 for one and this may not last a month, and some of these patients may be on more than one eye drops.*"The number of Glaucoma Specialists are grossly inadequate, some states in Nigeria don't have a glaucoma specialist. "So investment in training of more medical practitioners and creating the enabling environment to keep majority of them should be government priority."Also, better equipped hospital with modern infrastructure and equipment are needed," Sarimiye said.A Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Dr Benedictus Ajayi, described glaucoma as a silent cause of irreversible blindness.Ajayi, the Chief Executive Officer of Eleta Eye Institute, Ibadan, said it was necessary to go for glaucoma screening.” It should be once a year for people over 40 years  and once in two years for those below 40.“There should be targeted screening for high risk patients –  diabetic and hypertensive patients and those with family history of glaucoma,” he said.According to Ajayi,also frequent comprehensive routine eye examination for the early signs could be recognised only by a competent eye doctor such as the Ophthalmologist.He urged regular exercise, control of high blood pressure and  life style changes to reduce the risk of glaucoma."Glaucoma strikes without any pain or discomfort, and you're perfectly at peace with yourself until the damage is extensive."It's very difficult to make a diagnosis of glaucoma in the early stages because there are no signs or symptoms, patient continues to see very well until later stages."There is also need for public awareness for the 'poor poor' who have no money and easy access to eye care and the 'rich poor' who have the money and can have easy access to eye care but have no time to spare," Ajayi said. (NAN)