By Joy Anyim
The eye is a fragile and vital sense organ in the human body, which serves as a guide to reality. The eye, like any other part of the human body, is also plagued with health conditions that may affect its ability to function appropriately or even go completely bad. One of such health conditions is glaucoma.
According to the World Health Organisation, glaucoma is said to be the second leading cause of blindness around the world.
Described as an eye disease that can damage the optic nerve (the nerve that supplies visual information to the brain), glaucoma occurs when the channels in the cornea and Iris where fluid passes out of the eye are blocked or partially obstructed.
When this happens, the natural pressure of the eye, called the Intraocular Pressure (IOP), may increase. As the IOP increases, it damages the optic nerve, which leads to a gradual loss of sight.
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Generally, this eye disease has five types – Open-angle (chronic) Glaucoma, Angle-closure (acute) Glaucoma, Congenital Glaucoma, Secondary Glaucoma and Normal tension Glaucoma.
An Ophthalmologist at Next Generation Eye Clinic in Isherin-Olofin area of Lagos, Dr. David Ehimhen, said the disease was not infectious, as it could be hereditary.
The expert said glaucoma could also occur when there is a systemic problem, such as diabetes, hypertension or trauma to the eye.
Although sight threatening, Ehimhen said the condition can be managed when diagnosed early.
He said some lifestyles and inevitable factors could put a person at risk of having the disease.
“Glaucoma can be managed with drugs and sometimes surgery to open up the angles. There is no permanent cure for glaucoma. So, I will advise that people do regular eye checks at certified eye clinics. Whether you had it before and it was treated or you don’t have it at all, engage in regular eye checks, at least, once a year. Early detection helps a lot.
“Those who also have a family history could be at risk of having glaucoma. So, they should not be far from their eye doctor. Persons of African origin are at a greater risk of having glaucoma than Whites. In some clans, they would say persons from 60 and above are at a greater risk of having this eye disease, but here it is different as persons from 40 are at greater risk. Some people are even born with the condition, which may not manifest until they are a little older.
“Smoking and drinking of alcohol also increases the risk of having glaucoma, as well as some medications.”
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Giving professional advice on ways to reduce the risk factor, the expert said maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle could help a great deal.
“Eat well to avoid metabolism problem. Eat balanced diets, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables but also remember that too much of everything is bad. Avoid excessive intake of alcohol, smoking and other habits that are not palatable to your health. Do regular eye checks and also do general checks to know how every other part of your body is doing.
This is because our body parts are interconnected. Some health conditions may trigger glaucoma.
“For persons, who have glaucoma already, I will advise that you stick to your medication and when you notice anything out of the normal, contact your ophthalmologist immediately. This is because vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be regained.
“Glaucoma is not cancer. People should also stop patronising quacks but go to eye clinics where they can do comprehensive eye examination,” he advised.
