•Dr Priscilia Imade
INTRODUCTION
Every March, the world pauses to observe World Glaucoma Week, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Driven by bodies such as the World Glaucoma Association, World Health Organisation and Nigerian Optometric Association, this campaign emphasises a simple but life-changing message: early detection saves sight.
Glaucoma earns its nickname, the “silent thief of sight,” because it creeps in quietly, often without warning, until vision is permanently damaged.
In a country like Nigeria, where late presentation is common, awareness is not just important, it is urgent.
As we round up our discussions on glaucoma in this month of March, below are 15 essential truths everyone should understand about glaucoma.
1. Glaucoma is not just one disease:
It is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the vital link between the eye and the brain, often due to increased pressure within the eye.
2. You may have glaucoma and not know it:
One of the most dangerous aspects of glaucoma is its silence. Many people live with it for years without any noticeable symptoms.
3. Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent:
Unlike some other eye conditions, the damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Once sight is lost, it is gone for good.
4. Early detection is the only way to win:
Because symptoms appear late, routine eye examinations remain the most effective way to detect glaucoma early.
5. Age significantly increases the risk:
People over the age of 40 are at higher risk and should prioritise regular eye checks.
6. Family history matters more than you think:
If a parent or sibling has glaucoma, your chances of developing it are significantly higher.
7. Africans are at greater risk:
People of African descent not only develop glaucoma more frequently but also tend to experience more aggressive forms of the disease.
8. High eye pressure is a major risk factor but not the only one:
While increased intraocular pressure is commonly associated with glaucoma, the disease can also occur even when eye pressure appears normal.
9. Glaucoma often starts with loss of side vision:
Peripheral vision is usually affected first, which is why many patients do not notice a problem until the disease is advanced.
10. It can affect young people too:
Although more common in older adults, glaucoma is not exclusive to them. Children and young adults can also be affected.
11. Regular eye examination should be a habit, not a reaction:
Waiting until there is a problem is often too late. Preventive eye care should be part of routine health checks.
12. Treatment is lifelong:
Managing glaucoma is not a one-time intervention. It requires consistent use of medications, follow-up visits, and sometimes surgery.
13. Eye drops can save your sight if used correctly:
Medications are highly effective, but only when used as prescribed. Skipping doses can accelerate vision loss.
14. Glaucoma does not have a cure yet:
Current treatments focus on slowing or halting progression, not reversing damage.
15. Protecting your sight is your responsibility:
The most powerful step anyone can take is simple: get regular comprehensive eye examinations and encourage loved ones to do the same.
CONCLUSION
Glaucoma may be silent, but its consequences are loud and life-changing. The tragedy is not just that it causes blindness but that much of that blindness is preventable.
Check your eyes before glaucoma checks your sight.
Read more about Glaucoma from the book – Glaucoma: The silent thief of sight published by this columnist.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
