•Dr Priscilia Imade
Happy new month to all our readers. The month of March is dedicated to glaucoma awareness creation worldwide. So, our focus this morning will be on the connection between screen and glaucoma.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. It damages your optic nerve gradually and often without warning. You may not feel pain. You may not notice early vision loss. Yet permanent damage may already be occurring.
That is why glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight.
DO SCREENS CAUSE GLAUCOMA?
Screens do not directly cause glaucoma. However, your digital lifestyle can influence how early you detect it and how well you protect your eyes.
When you spend long hours on your phone or computer, you may experience headaches, blurred vision, dryness, or eye discomfort. You may assume it is only digital eye strain. In doing so, you may delay a proper eye examination. Glaucoma progresses quietly during such delays.
THE DIGITAL AGE AND GLAUCOMA
We live in a digital age where screen use is constant. Work, communication, banking, and entertainment all depend on devices. But while you prioritise productivity, you may postpone routine eye checks.
Glaucoma does not wait for symptoms. By the time you notice vision loss, it may be advanced and irreversible.
If you are above forty years of age, have a family history of glaucoma, or have certain medical conditions, your risk is higher.
You cannot rely on how your eyes feel. You must rely on your eye examinations.
WHAT TO DO
You do not need to abandon technology. You need to use it responsibly.
You should:
1) Schedule regular comprehensive eye examinations.
2) Avoid assuming every headache is caused by screens alone.
3) Take structured visual breaks during prolonged device use.
4) Seek professional care if visual discomfort persists.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you must strictly follow medical advice and attend follow up appointments.
Finally, screens may not cause glaucoma, but neglect can allow it to steal your sight silently.
This Glaucoma Awareness Month, make one decision: book an eye examination.
Protect your vision now. Once lost to glaucoma, it cannot be restored.
*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.
