•Dr Priscilia Imade
The month of March is dedicated to creating awareness about glaucoma worldwide. Specifically, March 9 – 15 has been earmarked for various activities to promote glaucoma awareness.
WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma is a dangerous eye disease that can cause permanent blindness if not treated early. It damages the optic nerve (the part of the eye that helps us see). The worst part is that it happens slowly and without pain, so many people do not know they have it until they start losing their vision.
World Glaucoma Week 2025 has the theme “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.” This means we must all work together to fight glaucoma and stop people from going blind. We need to learn, act and help each other.
What You Need to Know About Glaucoma
• It is one of the leading causes of blindness in Nigeria and the world.
• Many people don’t know they have glaucoma because it starts without signs or pain.
• Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored—but early treatment can slow it down.
• People above 40 years old, those with a family history of glaucoma and those with diabetes or high blood pressure are at a higher risk.
How We Can Work Together to Stop Blindness from Glaucoma
1. Get Your Eyes Checked Regularly
The best way to stop glaucoma is to check your eyes early. Even if you do not have eye problems, visit an eye doctor at least once a year, especially if you are over 40. This can help detect glaucoma before it causes blindness.
2. Spread the Word About Glaucoma
Many people do not know what glaucoma is or how it can make them blind. We must talk about it in churches, mosques, markets, schools and villages so that more people can get their eyes checked.
3. Make Treatment Available to Everyone
Many people in Nigeria cannot afford eye tests or treatment for glaucoma. The government, health organisations and community leaders must help by making eye care services cheaper and available in rural areas.
4. Support People Who Have Vision Loss
If someone is already blind from glaucoma, they still deserve a good life. We must support and care for them, help them move around safely, and teach them skills to live independently.
Take Action Today!
• If you are above 40 years old, go for an eye test every year.
• If you have a parent or sibling with glaucoma, check your eyes too.
• If you notice difficulty seeing from the sides of your eyes, see an Optometrist immediately.
• Talk to your family, friends and community about glaucoma.
• Encourage governments and NGOs to support eye health programmes.
Glaucoma can be prevented, but only if we act early! Let us work together to protect our eyes, save our sight and help others do the same.
*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.
