•Dr Priscilia Imade
I welcome all my readers to the month of March, every year March is tagged glaucoma awareness creation month both locally and internationally. We are going to celebrate March by discussing glaucoma in details including stories of hope and despair of people living with glaucoma in Nigeria.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that progressively damage the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss and potential blindness.
Often asymptomatic in its early stages, glaucoma has earned the moniker “the silent thief of sight.”
Glaucoma encompasses various conditions that harm the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.
Types of Glaucoma
• Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most prevalent form, characterised by a gradual clogging of the eye’s drainage canals, leading to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). This type progresses slowly and often goes unnoticed until significant vision loss occurs.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Occurs when the iris bulges forward, blocking the drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris. This can lead to a sudden rise in eye pressure, causing severe symptoms and requiring immediate medical attention.
Causes and risk factors
• Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP): A primary risk factor, resulting from an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid within the eye.
• Age: Individuals over 60 are at increased or higher risk. But anyone from the age of 40 is at risk especially in Nigeria.
• Family History: Genetic predisposition significantly elevates risk.
• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, and certain cardiovascular diseases can increase susceptibility.
• Ethnicity: Higher prevalence noted among African, Hispanic, and Asian populations.
Symptoms
• Open-Angle Glaucoma: Often symptomless in early stages. As the disease progresses, peripheral vision diminishes, leading to tunnel vision.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: May present with sudden symptoms such as severe eye pain, headaches, blurred vision, halos around lights and nausea. This is a medical emergency.
Diagnosis
• Comprehensive Eye Examination: Includes measuring IOP, inspecting the drainage angle, evaluating the optic nerve and testing peripheral vision.
Treatment
• Medications: Prescription eye drops or oral medications to reduce IOP.
• Laser Therapy: Procedures like trabeculoplasty or iridotomy to improve fluid drainage.
• Surgery: Techniques such as trabeculectomy to create a new drainage pathway.
Prevention and awareness
• Regular Eye Examinations: Essential for early detection, especially for high-risk individuals.
• Public Awareness: Educational campaigns can inform about the importance of routine eye checks and recognising symptoms.
Given its asymptomatic nature in early stages, glaucoma remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Proactive eye care and regular screenings are important in preserving vision and combating this silent threat.
Practical example
As an advocate for avoidable blindness, I have encountered many heartbreaking cases in my career as an optometrist, but some stories stay with me forever. One such case is a man ( let us call him Mr Williams for the purpose of this write up) whose story I wish had ended differently.
Mr. Williams, a 55-year-business entrepreneur, epitomised success and health, diligently attending regular medical check-ups for his heart and general well-being.
However, he neglected routine eye examinations, dismissing subtle symptoms like mild headaches and occasional blurred vision as mere stress or aging.
Over time, his peripheral vision deteriorated, making daily tasks challenging. By the time he consulted Yours Sincerely, Dr. Priscilia Imade, at Modern Eye Clinic in Lagos, he was diagnosed with advanced glaucoma. Despite immediate treatment, the damage was beyond repair, plunging Mr. Williams into darkness. Reflecting on his journey, he lamented prioritising other health aspects over eye care, realising that his wealth and access to top medical professionals could not restore his sight.
His story underscores the critical importance of regular eye examinations for early detection and management of glaucoma, a disease that often progresses silently until significant vision loss occurs.
Unfortunately, Mr Williams passed on a few years later. Let this not be your story. Preserve your Sight and Preserve your Future.
See you in the next episode.
*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.
