•Dr Priscilia Imade
Statistics on Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is estimated that over 60 million people have glaucoma globally.
In the United States alone, more than 3 million people are affected by glaucoma, and it is projected that this number will continue to increase as the population ages.
Symptoms of Glaucoma:
Glaucoma often progresses slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
•Gradual loss of peripheral vision (tunnel vision)
•Blurred or hazy vision
•Halos around lights
•Eye pain
•Headaches
•Nausea and vomiting (in acute angle-closure glaucoma)
It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of glaucoma, and some individuals may not experience any symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.
Treatment of Glaucoma:
The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
Treatment options may include:
Medications: Eye drops or oral medications are commonly prescribed to reduce intraocular pressure by either decreasing fluid production or increasing drainage from the eye.
Laser Therapy: Laser procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) can help improve the drainage of fluid from the eye and lower intraocular pressure.
Surgery: Surgical interventions, such as trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), may be recommended for individuals with advanced glaucoma or those who do not respond well to other treatments.
Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and managing systemic health conditions like diabetes and hypertension can help support overall eye health and may complement glaucoma treatment.
Early detection through regular eye examination is important for diagnosing glaucoma and initiating timely treatment to prevent vision loss.
Individuals at higher risk, such as those with a family history of glaucoma or certain medical conditions, should undergo regular comprehensive eye examination as recommended by their Optometrist.
Prompt intervention and ongoing management can help preserve vision and maintain quality of life for individuals living with glaucoma.
*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.
