Dr Echendu Damian, an Optometrist, says more than 11.2 million people will lose their ability to see properly by 2020 due to the effect of glaucoma worldwide.

Damian, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Optometric Association, FCT Chapter, said this in Abuja on Monday on the sidelines of a walk organised by the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, as part of activities to mark the World Glaucoma Week.

According to him, already glaucoma had rendered 4.5 million blind gblobally.

He said that the walk was organised to create awareness on the menace of glaucoma and advised the public to ensure that it examined its eyes at least once a year.

“Glaucoma is the silent thief of sight. It’s a group of diseases that lead to damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that sends information to the brain, for one to see.

“And it is estimated that globally, about 4.5 million people have been blind due to glaucoma; and it is also projected that by the year 2020 about 11. 2 million will lose their sight due to glaucoma.

“So, what we are doing today is to enlighten the public on this scourge and to let them know that it’s very important for them to go to an eye clinic and have their eyes examined at least once every year.

“Why we are saying this is because glaucoma is a condition that does not come with any sign or symptom.

“One can wake up one day and find out that he or she is not seeing. And by the time he or she gets to the hospital you find out that its glaucoma that has caused it.’’

The chairman said though glaucoma could not be treated, its progression could be slowed down to prevent blindness if diagnosed early.

“We are having free screening in all clinics and all the general hospitals in the FCT for glaucoma.

“So, from today (Monday) till Friday, members of the public have been invited to avail themselves of the opportunity to go to the eye clinics in town, go to the general hospitals in Kubwa, in Asokoro, in Wuse, in Maitama, in the State House Medical Centre, in Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, in other private eye clinics in town and have their eyes screened for glaucoma for free.”

Damian, who said that there was no known cause of glaucoma, explained that some of the conditions that could encourage its emergence were increase in eye pressure, short sightedness and family history.

He said that glaucoma was more common in black people and people above the age of 40 years were also at risk.

“If you are above 40 years of age, it’s also expedient that you will have your eyes checked because it’s also common with advancing age.’’

NAN reports that members of the all the ophthalmological societies in the FCT participated in the walk.

The walk commenced from Berger through Wuse market carrying placards and distributing flyers, after which a health talk on glaucoma was given.

Some of the placards read: “190,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with glaucoma yearly’’; “Half the people with glaucoma do not know they have it’’; and “If you change your glasses frequently, get screened for glaucoma’’.

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How many Nigerians know who an optometrist is let alone knowing where to undergo vision screening.

OK

Abeg the remedy, what could be the antidote for prevention

Slankey: Dr Echendu Damian,
Some of the placards read: “190,000 Nigerians are diagnosed with glaucoma yearly’’; “Half the people with glaucoma do not know they have it’’; and “If you change your glasses frequently, get screened for glaucoma’’.

Doctor, go sit down.

Let that time come first

Many thanks for this information...

So now everything is done only in abuja. Well i hope the glaucoma restricts itself in FCT.

MATUREZEE: Abeg the remedy, what could be the antidote for prevention

you stole that question from ma mouth. Well northern things, sand storms and co.

pato405: How many Nigerians know who an optometrist is let alone knowing where to undergo vision screening.

apparently you're one sango ota resident that managed to carry a school bag..

By that time I go become president get immunity against every bad tin o.

gen2briz: Let that time come first

True talk

Am sure it only in Abuja.

pato405: How many Nigerians know who an optometrist is let alone knowing where to undergo vision screening.

Lol. True talk.
Some people are only hearing about Glaucoma for the first time on this thread.

Is he God?

I reject it for me and my family IJN

So na for only FCT hospitals dem dey carry out d test shebi? In dat case may dis glaucoma b in FCT alone. Mtcheeeew

adexsimply: pls can addiction to laptops and PDAs lead to glaucoma?





*panicking*

no....they cant lead to glaucoma. But they could lead to a condition known as "computer vision syndrome"

Yes, Glacoma destroys vision....the main cause is increase in intra ocular pressure of the eye. So you've got to check your eye regularly for IOP that may exceed 21 mercury.

Engineer1985: Yes, Glacoma destroys vision....the main cause is increase in intra ocular pressure of the eye. So you've got to check your eye regularly for IOP that may exceed 21 mercury.

what layman precaution can we take against glaucoma. 08032724753

adexsimply: pls can addiction to laptops and PDAs lead to glaucoma?





*panicking*

^^^No!.....but addiction to 'wanking' can lead to blindness though!; and that's the connection to your laptop .

Who is an Optometrist?To the best of my knowlegde,the Opthalmologists are in the best position to diagnose and treat Glaucoma.People say Optometrists only dispense glasses.Please i need clarification.

[size=2pt]welcome to nairaland.[/size]

If you dont see the characters I wrote above, you better begin dey pray oh.

I have glaucoma and presently, I have to use an eye-drop every single night and go for regular checks every month for the rest of my life.
Its really very scary knowing one day you might wake up and not be able to see a thing. I live with the fear every day now, but I am trying to get used to it!

I will be going to the asokoro hospital 4 mine any 1 going?

Who still wants the Samsung Galaxy 4 tab with sight control??