The Nigerian public over the years seemed to be dangerously unaware of a silent thief of sight ravaging its hapless citizens- Glaucoma.
The governments at all levels have also not shown adequate concern to this problem.
But a non-governmental and non -profit organization, the Social Welfare Network Initiative, has taken up the task to increase effort this year to eradicate the menace of glaucoma in Nigeria.
National coordinator of the initiative, Mr. Emmanuel Osemeka, told a news conference while delivering his address at the 2014 World Glaucoma Week in Abuja on Tuesday that glaucoma is a deadly eye disease that leads to blindness, which cannot be reversed if not detected on time.
This group embarked on the sensitization programmes in 2013, organised in Abuja and Edo state during which large number of patients were given free screening, free reading glasses, free eye drops and immune boosters in a massive campaign which they tagged “don’t go blind have your eyes checked.”
This initiative was prompted by the dismal ranking of Nigeria by the WHO as the number 187 out of 191 member nations in health delivery the most
vulnerable groups being the rural dwellers, the elderly, women, infants and the poor, which constitute over 80% of the population.
However, the poor attitude of various governments to glaucoma remains worrisome as the campaign requires sufficient government involvement through concerted funding but at the moment, the group is left on its own to take the task, the challenges of funding notwithstanding.
According to the WHO, it is estimated that about 105 million people have or are suspicious of having glaucoma worldwide.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness affecting an estimated 17-40% of the population of 40 years and above,” he said.
He emphasized that early diagnosis is very important because immediate treatment for glaucoma can delay progression of the disease stressing that “glaucoma can only be diagnosed by qualified eye-care professional. Routine and regular eye check-up is therefore recommended for children and adults,” he noted.
From the above statistics many Nigerians may just remain victims of this eye problem if governments remain unconcerned about their plight. The group may have made much effort but there is a limit to what they can do.
Government at all levels and donor agencies are urged to support the effort of the Social Welfare Network Initiative with funding to eradicate the menace.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that results in damage to the nerve inside the eye. It can be present in one or both eyes. The nerve is critical to sight because it transmits information from the eye to the brain. Damage to the nerve can lead to blindness that cannot be reversed.
High eye pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma. If the pressure remains too high for too long, the extra pressure may result in damage to the nerve inside the eye and vision loss. Other factors such as the disturbances of blood flow to the eye as well as chemical-imbalance inside the eye may interact with high pressure to cause glaucoma.
Glaucoma has been variously described “the sneak thief of sight” because in the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Vision stays normal, and there is no pain. As the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her vision gradually failing. If it remains untreated, a person will slowly but surely go blind.
Apart from fighting to stop the glaucoma menace the group has also taken up the comprehensive campaign to educate the public on the prevention and treatment of malaria, sensitization and awareness campaign against HIV/AIDS and also to provide capacity building for primary health workers.
