Glaucoma: Expert urges regular eye checks for early detection

An Optometrist, Dr Chika Okereke, has advised people to undertake regular eye examination for early detection of glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.

Okereke, in an interview with our reporter in Ibadan on Friday, said a lot of people, in spite of growing awareness on glaucoma, do not have their eyes checked regularly.

“Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, and vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be regained.

“As a result, it is critical that people at risk of glaucoma have their eyes examined regularly for early detection and offered treatment to prevent further loss of sight,” she said.

The optometrist said that while anybody could have glaucoma, there were people who had increased risk of glaucoma.

“The risk of glaucoma increases with age, if you are 40 years and above; a family history of glaucoma is also a factor.

“Having underlying medical conditions like high eye pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases also make people susceptible to glaucoma,” she said.

According to the optometrist, typically, there are no early signs or symptoms that a person might notice, to know that he or she is developing glaucoma.

“Glaucoma has very few symptoms including headaches, blurred vision and pain in the eye, making the disease extremely difficult to detect without the help of a professional optometrist.

“Regular eye examinations provide the opportunity for detection and effective intervention that can preserve and protect vision and eye health.

“If glaucoma goes undetected, unchecked and untreated, the disease can eventually lead to total blindness,” Okereke said.