Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government has expressed worry over the high rate of glaucoma in the state.
The Administrator, Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi, who addressed newsmen after monitoring the free eye screening test in Umuahia, revealed that 2,949 out of 10,251 persons screened for glaucoma during similar exercise in 2024, tested positive.
According to her, about 70% of the patients were not even aware of it until they were diagnosed with the “irreversible blindness.”
She, therefore, urged residents to go for routine eye screening at least twice a year, to avoid going blind suddenly.
Describing glaucoma as the silent thief of vision which often comes without presenting symptoms, Dr Emeka-Obasi tasked people with any family history of glaucoma not to joke with routine eye examination.
She noted that the State had in addition to the three-day free eye test, commenced intensive sensitisation of residents in all 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
Dr Emeka-Obasi explained that the establishment of the Bureau for Eye Health Care, was a demonstration of the importance the Alex Otti-led administration attached to eye care.
She restated the commitment of Government to contain the prevalence of glaucoma, and solicited the cooperation of residents by embracing routine eye check.
Dr Emeka-Obasi said that although glaucoma leads to irreversible blindness, the progression could be slowed with anti-glaucoma drugs.
“The disease gradually damages the optic nerve and often progresses asymptomatically until significant vision loss occurs, but early detection and treatment will slow the pace of progression.”
She, however, said she was impressed with the massive turn out of residents at the various screening centres.
She noted that with high level of awareness, glaucoma could actually be put on check.
“So if they know early enough about It through awareness and sensitisation on how to manage it, then it will be easy to deal with it.
“The next phase is to help them understand that it is not a disease you can only treat with eye drop. It is a disease that is managed throughout life which means the person must have to adhere strictly to the treatment,” she advised.
She cautioned glaucoma patients against seeking solution elsewhere but encouraged them to visit Government Eye Care centres for attention and guidelines.
“Do not go to where they ask you to use your urine to wash your eyes, or just give you eye glasses or eye drops. Go for eye tests at Government Eye Care centres for proper diagnosis and treatment.
She said that patients diagnosed with cataract during the free eye screening would also be treated.
