11/03/2026
WORLD GLAUCOMA WEEK continuing....
We are still marking the World Glaucoma Week.
Here are notable risk factors for glaucoma:
1. Increased Eye (Intraocular) Pressure. This is a major risk factor. The normal eye pressure(IOP) is a range between 9mmHg - 21mHg. If the eye pressure(IOP) remains consistently high (>21mmHg), it exerts undue pressure on the optic nerves which carry visual impulse to the brain for interpretation of what we see. Over time, damage to the optic nerves occurs leading to vision loss. In some prone individuals, unexplained feeling of heaviness around the eyes or forehead may be a subjective indication of increased eye pressure.
2. Family History of Glaucoma. Individuals with a family History of glaucoma are 4-8x at higher risk of developing glaucoma. If you suspect that a member of the family had had an eye surgery, lost vision, went blind or consistently uses an eye drop, you may need to go for an eye check. Early detection and management prevents vision loss.
3. Long term use /abuse of steroid-containing eye drops.
These are eye drops sometimes prescribed for the treatment of certain red, painful, non-infected eyes. After such treatment, some individuals do self medication for themselves, friends or relatives by buying those drugs over the counter without a doctor's prescription. Such a practice is dangerous because steroids can increase IOP and the risk of developing glaucoma .
4. Increasing Age: The older we get, the more susceptible we become. We Africans are at increased risk beginning from age 40. If you are 40 or above, you need to check your eyes more regularly.
5. Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases can increase risk. These conditions, over time, compromise the walls of blood vessels. They leak blood or fluid and cells are released that block drainage channels in the eye. This may lead to secondary glaucoma. Do you have any of these conditions? Follow your doctor's advice.
6. Eye Injury or trauma. Past injuries to the eye (accident, blows, knocks, slaps, object/ball hitting the eye, etc) can raise the risk of developing glaucoma even later in life. If you already had such an incident earlier in life, go for a comprehensive eye examination. If you never had any, protect your eyes from injuries at all cost.
Note: Half of those who have glaucoma are NOT AWARE that they have it. This is because in the early stages of the disease, the individual may have no symptoms such as pain, and they may not notice any changes in their vision.
They assume that "Since I can see well, my eyes are healthy"
That may not be the case in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma which is the commonest type of Glaucoma.
Let's stop this 'Silent Thief of Sight"
Let's join hands for a Glaucoma-free world.
Specvision Eye Care remains committed to putting more care into eye care.
For advice or to book an appointment, call or Whatsapp 08034639700; 07064590761
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