Download - By Dr Obinna Awiaka O.D,MNOA President & CEO Eyemasters Ltd Occupational Vision Specialists
GLAUCOMA, a silent thief
By Dr Obinna Awiaka O.D,MNOAPresident & CEO Eyemasters LtdOccupational Vision Specialists
John 10:10
Good News TranslationThe thief comes only in order to
steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness.
“Silent Thief” Glaucoma –a.k.a
“silent thief of sight” is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve.
Damage to the optic nerve is irreversible
Causes: Slow fluid drainage,
Pressure builds up, damages optic nerve
Optic nerve damage can occur at different pressure levels for different people
How the eye maintains its pressure
Ciliary body produces fluid in the eye known as aqueous humour
Aqueous humour flows behind the iris and through the pupils into the anterior chamber
Aqueous humour leaves the eye through a structure known as the filtration angle and then joins with the network of veins outside the eye.
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Types of glaucoma
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
Angle-closure glaucoma (Acute)
Congenital glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma
Pigmentary glaucoma
Normal tension glaucoma
Risk FactorsRace
History of blindness in the family
Age
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Trauma to the eye
High myopia
Post operative complications
Corticosteroid use
Diagnosis
Intra Ocular Pressure measurement
Induced Dilation & Ophthalmoscopy
Visual Field Examination
Examination
Tonometers
Further examinations
Treatment Glaucoma has no
cure but if detected early can be managed.
Management can be in form of drug therapy, surgery or both
Lets see some statistics
Statistics Only half the population of persons with glaucoma know
that they have glaucoma- Glaucoma Foundation
2nd Leading Cause of blindness – W.H.O.
Blindness from glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.
In a survey carried out among new patients by Eyemasters -
90% have done an eye exam but over 50% cannot remember if their IOP was measured. Over 80% said they never had their eyes dilated. Over 97% have heard of glaucoma, but only 30% knew what it meant.
90
50
80
97
30
Glaucoma Awareness Statistics- Eyemasters
Eye Exam
No IOP
Never Dilated
Aware
Understand
Prevalence of Glaucoma in Nigeria
Prevalence of Glaucoma in Nigeria
Kaduna Eye Center Study
More Males had glaucoma between 1998-2006 (63%)
Glaucoma is higher between ages 40 and above(43%)
Followed by ages 31-40 (37%)
Yearly distribution increased from 330 patients(4%) in1998 to 1680(23%) in 2006
The Threat 3% INCREASE in blindness in developing countries (W.H.O
2004 );
Late diagnosis or delayed treatment .
Lack of political and professional commitments to the prevention of blindness.
Lack of facilities for the glaucoma diagnosis
The elderly individuals, who are at the greatest risk for developing glaucoma, often attribute their loss of vision to just growing old
More males are affected, leading to huge economic loss and a larger percentage of the oil and gas sector are males
Threat
Gradual vision loss from the periphery This can be the vision of the driver taking your children
to school
Vision continues to depreciate
John 10:10
Good News Translation The thief comes only in order to steal, kill,
and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life - life in all its fullness.
This time I will add the Basic English Translation
The thief comes only to take the sheep and to put them to death: he comes for their destruction: I have come so that they may have life and have it in greater measure
What Can You Do To Help
Reduce Stress
Massage
Eye exercises
Eat Right
Regular eye exams
Eye exercises
Eat vitamin rich food
Regular eye examinations
Conclusion Glaucoma is a serious
public health issue in Nigeria
Early detection is key through regular glaucoma screenings
Look for full medicals that covers glaucoma treatment
Thank you for choosing life
…….Your eyes are precious. Go to Eyemasters.
EYEMASTERS LTD 35 FREEDOM WAY
BY IKATE ROUND ABOUT LEKKI PHASE 1.
+234 814 720 1169www.eyemastersng.cominfo@eyemastersng.
com