WORLD GLAUCOMA WEEK 2014

WORLD GLAUCOMA WEEK (9TH - 15TH MARCH 2014)

As part of the activities to mark WGW 2014, Maxivision Eye Hospital and Exxon Mobil organized a glaucoma screening program for a community in Abak, Akwa-Ibom State. A total of 261 people were screened.

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that have few symptoms in their early stages, but eventually leads to damage of the optic nerve (the bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain) which can lead to vision loss or complete blindness.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and affects over 60 million people worldwide.

FOUR KEY FACTS ABOUT GLAUCOMA
1. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness
Glaucoma can cause blindness if it's left untreated and unfortunately approximately10% of people who receive proper treatment still experience vision loss.

2. There is no cure (yet) for glaucoma
Glaucoma is not curable and vision lost cannot be regained. With medication and/or surgery, it is possible to halt further loss of vision.

3. Everyone is at risk for glaucoma
Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, from babies to senior citizens. Older people are at a higher risk for glaucoma but babies can be born with glaucoma.

4. There may be no symptoms to warn you
With Open Angle Glaucoma, the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Usually, no pain is associated with increased eye pressure. Vision loss begins with peripheral or side vision.

Regular eye exams are needed for a proper diagnosis and to prevent damage to the optic nerves.

Treatment for glaucoma include, medications, usually eye drops to help eye fluid drain more effectively or lessen fluid production, laser surgery or conventional surgery.
                                                                                         (Courtesy Glaucoma Research Foundation)