By: Elizabeth Obigwe. Freelance Writer, with editorial support and medical review by the DLHA Team
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that affect the nerve (optic) carrying information from the eyes into the brain. The condition is dangerous because there are no symptoms in the early stage and the damage it causes is irreversible. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment are the best way to save your vision.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision impairment according to the WHO. Yet, many people in Africa who have this condition do not know that they do until it is too late.
Below are five important facts you need to know about this condition to help you protect your eye health.
The WHO says that 7.7 million cases of glaucoma globally could have been prevented or are yet to be addressed. In Africa, glaucoma accounts for 15% of blindness. 6 million Africans are estimated to be affected with the disorder and about half a million are already blind from it.
Learn more about Glaucoma, The Silent Thief of Vision
Source:
World Health Organization (WHO). Vision Impairment and blindness. [Internet. 10 Aug. 2023]; [cited 2024 Jan 24]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment
Published: January 24, 2024
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