Ellen Aboagye, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer (Ophthalmic Nurse) at Tema Urban Hospital, has issued a stark warning about the dangers of glaucoma, a condition that can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated.
In an exclusive interview with Nana Asabea Nyansapɔ on her popular programme “Nyansapɔ Fie” on Plan B FM, Ms Aboagye emphasised the importance of early detection in preventing the devastating consequences of glaucoma.
“Glaucoma is a silent thief that can steal your sight without warning,” said Ms Aboagye. “As an ophthalmic specialist, I’ve seen firsthand the heartbreaking impact of untreated glaucoma on individuals and families.”
Ms Aboagye explained that while contaminated water can affect the eye, it is not a contributing factor to glaucoma. Instead, glaucoma occurs when the eye’s natural fluid drainage system is impaired.
“The eye produces fluid to nourish itself, but in people with glaucoma, the fluid doesn’t drain properly,” Ms Aboagye explained. “This causes pressure to build up in the eye, leading to damage to the optic nerve and potentially irreversible vision loss.”
Ms Aboagye urged listeners to take proactive steps to safeguard their eye health, including scheduling regular eye exams.
“Don’t wait until it’s too late,” warned Ms Aboagye. “Early detection is key to preventing irreversible vision loss. Take charge of your eye health today and ensure a lifetime of clear vision.”
Alarmingly, Ms Aboagye revealed that Ghana has the second-highest rate of glaucoma in the world.
“Ghana is ranked second globally in terms of glaucoma prevalence,” Ms Aboagye cautioned. “This is a wake-up call for all Ghanaians to prioritise their eye health.”
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness globally.
Ms Aboagye’s warning serves as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritising eye health and seeking regular check-ups.
By: _TeamNyansapɔFie_
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