Gauteng residents are urged to undergo regular eye examinations to detect glaucoma early and prevent irreversible vision loss
By Mapaballo Borotho
Health professionals around the world are observing World Glaucoma Week from 08 to 14 March, an awareness campaign that unites patients, eye-care professionals, health authorities and the public to educate communities about glaucoma and encourage regular eye and optic nerve examinations.
Often called the “silent thief of sight”, glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss without noticeable symptoms.
It is also the second leading cause of blindness globally.
According to the World Health Organisation’s World Report on Vision, at least 2.2 billion people worldwide live with some form of vision impairment, and in nearly one billion cases the vision loss could have been prevented.
In efforts to prevent vision loss, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has encouraged Gauteng residents, particularly those over the age of 40 and individuals living with chronic conditions, to undergo regular eye examinations to protect their eyesight.
“While spectacles help correct refractive errors and restore vision, glaucoma requires early detection and ongoing management to prevent permanent blindness,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
She added that regular eye examinations remain the most effective way to detect the condition early and protect eyesight.
To prevent glaucoma, consider the following steps :
- Protect your eyes from injury by using protective eyewear during activities that could cause eye trauma.
- Maintain a healthy diet that is rich in leavy green vegetables.
- Engage in physical activity to help maintain overall eye health.
- Manage any underlying health conditions, like hypertension and diabetes.
- Try to avoid activities that may elevate intraocular pressure,
These are some of the measures that have been medically proven to help reduce the risk of developing glaucoma and protect your eyesight.
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