Contrary to the agelong myth that constant taking of processed cassava otherwise known as garri can lead to Glaucoma and eventual loss of sight, an Optometrist, Dr Chidiebere Ezeanowai, has said there is no connection between food and Glaucoma.
Dr. Ezeanowai, who is the Anambra State Chairman of the Nigerian Optometric Association, disclosed in a media chat in Onitsha, as part of activities to mark this year’s World Glaucoma Week, held from the 10th to the 16th of March 2024.
The year’s celebration, with the theme ‘Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World’, is dedicated to raising awareness about glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can lead to optic nerve damage and loss of vision.
According to Dr. Ezeanowai, the misconception that taking garri can lead to Glaucoma has thrived for a while due to misinformation on the experience of one who may have had another eye problem, emphasizing that garri does not cause loss of sight from the research conducted.
He explained that Glaucoma happens when the eye pressure is too high and beyond, resulting in the damage or death of the optic nerve.
Ezeanowai revealed that in Nigeria, over 2 million people have Glaucoma, which he noted, can progress without symptoms until there is serious vision loss.
The optometrist also debunked the claims by some quarters that Glaucoma is reversible, noting that it can only be managed when it has developed fully.
He warned against the use of high chemical components for eyelash extensions and other extreme beauty enhancements that women go for.
“It is risky because once the cornea, is damaged during such eyelash fixing, it can lead to blindness.
“Also in fitting contact lenses, care must be taken to ensure that only professionals prescribe the exact ones needed because there is a need to check size, comfortability, durability, and transmissibility of oxygen, among other things,” he said.
The eye care specialist stressed the need for early diagnosis and management of Glaucoma, through eye examination, which includes optic nerve assessment.
Speaking on the theme of the year’s celebration, the Anambra State Chairman of the Nigerian Optometrists Association called for concerted efforts from medical professionals towards ensuring effective co-management procedures.
“Be you an eye doctor, eye care practitioner, ophthalmic nurse, an optometrist, an ophthalmologist, including general practitioners or medical laboratory scientists, everybody has a role to play to ensure that the proper co-management procedures are being carried out.
“When we say co-management, it means that if I as an eye care practitioner, see a patient that has diabetes, I have to refer him to an appropriate general practitioner or endocrinologist.
“The essence is to ensure that proper management is given to the patient because if that is not done, it can later in the future tell on the person’s eye, which can lead to Glaucoma.
“The government also has a role to play to ensure that some of the instruments that are needed for the diagnosis of Glaucoma are subsidized for health care practitioners. We know that due to very high import duties and other costs of purchase, the health professionals raise the cost of their services and as such, people are not able to afford such services.
“On your part as the media, you must ensure that provision is made for adequate sensitization using your platforms so that people can get the right knowledge.
“So, uniting for a Glaucoma-free world entails the collective role of everyone to ensure that the right information is given to the public, the right treatment is given to the patients, and the right check-ups are carried out.
“Also the patients have a role to play in ensuring that whatever the professionals advise them is strictly adhered to,” Ezeanowai said.
