A Benin-based Optometrist, Dr Felix Adeyemi, has advised adults to regularly go for eye screening to avoid glaucoma, a condition that damages eye’s optic nerve and gets worse over time.
Adeyemi gave the advice in an interview with Newsmen on Monday in Benin.
He said that as the optic nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in the visual field.
He added that glaucoma could occur at any age, but common in older adults, saying that many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs.
He said “elevated eye pressure is due to buildup of fluid (aqueous humor) that flows inside the eye”.
“This internal fluid normally drains out through a tissue called the trabecular meshwork at the angle where the iris and cornea meet.
“When fluid is overproduced or the drainage system does not work properly, the fluid cannot flow out at its normal rate and eye pressure increases.
“The disease tends to run in families. In some people, scientists have identified genes related to high eye pressure and optic nerve damage.”
The optometrist said that the effect was gradual that one may not notice a change in vision until the condition reached advanced stage.
Adeyemi said that glaucoma could result to blindness if left untreated.