‎‎The Glaucoma Unit Of The Department Of Ophthalmology At Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Joined The Global Community In Commemorating World Glaucoma Week 2026, Held From Sunday, March 8 To Saturday, March 14, 2026.

‎ ‎With The Theme “Uniting For A Glaucoma-Free World,” This Year’s Observance Featured Activities Aimed At Increasing Public Awareness About The Causes, Prevention, And Treatment Of Glaucoma, As Well As Reducing The Risk Of Glaucoma-related Blindness.

‎ ‎LASUTH Ophthalmology Department Commenced The Week-long Celebration With A Glaucoma Awareness Health Walk To The Police College, Ikeja. This Was Followed By A Health Talk At The LASUTH Eye Clinic And Free Eye Screening For Police Officers.

‎ ‎Dr. Bolanle Balogun, Associate Professor In The Department Of Ophthalmology, Representing The Head Of Department, Professor Bola Adekoya, Delivered A Health Talk To Sensitize The Police Officers On The Importance Of Maintaining Good Eye Health And Adopting Preventive Eye Care Practices.

‎ ‎Dr. Balogun Explained That Glaucoma Is A Group Of Eye Diseases That Damage The Optic Nerve, The Nerve Responsible For Transmitting Visual Information From The Eye To The Brain. She Noted That This Damage Often Occurs When The Pressure Inside The Eye Becomes Too High And, If Left Untreated, Can Lead To Permanent Vision Loss Or Blindness.

‎ ‎She Further Stated That Although Anyone Can Develop Glaucoma, Many People Do Not Notice Symptoms In The Early Stages. According To Her, Early Glaucoma Often Presents Without Pain Or Noticeable Vision Changes. However, As The Disease Progresses, Symptoms May Include Loss Of Side (peripheral) Vision, Tunnel Vision, Blurred Vision, Severe Eye Pain, Red Eyes, Headaches, Nausea, And Sudden Vision Loss. “Regular Eye Examinations Are Very Important Because Glaucoma Can Progress Without Noticeable Symptoms,” She Emphasized.

‎ ‎Also Speaking, Senior Registrar, Dr. Mariam Osukoya, Explained That Glaucoma Remains One Of The Leading Causes Of Blindness Worldwide. She Described Glaucoma As The “silent Thief Of Sight,” Noting That Vision Loss Often Occurs Gradually And Without Early Warning Signs.

‎ ‎Dr. Osukoya Further Explained That Inside The Eye, A Clear Fluid Known As Aqueous Humor Is Constantly Produced And Drained. However, When This Fluid Does Not Drain Properly, It Accumulates And Increases Intraocular Pressure (IOP), Which Can Damage The Optic Nerve And Impair Vision.

‎ ‎She Also Highlighted Some Of The Major Risk Factors For Glaucoma, Including Individuals Who Are Over 40 Years Old, Those With A Family History Of Glaucoma, Elevated Eye Pressure, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Extreme Near-sightedness Or Far-sightedness, Previous Eye Injuries, And Infants Born With Eye Abnormalities.

‎ ‎Dr. Osukoya Added That Glaucoma Can Be Diagnosed Through Comprehensive Eye Examinations Conducted By Eye Specialists. Although The Damage Caused By Glaucoma Cannot Be Reversed, Early Detection And Treatment Can Slow Or Prevent Further Vision Loss. She Explained That Treatment Options Include Medicated Eye Drops, Oral Medications, Laser Therapy, And Surgery, Depending On The Severity Of The Condition.

‎ ‎The Deputy Commissioner Of Police In Charge Of Administration, Ikeja, Ndidiamaka Alidu Ogunmanma, Expressed Appreciation To The Team From The Glaucoma Unit Of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) For Taking The Time To Educate Police Officers On Glaucoma, Its Prevention, And The Importance Of Proper Eye Care. She Commended The Initiative, Noting That The Sensitization Would Help Officers Better Understand The Disease And Adopt Practices That Promote Good Eye Health.