Glaucoma a “silent thief of sight”, Ghanaians urged to prioritise eye checks

An optician at the Kpone Polyclinic, Jeremiah John Ackah, has warned that glaucoma remains a major cause of irreversible blindness, urging Ghanaians to prioritise regular eye examinations for early detection.

Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (13 March) as the world marks World Glaucoma Week, Ackah described glaucoma as a “silent thief of sight” because the disease often develops gradually without obvious symptoms until significant vision damage has already occurred.

Gradual pressure damages the eye

Ackah explained that glaucoma is largely caused by increased pressure within the eye, medically known as intraocular pressure (IOP).

According to him, the condition occurs when fluid produced in the eye fails to drain properly, leading to a build-up of pressure that gradually damages the optic nerve.

“The same way rainwater floods when gutters are choked is how glaucoma develops,” he said. “When the fluid produced in the eye cannot drain at the same rate it is produced, pressure builds up and begins to damage vision.”

He noted that glaucoma occurs mainly in two forms — open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma — both of which can lead to progressive vision loss if left untreated.

Early stages often show no symptoms

Ackah stressed that one of the biggest challenges in tackling glaucoma is that the disease often presents no symptoms in its early stages.

He said most people only notice problems when the condition has already progressed to a severe stage, sometimes experiencing eye pain, redness, rainbow-like halos around lights, or loss of peripheral vision.

“By the time people start seeing symptoms, they may already be in serious trouble,” he cautioned.

Who is at risk

The optician said certain groups face a higher risk of developing glaucoma, including people living with Hypertension and Diabetes, which can damage the retina and increase vulnerability to eye diseases.

He also warned against the frequent use of unprescribed eye drops, particularly steroid-based medications, noting that misuse of such drugs can contribute to glaucoma.

Ackah added that Ghana’s healthcare behaviour — where individuals often buy eye medication directly from pharmacies without proper diagnosis — increases the risk of complications.

“In Ghana, people easily walk into pharmacies and purchase eye drops without professional advice. That behaviour puts many people at risk,” he said.

Annual eye checks recommended

To prevent severe outcomes, Ackah recommended that everyone undergo eye examinations at least once a year.

He said regular screening helps eye care professionals detect early signs of glaucoma and begin treatment before permanent damage occurs.

Continuous public education

Ackah noted that public awareness campaigns are ongoing across health facilities, districts and regions to educate communities about glaucoma and encourage early eye care.

He said Ghana currently has one of the highest prevalence rates of glaucoma globally, making sustained education and screening crucial.

“The campaign does not end with this week. It continues because the goal is to achieve a glaucoma-free world,” he said.

He also advised people to adopt healthier lifestyles, manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamin A sources such as carrots to support eye health.

Protecting sight

Ackah emphasised that vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, making early detection the most effective protection.

“Once glaucoma destroys part of the vision, it is gone forever,” he said.

He therefore urged Ghanaians to seek professional care whenever they notice unusual eye symptoms, including persistent tearing, discomfort or changes in vision.

“Visit the nearest eye clinic and let professionals examine you so that you do not become a victim of preventable blindness,” he advised.