Optometrist Raises Concern Over Rising Glaucoma Cases in Ghana

A Senior Optometrist at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Eye Centre, Dr. Abigail Agyen-Brefo, has raised concern about the high number of glaucoma cases in Ghana, revealing that about 700,000 people in the country are currently living with the eye condition.

Speaking in an interview with Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso on Opemsuo Radio, Dr. Agyen-Brefo said glaucoma remains one of the most serious eye diseases in Africa, particularly in West Africa.

“In Ghana, about 700,000 people are living with glaucoma. In Africa, Ghana records one of the highest numbers of glaucoma cases, and the condition is particularly serious in West Africa,” she stated.

Dr. Agyen-Brefo explained that glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, which plays a critical role in vision by connecting the eye to the brain. According to her, although people may think they see with their eyes alone, it is actually the brain that interprets what the eyes capture.

“When our eyes see something, it is actually the brain that interprets what we are seeing. The eye and the brain work together, and the connection between them is the optic nerve. What glaucoma does is that it damages this nerve, and as the strength of the nerve reduces, the person’s ability to see also reduces,” she explained.

She noted that one of the biggest challenges with glaucoma is that it often develops without noticeable early symptoms. Many people do not experience pain, itching or redness in the eye, even though the disease is gradually damaging the optic nerve.

“Glaucoma is also associated with increased pressure in the eye, and when this pressure rises, it gradually destroys the nerve that connects the eye to the brain,” Dr. Agyen-Brefo said.

The optometrist further indicated that the condition typically affects a person’s side or peripheral vision first, making it difficult for many individuals to notice the disease in its early stages. As a result, several patients only seek medical attention after significant damage has already occurred.

“In some cases, by the time it is detected, about 80 percent of the vision may already be gone, and doctors can only work to preserve the small amount of vision that remains,” she added.

Dr. Agyen-Brefo therefore encouraged the public to undergo regular eye examinations to ensure early detection and proper management of glaucoma.