Itchy eyes have nothing to do with glaucoma – Ophthalmologist
The Ophthalmological Society of Ghana president and Consultant Paediatric Ophthalmologist at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, has said that not all itchy eyes have glaucoma conditions.
Dr Dziffa-Bella Ofori-Adjei said there are other circumstances that may cause glaucoma, which include allergies and dryness of the eyes.
But the disease can only be confirmed after detection by an ophthalmologist; thus, some people with itchy eyes may be diagnosed with glaucoma.
“Itchy eyes have nothing to do with glaucoma. There are several reasons why your eye would itch. We have allergies that will make your eyes itch.
“Even when your eyes are dry, they feel gritty, so you feel like rubbing the eye,” she said on Prime Morning.
In all this, she said there is still a need to visit an ophthalmologist when one’s eyes begin to itch.
Although there are no symptoms of glaucoma, people are encouraged to be aware of the risk factors involved.
Like glaucoma, the ophthalmologist asserted that Computer Vision Syndrome does not cause blindness when detected early.
Dr Ofori-Adjeiurged the public to constantly blink their eyes when using electronic devices like computers, using the 20-20-20 rule to keep the eyes moisturised and enhance their health.
“Remember that when you’re behind the computer, you need to blink frequently. So when you remember to blink, there’s something we call the 20-20-20 rule. It means that every 20 minutes, look away 20 feet for 20 seconds,” she urged.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. It can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve (a nerve in the back of the eye). It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye.
As part of the glaucoma awareness week, which starts from March 12 to 18, 2023, people are encouraged to get their eyes checked at the nearest eye clinic for free.
Source: Ghana News
