„The silent thief of sight“ in Africa

Light for the world program starts against Green Star

Vienna (OTS) – on the Occasion of the International week of the Green Stars from 10. to 16. March, warns the organisation light for the world in front of a growing problem with Green Star, especially in Africa. Alone from 2010 to 2020, the number of glaucoma patients increases from about 60 to 80 million worldwide: The reasons for this are the increasing Ageing of the world population and the increase in the number of younger patients in Africa. In the world of 2015, three million people were already by the Green Star blind. A further four million visually impaired by the disease. Most frequently, the Green Star is found in the countries South of the Sahara, where about in comparison to Europe, twice as many people fall ill. In these States one out of every seven of blindness is due to glaucoma. Light for the world conducts with partner organisations, a programme for the countries South of the Sahara, to defeat the silent thief of sight. „Green Star is the most common curable cause of blindness in the world. The blindness but it can be by timely detection of the disease and rigorous treatment avoided“, the Austrian ophthalmologist Karl Rigal.

Light for the world will focus in the fight against glaucoma in the countries of Mozambique, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso. Because of the lack of Knowledge of glaucoma and its treatment in the clinics and health authorities of these countries, unfortunately, often to blindness of the Affected. Many diagnoses are only made when the people are already blind. After cataracts, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in Africa. Together with partner organisations of light for the world will therefore develop a Handbook for health authorities and Doctors, as well as six centres for glaucoma detection and treatment. In addition, more than a hundred eye doctors and medical staff will be trained about glaucoma. Financed the extensive program using the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Foundation.

Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops, surgery or Laser very well, but in Africa there is a lack of diagnostic facilities and awareness about the disease. The costs for the drug treatment, which must be done daily over a lifetime, are unaffordable for many people. Moreover, the eye drops are available in all regions. In glaucoma in sub-Saharan-Africa much more than in Europe. Only when it comes to sehbeeinträch transparent, go the patient to the doctor, because in the early stages of glaucoma there are no symptoms. But then it is already too late and the damage caused by the disease can no longer be undone. In Nigeria, about everyone suffers 20. Man over 40 years of glaucoma, but 94% are not aware of this, as a study has shown.

The international week of the Green Stars, the International Agency for prevention of blindness (IAPB), the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the International centre for eye health (ICEH), with the support of Allergan a global campaign. In the context of this week there will be numerous presentations will be made internationally accessible. Jess Blijkers of light for the world will speak in London about the need for an Africa-wide programme against the green Star. „We have to support is the duty of the ministries of health and partners in the management of the glaucoma problem, if we want to continue to comprehensive eye health talk“, so Blijkers.

[Link to the International glaucoma week]
(https://www.iapb.org/advocacy/world-glaucoma-week-2019/)

Photos: [https://www.licht-fuer-die-welt.at/glaukom_woche]
(https://www.licht-fuer-die-welt.at/glaukom_woche)

Light for the world

Light for the world, an international professional organization for inclusive development, with its headquarters in Austria. Our goal is an inclusive society that is open to everyone and anyone. We are committed to barrier-free eye medical care and support, including education and environment for a self-determined life for people with disabilities can take an active and equal part in society. Light for the world is organized as an independent, non-profit Association and country offices in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mozambique and South Sudan. With our programs we strengthen the rights of people with disabilities, to enable them lead a self-determined life and help you get out of the poverty trap.

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Questions:
Franko Petri
Press officer light for the world
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