Nursing Management Perspective of Health Care for Patients with Glaucoma in the Nigerian Health System

Abstract

Nurses, especially the ophthalmic nurses, should rise up to the challenge of the silent thief of sight known as glaucoma which is popularly referred to as the second leading cause of blindness in Nigeria and the world at large. Just as hypertension is to the heart and circulatory system so also, glaucoma is to the eyes. The effect of losing one’s sight cuts across every aspect of the individuals’ life, physically, mentally, psychologically, socially and otherwise. Thus, there is the need to constantly sound the trumpet of awareness about this disease that comes as an individual ages. The causes, types, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, assessment and diagnostic findings, pharmacological, surgical and a comprehensive nursing management of patients with glaucoma, prevention/control of glaucoma and follow-up care were reviewed. This was in order to help create the awareness about the disease and the need to prevent and control the progress of the disease, thus helping in the reduction of the incidence of blindness caused by “the silent thief of sight”. Hence, recommendations were made to promote the knowledge of the disease, and for early assessment for those at risk of the disease and early treatment to prevent complications associated with it. The role of a nurse in the fight against blindness is crucial as he/she has the advantage of meeting people and earning their trust both within and outside the clinical setting.