Dr. Issam Alzimaity Deputy Executive Director of Medical Services at Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Western Region pointed out that awareness and education became local and international strategy that get the attention of MNG-HA due to the believe of the importance of health awareness role as it is correcting the wrong concepts in the society. King Abdulaziz Medical City – Jeddah aims to spread awareness among society about the importance of general health that lead to healthy society. These was during cutting the ribbon of the educational medical exhibition that was held on the occasion of The Glaucoma World Awareness Day that was held by KAMC – Jeddah, Ophthalmology Department with the participation of Saudi Ophthalmological Society (SOS), The Ophthalmology Fellowship Program - Western Region and the Training Centers in the hospital.
Moreover, Dr. Saeed Al-Ghamdi Ophthalmology Consultant, Head of The Ophthalmology Fellowship Program - Western Region explained that the World Glaucoma Week is held every year in March to raise awareness of this disease, that is often associated with a buildup of pressure inside the eye which causes damage to the optic nerve tissues followed by a gradual loss of the visual field and vision loss if not treated. Additionally, he pointed out that Glaucoma occurs when fluid isn't circulating normally in the front part of the eye where there is an imbalance between the amount of fluid produced by the eye and the ability the eye’s ability to discharge it, causing fluid buildup, which leads to pressure on the inner eye tissues, including the optic nerve and eventually leading to its damage. Moreover, Glaucoma is the third major cause of blindness in the Kingdom as it causes gradual permanent loss of eyesight if not detected and treated in its early stages.
Additionally, Dr. Al-Ghamdi pointed out that causes of Glaucoma can be as a result of genetic factors, eye diseases such as Hyperopia (Farsightedness), Anterior Uveitis as well as being over forty years of age. He also added that children who use cortisone and people with dark skin are more prone to be affected by Glaucoma. More importantly, Dr. Al-Ghamdi stressed out the importance of visiting the ophthalmologist if any Glaucoma symptoms appear, namely, (loss of peripheral vision, seeing colored halos around lights, eye redness accompanied by pain), in addition, Glaucoma can be prevented through annual eye examination for those over the age of forty, to early detect any signs that may lead to high eye pressure; it’s equally important to examine the eye pressure of all family members that has any history of eye blood pressure at least once a year.
Last but not least, increasing awareness about this disease is of great importance in spreading concepts and correcting any misconceptions in the community to further improve the health of individuals and community members alike, Dr. Al-Ghamdi said. Furthermore, this awareness event was accompanied by a medical exhibition held at the Outpatient Center that hosted a Q&A in addition to conducting eye examination to the visitors such as eye pressure, and distributing brochures and pamphlets that contain a brief about Glaucoma and its symptoms, complications, diagnosis and the ways to prevent it.