Musa, a 23 year old grocery seller, went to the chemist about a block from his stall. It was that time of the year again and his eyes, ears and throat were acting up. He could barely function for the itching was quite severe. He does not like harmatttan for the discomfort it brings him.

“Chemist please find something for me. The itching this year seems worse than previous years.”

“Welcome Musa and sorry for the discomfort”, Ayuba the chemist replied.  “I have just what you need. Take this eye ointment and apply it three times. Also use these tablets and you will be fine in no time.”

Musa collected the drugs, thanked him profusely and went home.

True to Ayuba's words he felt some relief after a month of instilling the ointment. He should get some more of these wonderful drugs, Musa thought.

Just then Ikenna his neighbour in the market who sells fabrics visited him. Musa "how market?"

"Tor nagode" Musa replied.  “Allah is helping us. The economy has reduced sales but I can't complain.”

“Did you hear about the eye outreach taking place at the community health centre this weekend?”

“No”, replied Musa. “I was just thinking of going to Ayuba to buy more drugs for my itchy eyes. The medications he gives me are always very good.”

“Wait and attend the outreach,” Ikenna encouraged him. “I learnt eye specialist will be coming with equipment and medicines which will be given free”.

“Thank you Ikenna, I will wait. You are a good friend.”

On Saturday, the day of the Outreach, Musa rose early and went in a hurry to the venue. He joined the queue and soon enough it was his turn.

The doctor listened to him and examined his eyes. After the examination he asked Musa what drugs he had been using for the allergies (eye itching). Musa brought out the ointment from his pocket.

“How long have you been using this?” the doctor prodded.

“Oh, on and off for about 4 years,” Musa replied.

The doctor then told him he had glaucoma induced by the chronic use of the ointment which was a steroid.

He educated him further that chronic unsupervised use of steroids can damage the eyes and cause permanent vision loss. Fortunately the glaucoma and allergies were treatable and he was referred to an eye facility for definitive care.

“In the meantime take these antiglaucoma drops and instill until you see them at the hospital.”

On stepping out of the consulting room, Musa saw Ikenna waiting to be attended to.

“Ikenna my friend”, he shouted. “Thank you for directing me to this outreach. You saved my sight. May Allah reward your good deed.”

• Chronic use of steroids can cause glaucoma
• Blacks are more at risk
• If you need treatment for a chronic eye disease seek care with a qualified eye professional
• Know what you instill in your eyes.

#BeGlaucomaAware

#GetAnEyeCheck

#DoNotSelfMedicate

Dr Mary Ugalahi

25.01.2020