The Chief Executive Officer of PIWAK Natural Health, producers of 3P Garlic Mixture, Dr Prince Nelson Mortoti, has called for increased public awareness about glaucoma, urging Ghanaians to take eye health seriously and seek professional medical attention whenever they experience changes in their vision.
Dr Mortoti said glaucoma remains a serious eye condition that can gradually damage the optic nerve and, if left untreated, lead to permanent vision loss.
According to eye-health experts, glaucoma often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages. This makes regular eye examinations particularly important, especially for people who are at higher risk. The National Eye Institute notes that glaucoma can initially have no symptoms, while vision loss may begin with the gradual loss of peripheral or side vision.
Understanding glaucoma.
Glaucoma is not a single disease but a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.
One important risk factor is increased pressure inside the eye. However, high eye pressure does not automatically mean that a person has glaucoma, and some people can develop glaucoma even when their eye pressure is within the normal range.
Dr Mortoti therefore encouraged individuals not to wait until they experience severe vision problems before visiting an eye specialist.
“Your eyes are precious, and protecting your sight requires early attention. Do not wait until your vision has deteriorated before seeking help,” he advised.
What causes glaucoma?
The exact causes of the most common forms of glaucoma are not completely understood. However, increased pressure inside the eye is an important risk factor because it can damage the optic nerve.
Other factors associated with increased risk include advancing age and a family history of glaucoma. Certain populations, including people of African descent, also face increased risk, making regular eye examinations particularly important.
Glaucoma may also occur in connection with other eye conditions, injuries or certain medical circumstances.
The danger of the “silent” stage.
One of the major challenges with glaucoma is that it can develop gradually without causing noticeable symptoms.
A person may continue with normal daily activities while damage is occurring to the optic nerve. By the time vision problems become obvious, some permanent damage may already have occurred.
It is believed that there is currently no cure that reverses glaucoma damage, but early treatment can often slow or stop further damage and help preserve remaining vision.
Regular eye examinations are important.
Dr Mortoti stressed the importance of regular eye examinations, particularly for adults and people with a family history of glaucoma.
A comprehensive eye examination can help eye-care professionals identify glaucoma and other eye conditions before substantial vision loss occurs. For people at higher risk, the National Eye Institute recommends discussing the appropriate frequency of comprehensive dilated eye examinations with an eye-care professional.
He also advised people living with diabetes or high blood pressure to follow their doctors’ recommendations for managing these conditions, since good management of systemic diseases can contribute to overall eye health.
Dr Mortoti said PIWAK Natural Health promotes 3P Garlic Mixture as a herbal product formulated from garlic and positioned by the company as part of its approach to general wellness and immune support.
Garlic contains naturally occurring compounds that have attracted considerable interest in nutrition and health research. However, consumers should distinguish between supporting general wellness and treating a diagnosed eye disease.
For people who use 3P Garlic Mixture as part of their general wellness routine, Dr Mortoti urged them to use the product responsibly and to seek professional medical advice for persistent or serious health problems.
Warning signs that should not be ignored.
Although glaucoma can initially have no symptoms, people should seek urgent medical attention if they develop sudden severe eye pain, a red eye, blurred vision or nausea, as these can occur with acute angle-closure glaucoma, which requires immediate treatment.
Other gradual changes in vision should also be discussed with an eye-care professional.
Protect your sight.
Dr Mortoti’s message to the public is that prevention and early detection should form an important part of eye-health care.
He encouraged Ghanaians to:
Have regular comprehensive eye examinations.
Know their family history of glaucoma.
Seek professional attention when they notice changes in vision.
Follow prescribed glaucoma treatment consistently.
Manage conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure as advised by their healthcare providers.
Protect their eyes from injury.
Avoid stopping prescribed medication without speaking to their doctor or eye specialist.
For people already diagnosed with glaucoma, adherence to treatment is particularly important because glaucoma medicines are intended to prevent further damage rather than restore lost vision.
PIWAK’s wellness message.
Dr Mortoti said PIWAK Natural Health would continue to educate the public on healthy living and the responsible use of herbal products.
He said the company’s message is not only about products but also about encouraging people to pay attention to their health and seek appropriate professional care when necessary.
He urged the public to make regular health checks part of their lifestyle, stressing that early action can make a significant difference in protecting one’s quality of life.
“Protect your eyes today because your sight is one of your most valuable possessions,” Dr Mortoti advised.
