The short answer
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, usually without pain, and the sight it takes cannot be brought back. People of African heritage are at higher risk, as is anyone with a parent, brother or sister who has it. A glaucoma check measures the eye pressure, looks at the optic nerve and tests your side vision. If it is found early, drops, laser or surgery can protect the sight you still have.
See eye doctors in KadunaMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Why a check matters even when you see well
Glaucoma usually starts at the edges of your vision. The brain fills in the gaps, so most people notice nothing until a lot of sight has gone. By then the damage is permanent. That is why the check is done before symptoms, not after.
Who should be checked
Ask for a glaucoma check if any of these apply to you:
- A parent, brother, sister or child has glaucoma
- You are of African heritage and over 40
- You have diabetes, high blood pressure or very short sight
- You have used steroid eye drops, creams or tablets for a long time
- You have had an eye injury
What the check involves
None of the tests hurt. The doctor measures the pressure inside the eye, often with a numbing drop and a gentle probe, looks at the optic nerve at the back of the eye, sometimes after drops that widen the pupil, and may test your field of vision on a machine where you press a button when you see a light. Drops that widen the pupil blur your sight for a few hours, so bring someone to take you home.
If glaucoma is found
Treatment lowers the eye pressure to protect the nerve. Most people start with daily drops, which must be used every day for life, even when the eye feels fine. Laser treatment or an operation is used when drops are not enough or cannot be used. Treatment protects the sight you have; it does not bring back sight already lost. In families, it helps if the person who is diagnosed tells their brothers, sisters and grown children so they can be checked too.
Where to be seen in Kaduna on Mezo
Request an eye appointment in Kaduna through Mezo. The care team arranges it with a consultant ophthalmologist and confirms where and when, or you can see an eye doctor by video first.
Common questions
Can I stop my glaucoma drops when my eyes feel fine?
No. Glaucoma does not cause symptoms you can feel, so feeling fine says nothing about the pressure. Stopping drops lets the damage carry on silently. Talk to your doctor before changing anything.
How often should I be checked?
Your doctor will advise based on your risk and your results. If glaucoma is diagnosed you will need regular reviews for life, because the pressure and the nerve need watching.
Does my HMO cover glaucoma care?
If you have an HMO, eligible plans can cover eye care on Mezo, and the Mezo desk files the prior authorisation with your HMO for you.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Glaucoma: diagnosis and management. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- Glaucoma. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 23 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.