Glaucoma Second Leading Cause Of Blindness In Nigeria

Plateau State commissioner for Health, Dr Nicolas Ba’amlong, has declared that glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness after cataract in Nigeria.

He, therefore, called for a united push for regular eye checks, early diagnosis and affordable treatment.

Ba’amlong made the disclosure at a press conference in Jos to mark the World Glaucoma Week observed every year to educate people about glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can lead to permanent blindness if not detected and treated early.

The commissioner said Nigeria Blindness and Vision Impairment Survey, Prevalence of Glaucoma affects five percent of the population, adding that it accounts for 16.7 percent of blindness cases, while 5.6 percent of the affected individuals knew they had the disease and one in five persons were already blind at diagnosis.

He maintained that the 2023 Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey in Plateau State reported prevalence of blindness to be 2.7 percent which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.7 percent stressing that glaucoma accounted for 17 percent of such blindness.

The theme for this year ” Uniting for Glaucoma Free World” emphasised the power of collective action in tackling one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. It conveys both urgency and hope highlighting that while glaucoma cannot be cured, blindness from it can often be prevented through awareness, early detection and treatment.

Dr. Ba’amlong further explained that “Glaucoma Week reminds us that protecting visions is a shared responsibility because when we unite to promote awareness, early testing and accessible treatment, we move closer to the future where no one loses his sight to glaucoma.”