Health experts have called for urgent measures to combat glaucoma following a warning by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako that “virtually all Nigerians are at risk” of the disease.
The minister, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to mark World Glaucoma Week, emphasised Nigeria’s genetic predisposition, the asymptomatic nature of the disease and the critical need for early detection.
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, is particularly prevalent among people of African descent. Salako, represented by the director of port health services, Dr. Akpan Nse cited statistics showing that 60.5 million people globally are affected, with 87 per cent of cases occurring in developing countries. He referenced the Nigerian Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey (2005-2007), which found that over 4.2 per cent of Nigerians were blind, with glaucoma accounting for 16.7 per cent of cases.
Reacting to the minister’s statement, ophthalmologists stressed the need for early intervention. Dr. Lawal Olatunji, a consultant ophthalmologist in Abuja, noted that while Nigeria’s high genetic risk is a concern, not every Nigerian will develop glaucoma. However, individuals over 40, those with a family history of the disease and people with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension face a significantly higher risk. He urged regular eye screenings for early detection.
Public health expert, Dr. Ifeoma Nwachukwu highlighted the silent nature of glaucoma, explaining that the disease progresses gradually without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many Nigerians, she said, only seek medical attention when the disease has reached an advanced stage, making vision loss irreversible. She commended the government’s recent launch of the National Glaucoma Screening and Treatment Guidelines but pointed out that many Nigerians still struggle to access proper eye care due to financial constraints.
“Glaucoma treatment is lifelong, requiring either medication or surgical intervention. Many Nigerians cannot afford these treatments, so the government must subsidise care and integrate glaucoma screenings into routine health check-ups at primary healthcare centres,” she said.
An eye care advocate, Dr. Amina Adebayo, stressed the importance of awareness campaigns, noting that a significant number of Nigerians remain unaware of glaucoma until it is too late. She called for increased public education, particularly in rural areas, using radio, television and social media to spread vital information.
“We must involve the government, private sector and civil society organisations in the fight against glaucoma,” Adebayo said. “Eye care services need to be scaled up, more ophthalmologists trained, and research on glaucoma in Nigeria expanded.”
She also highlighted the role of technology in early detection, advocating for the deployment of telemedicine and mobile eye screening units to underserved areas. “We cannot continue to let preventable blindness occur at this rate,” she warned.
The minister, in his remarks, outlined risk factors for glaucoma, including age, African ancestry, family history, diabetes, hypertension, eye injuries and prolonged use of corticosteroids. He noted that studies show an earlier onset and more aggressive progression of the disease in Africans compared to other populations.
To address this challenge, the minister announced the launch of the National Glaucoma Screening and Treatment Guidelines, aimed at standardising screening procedures, improving patient care and leveraging technology for better outcomes. He urged all Nigerians, particularly those over 40, to schedule regular eye exams, emphasising that while sight lost to glaucoma cannot be regained, blindness can be prevented through early detection and intervention.
World Glaucoma Week, observed annually, raises awareness about the disease and promotes regular eye examinations for early detection. In 2025, the event will take place from March 10 to 16, with activities such as public lectures, free eye screenings, media campaigns and educational programmes aimed at reducing the burden of preventable blindness.
Experts agree that while glaucoma remains a major public health issue in Nigeria, increased awareness, improved healthcare policies and expanded access to treatment can significantly reduce its impact.
