The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako has said virtually all Nigerians are at risk of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
Salako made this known at a press briefing on Monday in Abuja in commemoration of the World Glaucoma Week themed, “Uniting for a glaucoma free world; see the future clearly.”
WGW is an annual event held every second week of March to emphasise the importance of regular eye checks and early diagnosis of the largely asymptomatic and devastating disease.
Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the optic nerve is progressively and irreversibly damaged resulting to loss of peripheral vision in the beginning, and blindness at advanced stages.
It is the second most common cause of blindness and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and in Nigeria.
Salako who was represented by the Director of Port Health Services, Dr Akpan Nse stated, “Glaucoma is reported to affect an estimated 60.5 million people worldwide, about 87 per cent of which are living in developing countries. The Nigerian blindness and visual impairment survey 2005-2007 reported that over 4.2 per cent of the Nigerian population were blind; 16.7 per cent was due to glaucoma.
“The risk factors associated with glaucoma include African ancestry, which means virtually all Nigerians are at risk and increasing age (over 40 years). Recent studies are reporting an earlier onset of the disease and a more severe course in persons of African descent.
“Additional risk factors include a family history of glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, medical conditions that predispose a person to glaucoma such as diabetes and hypertension, refractive errors, eye injuries, thin corneas and prolonged use of corticosteroid eye drops.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, keenly aware of this data, the specific factors that put Nigerians at risk of vision loss amongst others, has worked assiduously over the years by supporting and implementing targeted screening, public awareness programs, advocacy, improving patient journey through the health system, leverage technology and setting research priorities to improve patient outcomes. This week, we aim to educate the public about glaucoma, the importance of regular eye check-ups and offer screening and spectacles where required.”
He noted that the ministry recently developed and launched the National Glaucoma Screening and Treatment Guidelines to offer clinical and programmatic guidance for glaucoma screening and management.
In her keynote address, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Daju Kachollom, urged Nigerians to take action by scheduling a routine comprehensive eye exam to prevent vision loss caused by glaucoma.
“Many of us have close family or friends who were diagnosed with glaucoma at a late stage. The impact on their vision and life is often significant, and a stark reminder of how crucial early detection is.
“This experience should fuel our passion for raising awareness about this condition and advocating for regular eye check-ups,” Kachollom represented by the National Coordinator, National Eye Health Programme at the ministry, Dr Oteri Okolo.
On her part, Okolo emphasised the critical issue of irreversible blindness caused by glaucoma, particularly when not detected and treated early.
“As part of its (the ministry) responsibilities to create awareness and to formulate policy and develop interventions to tackle this disease, we have decided to call on all key stakeholders to come to this room, get to know what the ministry is doing to tackle this disease, and generally encourage each and every one of us to be a campaigner for glaucoma to ensure that we preserve vision for every single Nigerian from now going forward.
“We want you to envision a world along with us where no single Nigerian is irreversibly blind from glaucoma,” she stated.
In his goodwill message, the Programme Manager for Onesight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, James Onele, believed that good vision improves the quality of life.
“If a man or woman or a child has access to good eye care, they will improve their health, they would be able to function well at work. That’s why we have decided to put forward our support for sustainable paths.
“Last week, we launched two vision centres in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state, and Idanre, Ondo state. We are planning to do more so that every household can see better.”
