Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has stated that almost all Nigerians are in danger of glaucoma, a main cause of irreversible blindness.
Salako stated this during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday in honor of World Glaucoma Week, which is themed “Uniting for a Glaucoma Free World; See the Future Clearly.”
WGW is an annual event held in the second week of March to highlight the significance of regular eye exams and early detection of the mainly asymptomatic and deadly disease.
Glaucoma is an eye condition in which the optic nerve is gradually and irreversibly destroyed, resulting in peripheral vision loss in the early stages and blindness in later stages.
It is the second most prevalent cause of blindness and the major cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, including in Nigeria.
Salako, who was represented by Dr. Akpan Nse, Director of Port Health Services, noted, “Glaucoma is reported to affect an estimated 60.5 million people worldwide, about 87 percent of whom are living in developing countries.
“The Nigerian blindness and visual impairment survey 2005-2007 reported that over 4.2 percent of the Nigerian population was blind; 16.7 percent 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, and advocacy; improving patient journeys through the health system; leveraging 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 mentioned that the ministry recently established and launched the National Glaucoma Screening and Treatment Guidelines, which provide clinical and programmatic guidelines on glaucoma screening and management.
In her keynote address, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, advised Nigerians to take action by arranging a routine complete eye checkup to prevent glaucoma vision loss.
“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.
Okolo, for her part, underlined the crucial issue of irreversible blindness caused by glaucoma, especially when it is not discovered and treated early.
“As part of its (the ministry’s) responsibilities to create awareness, to formulate policy, and to 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, James Onele, Programme Manager for the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, stated that strong vision increases one’s quality of life.
“If a man, woman, or child has access to good eye care, they will improve their health; they will 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 centers in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, and Idanre, Ondo State. We are planning to do more so that every household can see better.”
