Glaucoma Week: Nigeria Intensifies Awareness as Experts Highlight Risk Factors

Glaucoma Week: Nigeria Intensifies Awareness as Experts Highlight Risk Factors

By Raphael Ekpang

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to combating glaucoma and other eye-health challenges as part of nationwide activities marking Glaucoma Week.

Speaking at a press briefing to launch the weeklong campaign, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako described glaucoma as a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often caused by increased intraocular pressure due to improper fluid drainage. If undetected and untreated, he warned, it can lead to irreversible blindness.

He noted that Glaucoma remains a leading cause of blindness worldwide, and in Nigeria accounts for about 15.7 percent of all blindness cases. Recent surveys show that roughly 5 percent of Nigerians aged 40 and above live with glaucoma, while 90–94 percent remain undiagnosed and untreated—underscoring the urgent need for awareness and early detection.

Dr. Salako said the Federal Government is tackling the challenge through the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan 2024–2030, which prioritises expanding eye-care services across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

“ The Ministry has developed national clinical guidelines and toolkits to standardise diagnosis and treatment, strengthen healthcare capacity, and improve service quality.

“More than 2,000 primary healthcare workers across states and the FCT have been trained and equipped with basic tools for screening and referral.

“To mark World Glaucoma Week, the Ministry, with state ministries, professional bodies, and partners, is rolling out free screenings at selected facilities, public awareness campaigns, community outreach, and media education initiatives to expand access to diagnosis and treatment.”

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, an eye expert described glaucoma as the “silent thief of sight,” noting that one in 20 Nigerians over 40 may be affected. She urged routine eye exams every two to three years, particularly for those at risk.

She said Key risk factors include family history, ageing, diabetes, hypertension, and prolonged unsupervised use of steroid-based medications, especially steroid eye drops, which can raise eye pressure and damage the optic nerve.

“Family history is one of the strongest risk factors. Individuals with relatives who have glaucoma may be up to four times more likely to develop the disease. Therefore, i recommend that people with a family history of glaucoma make regular eye examinations part of their routine healthcare.

“Age is another major factor. People above 40 years of age, particularly those of African descent, face a significantly higher risk. Although glaucoma can occur at any age—including in infants with congenital glaucoma—it becomes far more common with advancing age.”

Dr. Ajani further advised Nigerians to manage blood pressure and diabetes, protect eyes from excessive UV exposure, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid self-medication. She called on media, civil society, community leaders, and health professionals to join the awareness drive.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Daju Kachollom said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030, hinged on improved healthcare and citizen productivity.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening eye care nationwide and eliminating avoidable blindness as essential to national development.