16.7% of blindness in Nigeria due to glaucoma – FG
The Federal Ministry of Health says glaucoma accounts for 16.7% of the total blindness rate in Nigeria. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this on Monday in Abuja during the commemoration of the World Glaucoma week. Quoting the Nigerian blindness and visual impairment survey, he said over “4.2% […]
Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako
The Federal Ministry of Health says glaucoma accounts for 16.7% of the total blindness rate in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this on Monday in Abuja during the commemoration of the World Glaucoma week.
Quoting the Nigerian blindness and visual impairment survey, he said over “4.2% of the Nigerian population were blind;16.7% was due to glaucoma.”
Represented by Dr. Michael Akpan, Director Port Health Division, Federal Ministry of Health &Social Welfare, the minister said 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.
He said, “It is also described as ‘the silent thief of sight’ as it develops slowly, and vision can be greatly impaired before any signs or symptoms are apparent. It is the second commonest cause of blindness and leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and in Nigeria. However, it is manageable with early detection. ”
Dr Salako said the ministry has worked assiduously over the years by supporting and implementing targeted screening, public awareness programmes, advocacy, improving patient journey through the health system, leverage technology and setting research priorities to improve patient outcomes.
He said the ministry recently developed and launched the National Glaucoma Screening and Treatment Guidelines.
According to him, these guidelines have been distributed to all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“The document provides clinical and programmatic guidance for screening and management of glaucoma. Guidance on the setting up of patient support groups that put the patient at the centre of their care, improves access, increase adherence to lifelong management and improve their empowerment and social connections for improved outcomes is an important feature,” he added
He stated that last year, ophthalmologists from all the states of the federation were trained in the use of the guidelines to step down the training in their respective states and health facilities.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry Daju Kachollom, who was represented by Dr. Oteri Okolo , National Coordinator National Eye Health Programme urged Nigerians to take action.
He said, “Schedule a routine comprehensive eye exam, encourage your loved ones to do the same, and spread the word about the importance of early detection. Together, we can make a difference and help prevent vision loss caused by glaucoma.”