Ex-Edo NMA Chairman Urges Tinubu To Address Surge In Glaucoma Cases Among Nigerians

BENIN – Former Chairman of the Edo State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) , Professor Afekhide Omoti has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formulate a policy
to address the surge of Glaucoma currently ravaging Nigerians.

He revealed that 8 in 100 Nigerians over the age of 40 suffer from glaucoma, which according to him is the world’s second leading cause of blindness after cataract.

Omoti, who is also the Chairman National Eye Health Committee of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Chairman Eye Health Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association disclosed this to newsmen in Benin as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Glaucoma Week with theme “Uniting for a Glaucoma-free World.”

The Professor of Opthalmology said globally that there is an estimated 78 million people diagnosed with glaucoma, adding that the number is projected to rise to 95.4 million by the year 2030 and 111.8 million by 2040.

Omoti expressed worry over the surge in the ailment in the country, noting has made it a growing public health concern.

“In Nigeria, it is more common in older people, in men, and in the Igbo ethnic group. As much as 5.02% of Nigerians have glaucoma and up to 16.7% of blindness in Nigeria is due to glaucoma.

“Eight in 100 Nigerians over the age of 40 have glaucoma. Nine out of 10 of them don’t know they have glaucoma. Five out of 10 of them will present blind in one eye, and 2 out of 10 will present with blindness in both eyes. 1.2 million people 40 years and above are blind from glaucoma,” Omoti said.

The don added that one in 200 individuals aged 40 has glaucoma, with the prevalence increasing to one in eight by age 80.

“Over 7.7 million persons have moderate to severe distance visual impairment or blindness from glaucoma. As the global population ages, the incidence of glaucoma is expected to escalate, making it a growing public health concern.

“Glaucoma is the world’s second leading cause of blindness after cataract. However, glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable irreversible blindness worldwide.

“Globally, there is an estimated 78 million people diagnosed with glaucoma, and this number is projected to rise to 95.4 million by the year 2030, and 111.8 million by 2040. One in 200 individuals aged 40 has glaucoma, with the prevalence increasing to one in eight by age 80. “

“In Nigeria, it is more common in older people, in men, and in the Igbo ethnic group. As much as 5.02% of Nigerians have glaucoma and up to 16.7% of blindness in Nigeria is due to glaucoma. Eight in 100 Nigerians over the age of 40 have glaucoma. Nine out of 10 of them don’t know they have glaucoma. Five out of 10 of them will present blind in one eye, and 2 out of 10 will present with blindness in both eyes. 1.2 million people 40 years and above are blind from glaucoma.

Omoti the World Glaucoma Week 2025 emphasizes the importance of early detection, regular eye examinations, and community education to prevent vision loss adding that the goal is to raise awareness about glaucoma, promote early detection, and encourage people to get tested.

“In Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Program (NEHP), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), the Nigerian Ophthalmic Nurses Association, and the Association of Nigerian Dispensing Opticians (ANDO), will be involved in the activities to mark this event in all the states of Nigeria and in various health institutions.

“The World Glaucoma Week, as usual, will be packed with activities, from free eye examinations to awareness events, walks, and educational talks. You can have your eyes tested at a location near you free of charge. This year, the NMA will be participating under the leadership of its president, Prof Bala Audu,” Omoti said.