A staggering 1.13 million Nigerians over the age of 40 are visually impaired, with glaucoma being the primary cause of irreversible vision loss in the country. According to the national coordinator of the national eye health program at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Okolo Oteri, glaucoma is a chronic but treatable condition that requires lifelong treatment.
Oteri spoke at the launch of glaucoma guidelines and a toolkit for health professionals in Abuja, highlighting the gravity of the situation. She revealed that glaucoma is the second most common cause of visual impairment in Nigeria, accounting for 16.7% of vision loss, and affects nearly 5% of the population.
The survey also found that only 5.6% of those affected by glaucoma are aware they have the condition, and a staggering 20% have already lost their sight due to lack of timely treatment. Oteri emphasized that there is a significant gap in meeting the eye health promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation needs of patients with glaucoma in Nigeria.
The coordinator pointed out that socioeconomic factors, including lack of awareness, late presentation, limited access to eye care services and medications, and poor adherence to treatment and follow-up, exacerbate the issue. Additionally, religious and cultural beliefs can lead to acceptance of blindness as a natural part of aging.
Furthermore, Oteri highlighted that direct and indirect costs associated with seeking care and treatment are significant challenges. Inadequate eye care infrastructure and equipment, as well as health system inefficiencies and bottlenecks, can make it difficult for patients to access timely and effective care.
The coordinator stressed that an efficient care pathway is crucial for addressing glaucoma in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for improved awareness, increased access to eye care services, and better patient adherence to treatment regimens.
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