By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to undergo early eye check-ups and seek treatment to prevent irreversible blindness, as cases of glaucoma continue to rise in the country.

Expressing concern over the increasing prevalence of the disease, the government noted that Nigerians are genetically predisposed to glaucoma, making early detection and management crucial. It encouraged the public to take advantage of free screenings and report symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, or loss of peripheral sight to healthcare facilities.

Speaking at a briefing to mark the 2025 World Glaucoma Week in Abuja, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, represented by Dr. Akpan Nse, Director of Port Health Services, described glaucoma as a silent thief of sight.

“Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Nigeria. With early detection, it can be managed, but without intervention, it silently steals sight.”

According to the Nigerian Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey (2005–2007), glaucoma accounts for 16.7% of blindness cases in the country. Globally, over 60.5 million people are affected, with 87% of cases recorded in developing countries.

Dr. Salako highlighted several risk factors for glaucoma, including:

Age (above 40 years)

Family history

Elevated eye pressure





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