No fewer than six million Nigerians are at the risk of going blind as a result of untreated glaucoma, Head of Optometry Department, Imo State University, Prof. Frank Iwuagwu has revealed.
Briefing journalists in Owerri on a survey conducted by students, he said about five percent of glaucoma patients in the country is are from Imo State.
Also, ahead of 2020 World Glaucoma Week, Iwuagwu urged other stakeholders to use the opportunity to organise various enlightenment programmes.
He described glaucoma as a major cause of blindness globally, saying: “Unfortunately, only a few percentage of the sufferers are aware of their condition. The rest may go blind without having a chance to fight for their sight.
“Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterised by silent and gradual loss of vision,” Iwuagwu said.
Also speaking, Chairman, Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), Dr. Chinaka Nwosu said eye clinics in the state would conduct a two-day free glaucoma screening for residents.
He said the exercise was part of the activities lined up for the upcoming 2020 World Glaucoma Week, scheduled for March 9- March 13.
He said the exercise was also aimed at creating awareness on glaucoma and its prevalence rate in the country.
“We want to inform you that on March 8 (today), there will be a public lecture involving all experts in Imo ahead of the world glaucoma week. Also, our resource persons will guide us in terms of the new trends, conditions and other preventive measures that we must take to fight glaucoma,” he said.