Based on findings, about 4.2 percent of adults at the age of 40 and above are blind and an additional 3 million individuals are suffering from visual impairment. For children in the country, 3.9 percent are suffering from mild visual impairment, 2.7 percent for moderate impairment, and 0.2 percent for blindness. According to Okolo Oteri, the coordinator of the National Eye Health Initiative at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, glaucoma is the primary cause of irreversible vision loss in Nigeria and around the globe. While glaucoma condition is dire, severe vision loss can be avoided with early detection and treatment.
A survey on Nigeria blindness and vision impairment revealed that 0.78 percent of Nigerians are blind across all age groups. Glaucoma, which accounts for 16.7% of the burden of vision loss and has a prevalence of 5%, is the second most common cause of visual impairment in the country. In the survey report, just 5.6% of respondents were aware they had the illness, and 20% of those respondents had already lost their vision. Oteri noted that there is a deficiency in the promotion of eye health, prevention of blindness, treatment, and rehabilitation needs of glaucoma patients in Nigeria.
Millions of Nigerians are suffering from visual impairments.
There are also underlying disparities in the accessibility of glaucoma services that are promptly available, fair, safe, people-driven, cohesive, and effective. Socioeconomic disadvantage worsens this, leading to issues like limited access to eye care services and medication, poor treatment and follow-up compliance, stigma and social marginalization experienced by those with visual impairments, Other challenges include a lack of awareness on eye health and the direct and indirect costs of seeking medical attention. Some religious and cultural beliefs also accept any form of visual impairment as a natural aspect of aging.
As a major Public Health concern, millions of individuals in Nigeria suffer from visual impairments, which negatively affects their quality of life. Patients may find their encounters with the health system difficult and uncomfortable due to inadequate Infrastructure and equipment for eye care, as well as inefficiencies within the system. According to a national survey conducted in Nigeria on glaucoma therapy and practice patterns, only around 30% of ophthalmologists had access to laser equipment, and 15-20% of clinics lacked basic diagnostic tools. Thus, it is essential to develop an effective glaucoma care system.
Rural areas have a higher rate of vision loss.
Open-angle glaucoma (OAG), which is more common among Africans, is the most common kind of glaucoma in Nigeria. West Africa is estimated to have the highest prevalence of OAG, which is also the most extremely complicated to treat. About 16.7 percent of blind cases in Nigeria are caused by glaucoma, and 90 percent of people affected are unaware that they have the disease. It causes damage to the optic nerves and frequently worsens with no obvious symptoms until serious visual impairment happens, therefore early detection and routine ocular check-ups are essential for care and prevention.
Within the country, there are 285,000 blind individuals out of an estimated 1.13 million people with visual impairments. When compared to urban regions, rural areas have a higher rate of vision loss. The most common causes of vision impairment are cataracts, with glaucoma and refractive problems following closely behind. Others include trachoma, optic neuritis, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), and corneal opacities. Nigerians suffering from vision problems confront particular difficulties due to the country’s inadequate accessibility and support services. Nonetheless, there are several programmes and organizations striving to make their lives better.
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Some of the organizations are the Nigerian National Association of the Blind (NNAB), which promotes the Welfare and rights of Nigerians who are visually impaired. The Blind Care Project offers visually challenged people Empowerment programmes, skill development, and education. The Nigerian Society for the Blind provides braille materials, assistive technology, and rehabilitation services. An international organization, Sightsavers Nigeria works to improve eye health and promote inclusive education. These organizations, among others, are contributing significantly. Yet, more aid and awareness campaign are required to make Nigerians with vision impairments feel more included in society.