1 in every 20 Nigerians from 40 years has glaucoma, says ODORBN

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the 2024 World Glaucoma Week, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board Of Nigeria, ODORBN, has said that one in every 20 Nigerians from 40 years has glaucoma, adding that one out of five is blind.

The group also said there are approximately 8,500 people aged 40 years and above with glaucoma per million population.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja to mark the week, ODORBN, in a text read by its Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr.  Obinna Edwin Awiaka, noted that "Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide after catarat."

"An estimated 60.5 million people have glaucoma out of which 8.4 million have become blind. The prevalence is estimated to be on the increase and projected to affect 79.6 million people by the year globally 2026.

"Yet, amidst the darkness, there shines a beacon of hope—a beacon fueled by awareness, education, and proactive intervention," he said.

Recall that the World Glaucoma Week is a global initiative of the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) aimed at raising awareness about glaucoma. 

Through a series of engaging worldwide activities, patients, eye-care providers, health professionals and the general public are invited to contribute to sight preservation. 

Speaking at the event, Dr Awiaka explained that, "The goal is to alert everyone to have regular eye (and optic nerve) checks in order to detect glaucoma as early as possible. It is a time of reflection, awareness, and action in combating Glaucoma which is one of the leading causes of blindness."

The text of the speech he presented at the event read in part: "As the Registrar of the Optometrist and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria (ODORBN), I am before you today with a sense of duty and commitment to the noble cause of safeguarding vision by means of standardization of practice, regulation, training re-training of professionals and promoting public awareness towards proper eye care services and delivery systems. 

"In the tapestry of life, our eyes serve as the vibrant threads that weave together the colors of our world, allowing us to behold the splendor of creation and experience the richness of existence.

"Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve of the human eye, eventually to vision loss and blindness. The direct cause of nerve damage is not very well understood. However, glaucoma is usually associated with increased intraocular pressure and other risk factors such age, race, family history, etc.

"Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be treated with medication and/or surgery. 
Many people are not quite familiar with the risk factors or effects of glaucoma, That is why initiatives such as the World Glaucoma Week were instituted to raise awareness and educate the public.

"In the mosaic of humanity, glaucoma presents itself as a shadowy specter, threatening to dim the brilliance of our visual landscape. It is a silent thief, stealthily robbing individuals of their sight, their independence, and their dignity."

He also explained that "Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide after catarat, an estimated 60.5 million people have glaucoma out of which 8.4 million have become blind. 

"The prevalence is estimated to be on the increase and projected to affect 79.6 million people by the year globally 2026.
Yet, amidst the darkness, there shines a beacon of hope—a beacon fueled by awareness, education, and proactive intervention."

According to Awiaka, "ODORBN, as the vanguard of optometry and dispensing optics in Nigeria, stands steadfast in its resolve to illuminate the path towards ocular health and well-being."

"Through rigorous regulation, comprehensive education, and tireless advocacy, we endeavor to equip our members with the knowledge, skills, and compassion necessary to serve as guardians of vision and champions of ocular excellence.

"On this important occasion, as we gather under the benevolent gaze of providence, let us pause to reflect on the sanctity of sight and the preciousness of vision. Let us heed the clarion call to action, mobilizing our collective energies and resources in the battle against glaucoma—a battle not waged with swords and shields, but with informed knowledge , requisite skills and adequate implements, with compassion, commitment, and kindness.

"Each year, the world Glaucoma association adopts a common theme. The theme of this year World Glaucoma Week is "uniting to fight for a glaucoma free World". This resonates deeply within our souls, reminding us of the boundless potential that lies within each pair of eyes. It is a reminder that, in the tapestry of life, every thread is precious, every hue is sacred, and every vision is a testament to the divine artistry of creation," he added.