14,000 Niger residents blind from cataracts, 5,000 new cases recorded annually
Niger State Faces Cataract Blindness Crisis, Health Officials Reveal
MINNA, Niger State — Approximately 14,000 individuals in Niger State are currently affected by cataract-induced blindness, with an estimated 5,000 new cases reported each year, according to the Niger State Ministry of Health. This alarming information was shared during a press briefing on Thursday, held to commemorate World Sight Day, which occurs annually on October 8.
Dr. Halima Isah Umar, Chairman of the Niger State Eye Care Programme and Head of the Eye Centre at the General Hospital in Minna, highlighted that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the state, accounting for between 50 to 60 percent of all cases.
“The 14,000 figure reflects individuals who have become blind from cataracts but have not yet received treatment,” Umar said. She noted that the increasing annual cases are predominantly linked to the aging population.
Lack of awareness, the financial burden of surgery, and limited access to eye care services are significant barriers delaying treatment for many patients. Umar indicated that current interventions focus on indigent patients, with plans to assist between 30 to 50 individuals. A larger initiative, however, aims to reach about 1,000 beneficiaries.
The program will also extend free treatment for non-surgical conditions, including infections, glaucoma, and allergies, in addition to providing reading glasses. Patients requiring specialized care will be referred to appropriate services.
Umar emphasized that while cataracts are primarily age-related and cannot be entirely prevented, adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels may help slow their progression. She underscored the effectiveness of surgical treatment and cautioned residents against using unproven eye drops marketed as alternatives.
Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana, Niger State’s Commissioner for Health, announced that activities celebrating World Sight Day would include 30 free cataract surgeries, comprehensive vision screening, treatment of non-surgical eye conditions, and the distribution of 200 free reading glasses. The screening and treatment event will be held at the Eye Centre, General Hospital in Minna from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bagana urged residents to seek medical attention before their vision deteriorates further, adding that the state’s eye health program collaborates with several organizations—including the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria and the Nigerian Optometric Association—to amplify awareness of eye care.
He also reported that a previous eye camp conducted in the state performed over 200 cataract surgeries and distributed more than 1,000 eyeglasses.
Dr. Abdullahi Imam, Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Health, reiterated the dangers of relying on unproven remedies for cataracts, stating that such products could prevent patients from seeking timely, appropriate care. He urged residents experiencing vision issues to consult medical professionals instead of depending on ineffective solutions.
