By ATBUTH Calls for Sustained Behavioural Change to Tackle Rising Glaucoma Cases
A Chief Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, Professor Abdul Mahdi, has called for sustained behavioural change to address the rising cases of glaucoma in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Professor Mahdi made the appeal during a presentation titled “Challenges of Glaucoma Care” to mark the 2026 World Glaucoma Week, held at ATBUTH in Bauchi.
He emphasised that creating glaucoma support groups across communities would help increase awareness and encourage early detection of the disease.
According to him, about 76 million people were living with glaucoma worldwide in 2020, with projections indicating that the number could rise to 110 million by 2040.
Professor Mahdi also cited findings from the Baltimore Eye Study, which show that Black people have a 6.6 times higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to White people.
The consultant ophthalmologist identified several risk factors associated with glaucoma, including age, race, and genetic predisposition, among others.
He stressed the importance of early screening, awareness, and behavioural change in reducing the burden of the disease, particularly in developing regions.
