Date: 2013-03-15

Ilorin - At least 3 million Nigerians are currently suffering from glaucoma, a medical expert said on Thursday during 2013 World glaucoma week.

Ayo Bello, who is an ophthalmologist and medical consultant, gave the figure here while speaking with journalists at the commemoration of 2013 World glaucoma week, adding that the figure increased annually by 3 percent.

According to him, glaucoma which is an eye condition that causes blindness worldwide and affects both adults and children. He advised Nigerians to embark on regular medical check-ups to prevent eye diseases such as glaucoma.

The ophthalmologist said the disease is most common among the black race and advised Nigerians to avail themselves the opportunity of free eye test in their states which is part of the celebration of the week.

He disclosed that a glaucoma patients association would soon be formed nationwide to enable patients to interact with one another and also fashion out means of assisting one another.