Experts Link Vision Loss to Glaucoma, Diabetes

As cases of visual impairment continue to rise globally, a university don, Professor Chimdi M. Chuka-Okosa, has identified refractive error, glaucoma, diabetes, and other eye conditions as the leading causes of vision loss.

Professor Chuka-Okosa, a Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, made this known on Tuesday during the 2025 World Sight Day celebration held at the Institute of Eye Health and Visual Sciences Research (IEHVSR), David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Speaking on the theme “Love Your Eyes,” Chuka-Okosa stressed the importance of regular eye examinations, noting that one in seven people globally suffers from some form of visual impairment.

“You can’t do anything without your eyes. Good vision enhances security, promotes economic well-being, and improves academic performance,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to adopt preventive eye care practices such as routine eye checks, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding self-medication or harmful traditional remedies, including the use of breast milk to treat eye infections.

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Delivering a paper on “The Role of Pathologists in the Prevention of Avoidable Blindness Due to Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs),” Dr. Kiran Ekochin, a Consultant Pathologist, highlighted the vital role of pathologists in healthcare delivery — including accurate diagnosis, prognosis, multidisciplinary treatment planning, and disease monitoring.

Dr. Ekochin noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes 21 neglected tropical diseases, with a target to control and eliminate them by 2030.

Also speaking, Dr. Jennifer C. Obani from the Department of Optometry, DUFUHS, delivered a lecture on “The Critical Role of Children’s Vision and Eye Health in Ensuring Readiness for Learning, Development, and Lifelong Well-being.”

She explained that vision involves both the eyes and the brain, adding that visual development continues until about five years of age. Dr. Obani recommended paediatric eye examinations at birth, vision screening before school entry, and teacher training to identify early signs of visual challenges.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of DUFUHS, Professor Jesse Uneke, commended participants for their contributions toward promoting quality eye health in Nigeria.

Represented by Dr. Richard Nnabu, Professor Uneke revealed that the Institute for Eye Health and Visual Sciences Research had provided free eye treatment to over 2,400 patients since its launch in February, benefiting rural dwellers and low-income individuals across the country.

“We are committed to ensuring that quality eye care reaches the most vulnerable populations,” he stated.

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The event featured lectures, free screenings, and public health advocacy promoting early detection and prevention of visual impairment.