There are hundreds of eye diseases and vision problems in Nigeria that are severe conditions that can cause visual difficulties. While some diseases have no cure, others can be effectively managed or treated. They vary in distribution worldwide due to geographical, racial, and socio-economic factors. Below are the leading 5 eye diseases in Nigeria.
The prevalence of eye diseases and vision problems in Nigeria varies from state to state. However, it can be said that millions of Nigerians suffer from one form of vision problem. The leading five eye conditions that frequently result in vision loss or blindness are:
According to a survey, presbyopia is Nigeria’s most common eye disease affecting children. The eye’s capacity to
focus on nearby objects diminishes gradually. It is also considered part of the aging process as it is possible
in individuals in their early to mid-40s and continues to worsen until age 65.
Presbyopia is caused by a hardening of the eye’s lens, which occurs with aging. As your lens becomes less
flexible, it can no longer change shape to focus on close-up images. Consequently, these images appear out of
focus.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that result in a slow, progressive deterioration of the optic nerves. If left untreated, it can ultimately result in vision impairment and blindness. This condition manifests in various
forms, but the two primary types, distinguished by intraocular pressure, are Open-angle glaucoma (generally more common) and Angle-closure glaucoma.
While the exact cause of glaucoma remains uncertain, several people with this condition have high eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure. This condition typically has a hereditary component and may not manifest until later.
Glaucoma doesn’t usually have any visible signs, though some people may have:
The primary treatment for glaucoma usually involves lowering intraocular pressure through medications, laser therapy, or surgery.
A cataract is a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. It is widely known as one of the predominant factors leading to vision loss among individuals aged 40 and older in Nigeria and a prominent contributor to global blindness. Cataracts disperse and obstruct the passage of light through the eye’s lens, impeding the formation of clear, well-defined images on the retina and consequently causing blurred vision. A study on retired public service workers in a metropolitan city in Southern Nigeria revealed that cataracts ranked among the top causes of blindness.
The lens is mainly made up of water and protein tissues, which are arranged precisely to keep the lens clear and transparent. Age-related factors and other medical conditions lead to the deterioration and aggregation of protein tissues in the lens, forming cloudy patches within the lens.
A pterygium, a surfer’s eye, is a wing-shaped fibrovascular growth. It is a degenerative disorder in which the conjunctiva or mucous membrane, which is non-cancerous, covers the white part of the eye over the cornea. A benign growth frequently exhibits a wedge-like shape. It neither causes problems nor visual impairment but should be removed if it obstructs or interferes with vision.
The exact cause of pterygium is unclear, but it is believed that there is a dysfunction in the stem cells near the corneoscleral junction, resulting in its information.
Allergic conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva resulting from an allergic reaction. It occurs when a person’s eye comes into contact with an allergen (a foreign substance that makes the body react). The vision becomes inflamed and sore. Some allergens include animal fur, pollen, eye drops, cosmetic products/make-up, dust mites, etc. In Nigeria, this eye disease is called ‘Apollo Eye Disease.’
Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the body’s defense mechanisms are activated in response to a perceived threat, typically when the eye is exposed to substances that induce the release of histamine (a powerful chemical employed by the body to combat intruders) and other active substances by mast cells.
Given below is the eye problems list compiled by our expert ophthalmologists
Certain eye conditions and illnesses could have similar symptoms, but others might have distinct indications and symptoms. Here’s a description of the symptoms of eye diseases list given above:
| Eye Conditions | Possible Eye Problems Symptoms |
| Cataracts | cloudy or blurred vision, faded colours, glare, and difficulty seeing at night. |
| Diabetic retinopathy | blurred vision, floaters, fluctuating vision, dark or empty areas in vision, and impaired colour vision. |
| Glaucoma | Often asymptomatic in the early stages; gradual peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, eye pain, headache, and halos around lights. |
| AMD | blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and dark or empty areas in the central vision |
| Retinal detachment | Sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, and a curtain-like shadow over the visual field. |
| Conjunctivitis | Redness, itchiness, water or discharge, gritty feeling in the eyes, and sensitivity to light. |
| Dry eye syndrome | Stinging or burning sensation, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and fluctuating vision. |
| Refractive errors | Blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, eye strain, and headaches. |
| Floaters and flashes | Spots, cobwebs, or specks that float in the field of vision, and flashes of light. |
| Retinitis pigmentosa | Difficulty seeing at night, loss of peripheral vision, and tunnel vision. |
| Keratoconus | Distorted vision, sensitivity to light, and frequent changes in eyeglass prescription. |
| Amblyopia | Reduced vision in one eye, poor depth perception, and misaligned eyes |
| Blepharitis | Red, swollen eyelids, itching, burning, crusty eyelashes, and blurred vision. |
| Strabismus | Misaligned eyes, double vision, and difficulty focusing. |
| Uveitis | Eye pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and floaters. |
Even if certain eye problems symptoms could coexist, seeing an eye care specialist for a precise diagnosis and the best course of action is crucial.
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