Spike in Glaucoma Cases Prompts Abia Government to Warn Against Quack Eye Doctors

The Abia State Government has reported a worrying increase in glaucoma cases, with 6,381 confirmed cases recorded across the state in the past 18 months. The announcement came during activities marking World Glaucoma Week 2026 in Umuahia, the state capital.

Health authorities urged residents to seek regular eye examinations from licensed eye care professionals and warned against unqualified practitioners, noting that fake “eye doctors” and unverified treatments are contributing to worsening vision problems. Officials emphasized that many people may still be undiagnosed, meaning the actual number of affected individuals could be higher.

Glaucoma, often called a “silent blinder,” can progress without noticeable early symptoms and is a leading cause of permanent vision loss. Early detection and proper care are critical to prevent irreversible blindness.

To address the issue, the government has upgraded key eye care centres, conducted thousands of free screenings, and expanded access to sight-restoring surgeries. Residents are encouraged to prioritise professional eye checks and report any unlicensed medical services to authorities.