A recent eye health survey has revealed that cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in Jigawa State, responsible for 40.8 percent of blindness cases.
The results were shared by eye consultant Dr. Tafida Abubakar during a dissemination meeting for the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB7) held in Jigawa State on Tuesday.
The survey indicated that glaucoma contributed to 23.6 percent of blindness cases, while trachomatous and other corneal opacities accounted for 21.1 percent. Additionally, complications from cataract surgeries made up 8.3 percent of cases.
Overall, the survey found a bilateral blindness prevalence of 2.9 percent, affecting approximately 19,638 individuals, while unilateral blindness was recorded at 3.9 percent, impacting around 27,026 people.
It also highlighted a significant need for cataract surgeries, estimating a backlog of 36,623 individuals requiring surgical intervention.
The findings showed that cataract surgical coverage in Jigawa was only 34.9 percent, which is significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s recommended target of at least 80 percent.
On a positive note, the survey found that 90.8 percent of cataract surgeries using intraocular lenses resulted in a visual acuity of at least 6/18, indicating that most patients who underwent surgery achieved good vision.
The survey recommended enhancing cataract surgical services in terms of quantity, quality, and equitable access, along with improved glaucoma detection and management.
It also emphasized the need for increased focus on corneal diseases, expansion of refractive error services, and raising community awareness to eliminate barriers that prevent residents from accessing eye care services.
In response, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kainuwa, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enhancing eye healthcare services in the region.
He noted that over the past two years, the state government, in partnership with various organizations, has treated more