**Glaucoma Cases Rise Alarming in Abia: Government Reveals 6,381 Cases Recorded in 18 Months** The Abia State Government has disclosed that a staggering 6,381 confirmed cases of glaucoma have been recorded in the state within the past 18 months. This revelation was made by the administrator of the Abia Eye Health Management Bureau, Betty Emeka-Obasi, during the World Glaucoma Week 2026 symposium held in Umuahia. According to Emeka-Obasi, the actual number of glaucoma cases in Abia is likely much higher, as many people remain undiagnosed. She attributed the problem to factors such as illiteracy and quackery, calling on stakeholders to work together to tackle the "silent epidemic" of glaucoma. Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness in Nigeria, affects millions of people, with Africa bearing the highest global burden. Emeka-Obasi highlighted the importance of collective action to prevent avoidable sight loss. Under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, the Abia State Government has taken significant steps to improve eye health services. The government has upgraded four public eye health centres, served over 20,500 patients, and conducted over 13,500 free eye screenings across the state. Additionally, more than 2,000 sight-restoring surgeries have been carried out. To improve access to eye care, the bureau has established 10 vision centres within primary healthcare centres. The government is also working to ensure that facilities for glaucoma screening and treatment are accessible. In a keynote address, Professor Bernadine Ekpenyong, a renowned doctor of optometry, reiterated that glaucoma remains the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Nigeria. Risk factors for glaucoma include ageing, heredity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, among others. The World Glaucoma Week symposium, themed "Glaucoma-Free World: A Shared Responsibility", aimed to raise awareness and encourage collective action against glaucoma. With the alarming number of cases in Abia, it is clear that there is a need for increased efforts to prevent and treat glaucoma in Nigeria. As the nation continues to grapple with the challenges of eye health, it is essential that stakeholders work together to address the issue of glaucoma and ensure that Nigerians have access to quality eye care services.