Ophthalmologists at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have raised concerns about the growing number of glaucoma cases being recorded among patients aged 30 years and above who visit the hospital with eye-related conditions.

According to a consultant ophthalmologist at the KATH Eye Clinic and Vice President of the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana, Akwasi Agyeman Ahmed, the hospital’s glaucoma clinic records some of the highest numbers of cases, including patients suffering from glaucoma-related blindness.

He said the trend underscores the urgent need for regular eye examinations to help detect the disease early and prevent permanent vision loss.

Dr Ahmed made the remarks during activities to mark World Glaucoma Awareness Week, held under the theme “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.”

He noted that Ghana has one of the highest prevalence rates of glaucoma, with data suggesting that about 700,000 people in the country are either blind or visually impaired due to the disease.

“When it comes to figures in Ghana, we have about 7 to 8 per cent of people living with glaucoma, particularly those above 30 years old,” he explained.

“So you can see that over 30 years, the number is significant. If you look at about 7 to 8 per cent of people living with glaucoma, you have about 700,000 people who are blind or have visual impairments from glaucoma,” he added.

Dr Ahmed further indicated that glaucoma accounts for a significant proportion of blindness nationwide.

“If you look at the country as a whole, of all blindness, glaucoma accounts for about 19 per cent. So if you take people who are blind, most of the time glaucoma contributes a huge number,” he said.

At KATH, he explained, the glaucoma clinic remains one of the busiest specialised clinics due to the increasing number of patients seeking treatment.

He therefore urged the public to make regular eye check-ups a priority, stressing that while glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively when detected early.

“What I usually tell my patients and Ghanaians when I get the opportunity is that once you celebrate your birthday every year, try and reward yourself,” he said.

“When you are rewarding yourself with a cake, remember to reward yourself with an eye check-up and a general medical check-up. If it is detected early, we can start managing it. It is manageable but not curable.”

As part of activities marking the awareness week, the KATH Eye Centre has also been conducting eye screening and education programmes for drivers in the region.

The initiative is aimed at detecting vision problems early and reducing the risk of road accidents caused by poor eyesight.

Drivers who participated in the screening exercise expressed appreciation for the programme and called for more regular outreach initiatives to help improve eye health awareness among the public.