World Sight Day: Optometrist advocates regular eye check

Dr Anita Nnadi, a specialist optometrist with the Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Owerri, has recommended regular check to ensure early detection and treatment of eye diseases. Nnadi made the recommendation at a news conference in Owerri on Thursday, to commemorate World Sight Day. The theme for year 2023 is “Love Your Eyes At Work.”

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The optometrist, therefore, said early detection, a product of regular consultation with eye care specialists, would help to ensure healthy management of the condition and prevent loss of vision. She said this is necessary as most eye defects are hardly felt until considerable damage has been done.

She added that: “It should be of noteworthy importance that most eye conditions are not immediately felt until some considerable damage has been done. It is therefore imperative that we strive to consult regularly with an expert for comprehensive eye examination to prevent loss of vision.”

She advised all persons to wear protective blue block lenses in view of the constant exposure to screens and sunlight and to ensure that diagnosed refractive errors are not left un-corrected as it is the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

She said “eating a balanced diet, avoiding over-the-counter eye drops and herbal eye drops, especially from those that claim to cure eye issues, without proper diagnosis. It is important to state that early detection and possible management can prevent loss of vision. This is the case in diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, retinal detachment, and other conditions.”

NAN/Wumi