Ophthalmologist discloses positive clues to prevention of eye disease

An Osogbo based Ophthal- mologist, Dr Roberts Chika has advised that proper eye checks and personal understanding of a person’s eye are positive cues to aid in the prevention of eye diseases and ailments that are associated with the eye, which may lead to blindness.

However, the Ophthalmologist revealed that proper eye care was tantamount to having and enjoying good vision for a life time.

He noted that non-observance of proper eye care and taking notes of some signs on the part of individuals are the major causes of eye defects and diseases prevalent in the country.

While revealing that the eye ages also as the body ages, Dr Chika explained that it was normal for the eye to start showing signs of strain over time but that proper eye care and seeing a professional immediately an abnormality is observed are keys to preventing unnecessary emergencies as regards eyesight.

According to him, signs and symptoms that should be watched out for in order to prevent eye defects includes, blood in the eyes (bloodshot eye), white/pale conjuctiva (anaemia), blood spots (diabetes complications), itchy swollen red eyes (allergic reaction).

Others he stated include dryness of the eye (result of some drugs and over exposure to screens), seeing light flashes across the eye (sign of detached retina) and appearance of white rings in the eye which is indicative of high cholesterol levels.

“With observation of these, it is advised that the individual see a qualified Ophthalmologist as a skilled healthcare provider can see a lot more signs in the eye including cancers, nerve problems with the use of specialised medical equipment.

“Most cases of blindness are based on the fact that these signs usually present early but due to lackadaisical attitude, poverty, laziness and ignorance on the part of Nigerians, they never  treated and  preventive measures taken until such cases become irreversible.

“At the stage of late action, the problem becomes complicated and treatment also becomes expensive,” he said.

While advising people that are above forty years to have an eye check annually, he urged those with existing health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes to check their eyes quarterly and also promptly treat any issues early in order to avoid losing their sight.