Prevalent Nigerian weather responsible for increasing eye problems – ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist, Dr. Onyinye Nwagbo, has said that the increasing eye problems being presented in the hospital by patients can be linked to the prevalent weather condition in the country

She cautioned against overexposing the eyes to computer screens, televisions and the sun, and encouraged the use of sunglasses and face caps.

“We should go for eye checks at least twice a year as many of us don’t do it,” she said.

The oculist gave the advice during a three-day free medical outreach organised for the elderly by the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Nigeria, in Anambra.

During the programme, no fewer than 500 aged persons were attended to by medical personnel drawn from the Koninklijke Nederlabdse Centrale Vereniging, World Health Organisation, Diocesan Hospital, Amichi, Global Foundation Ageing Research Centre and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, among others.

The beneficiaries were treated for various ailments; had eye care and eyeglasses; cholesterol and sugar tests, COVID-19 and Tuberculosis screening, blood test, memory checks, Blood Pressure tests and health talks, among others.

Speaking on the outreach themed, ‘Working and Walking the Talk on Dementia, the National Secretary of ADAN, Dr. Chidi Okereke, said it was aimed at imparting good health to the ageing population in the rural communities.

He commended the Founder of ADF, Josephine Anenih, who had sponsored the outreach for many years and commended her love for the elderly, especially those in her community, Amawbia, near Awka.

“We found out that Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, but we also discovered that nonpharmacologic means, such as games and others have been found to reduce the progression of the disease.

“And with special thanks to the founder who is giving us the enabling environment, it has been a wonderful opportunity. I also give special thanks to all the partners for ensuring that the outreach is a success,” he said.

On her part, the sponsor, Aneni, called on the young ones not to stop supporting the elderly around them, noting that ageing is a blessing.

She said, “Old age is a blessing, everybody looks forward to it. We are proud and happy when God grants us such an opportunity in life.

“These people are the reasons for whom and what we are today. Don’t look down on them. It is time to reciprocate the gesture by giving them a sense of belonging and always making them happy.

“The ADF in Amawbia has recreational activities where the aged can play games, tell stories, meet old friends and make new younger ones. These things help to reduce the feeling of loneliness in them.”

A beneficiary, 81-year-old Mr. Charles Amazuiro, said he was happy to be a beneficiary of the outreach and thanked the foundation for contributing towards making them healthier and stronger.

(NAN)