By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
An Ophthalmologist with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof. Grace Adepoju, has called on the three tiers of government to partner the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria.
This he said was necessary in tackling various eye diseases in the country.
Adepoju, who made the call on Monday during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, described eye as a sensitive organ of the body that must be checked regularly, especially twice in a year.
The Don warned the public to desist from patronising quacks, stressing the need to allow ophthalmologists to examine their eyes regularly.
She explained that due to the inability of ophthalmologists to be at every remote area, the ophthalmic nurses were trained to carry out treatment of eyes at the primary level, while difficult ones were transferred to the tertiary level.
The Ophthalmologist cautioned against applying substances such as onion, battery water, early morning urine and salt for the treatment of eyes.
“This could further damage the eyes,’’ Adepoju stressed.
Adepoju, however, described glaucoma as the highest cause of irreversible blindness.
“The people above 35 years should make it mandatory to check their eyes regularly.’’
She also warned against applying traditional method in treating conjunctivitis, saying that without applying anything or using drugs, the disease would leave naturally. (NAN)
