An eye care specialist and owner of the Bliss Eye Care in the Upper West Region, Dr Zakarea Al-Hasan Balure, has urged the public to make regular eye examinations a priority, saying early detection of eye ailments is critical to the effective treatment and management of eye conditions.
He advised people not to wait until they experienced serious symptoms before seeking professional eye care, noting that some conditions, particularly glaucoma, could develop without obvious signs.
Dr Balure made the call in an interview with the Daily Graphic ahead of this year’s World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October.
He said the occasion provided an opportunity for eye care professionals, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, opticians and ophthalmic nurses, to intensify public education on eye health and promote eye screening.
He identified cataracts, glaucoma and refractive errors as some of the major eye conditions affecting people, adding that retinal and corneal problems were also common.
According to him, conditions such as diabetes and hypertension could contribute to retinal complications, while accidents and other eye injuries could cause serious damage if not treated promptly.
He said persistent redness, excessive watering, a feeling of having particles in the eyes and sudden vision changes were warning signs that required medical attention.
“Glaucoma is something we don’t see.
You start losing your peripheral vision, but whilst you are looking somewhere ahead, everything appears fine,” he said.
Dr Balure cautioned against self-medication and patronising unqualified practitioners, urging people to seek treatment from recognised eye care facilities rather than putting unprescribed substances into their eyes.
Dr Balure expressed concern about increasing screen time among children, young people and adults, saying prolonged use of mobile phones, computers, televisions and other digital devices could contribute to computer vision syndrome.
Screen time
He explained that extended screen use reduced blinking, resulting in dryness and discomfort, while prolonged focusing at a fixed distance could cause eye fatigue.
He advised users of digital devices to take regular breaks, blink frequently and avoid prolonged, uninterrupted screen use.
Dr Balure stressed that good eyesight was essential to learning and everyday life, noting that a significant proportion of learning occurred through vision.
He urged parents, schools and individuals to prioritise eye health and make regular eye examinations part of their routine.
