As the world marks World Sight Day, a consultant Ophthalmologist with the Dalhatu Arafat Specialist Hospital (DASH), Dr. Binta Lambat, has warned that consistent setting eyes on TV or phone screen could lead to eyes strain and other complications.

Dr. Binta said that because of the importance of the eyes to every human, it is essential to properly take good care of the eyes to avoid certain hazards that could lead to damage on the eyes.

Dr. Binta gave the warning at a one-day sensitization presentation in commemoration of the Word Sight Day with the theme “Love your eyes at work place’, at DASH hospital auditorium in Lafia.

She said, “The ‘Love your eyes campaign is organized by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, which advocates for an affordable, accessable and available eye care service to everybody by the year 2030.

Dr. Binta in her presentation, noted that eye injury could be encountered through mechanical injuries from high velocity to the eyes which could cause blunt eyes trauma or a perforating injury to the eyes.
“When engrossed in works, we should wear protective goggles to avoid corneal laceration and other eye damage. Other things to avoid is non-ionizing radiation for those in weldering profession.

“Many individuals experience eye discomfort and vision problems when viewing digital screens for extended periods. The level of discomfort appears to increase with the amount of digital screen use.

“To avoid these challenges, you must apply the 202020 rule which states that when you look at a screen for 20 minutes, take your eyes away and look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. That will rest the muscles of the eyes and end the discomfort.”

The orthaomogist urged all persons including children who use recommended glasses to ensure regular wearing of the glasses, especially at work places or school.

“Parents are warned against keeping their children indoor constantly. Doing that exposes them to near work or shot sightedness or myopia. It is advisable we allow children do lots of out door walk which allow them to see far distant objects to protect them against myopia, short sightedness.”

The expert however advised frequent blinking of the eyes when focusing on an objects. She also charged everybody to do regular eye check at least once a year or six month.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of DASH, Dr. Hassan Ikrama, said that the hospital is not to only create services but awareness on how to prevent or protect themselves against certain diseases.

Ikrama noted that the eye is one very important organ of the body but lack awareness on how to maintain it and medical expert service of the eye unlike other medical services.

The CMD assured that he will take the awareness campaign on how to avoid blindness and have access to eye service to rural communities in collaboration with local government chairmen and other stakeholders.