By; IBRAHIM ADAMU, Kaduna
World Sight Day was marked on Thursday in Kaduna, with distribution of over 200 free eyeglasses and drugs to individuals with one form of eye defect or the other, as a sign of goodwill.
The free medical outreach was conducted by Kaduna Eye Center in collaboration with international partners in efforts to promote good sight and economic activities within the institution’s host community and beyond.
Medical Director of the centre, Mahmoud Alhassan charged the general public to endeavour to go for regular eye checks at least twice in a year.
This according to him, would ensure timely detection of a potential sight defect and correct it before getting to an irredeemable stage that may lead to partial or permanent blindness.
The medical director, represented by Dr. Murtala Umar said every second Thursday of October had been set aside by the United Nations as World Sight Day, disclosed this year’s theme as Love Your Sight at Your Place Work.
The ophthalmologist stressed the importance of sight as a vital organ in an individual’s daily affairs, absence of which he noted would render one ineffective disabled and disoriented.
The medical whom he noted was away in Abuja to accompany president Bola Tinubu who would flag off the distribution of over one million lens to Nigerians to save and improve their sights for productivity.
In his paper presentation at the event, Dr. Raji Lukman, an opthalmologist listed potential eye injuries automobile technicians could be prone to to include; hazards from flying debris, chemical burns, intraocular foreign bodies among others, adding that these dangers can be prevented by always wearing safety glasses with side shields at work.
He also recommended the wearing of face shields or goggles in certain situations of high risk of larger objects, chemical or particles getting into the eyes.
Explaining further, Dr. Raji said the eye can be irrigated with running tap or bottled water or affected persons can access the nearest sight care facility for proper treatment.
“Adequate lighting or well-lit area in the workspace is essential to help mechanics see clearly and avoid eyestrain, accidents or potential occupational hazards.
“Proper Storage of tools and equipment at designated areas to prevent them from falling or causing damage that could potentially lead to eye injuries.
“Regular eye check-ups can help detect any potential issues at an early stage. Make it a regular habit to visit an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for comprehensive eye examinations,” he advised.
He mentioned refractive error, presbyopia, cataract and glaucoma as common eye defects that could be remedied through corrective glasses or surgeries.
