“Help avoid preventable blindness by getting your eyes tested”

Have you ever had your eyes tested? Did you know you need an eye exam at least once every year?

Most people, despite recognizing the importance of the gift of their sight, feel reluctant to get their eyes tested even when they have eye problems. They sometimes use any eye drop that comes their way and sometimes use locally prepared solutions that have the potential of destroying their eyes.

It is for these reasons and many more that the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness coordinates the World Sight Day annually to create global awareness about the preventable causes of blindness. This year’s celebration falls on October 10, and goes under the theme: “Universal Eye Health with a specific call to action: Get your Eyes tested”.

I would like to urge the general public to get their eyes tested at the nearest eye center. Testing your eyes could uncover eye diseases that need immediate attention such as Glaucoma.

Glaucoma which is a group diseases that damages the optic nerve nerve of the eye, causes irreversible visual loss. It is important to note that, it is most common in Africa and Ghana is second in world prevalence of glaucoma. It has no symptoms at the initial stages until visionless sets in. However, early detection of the diseases can help prevent further damage to the optic nerves of the eyes and hence vision loss.

Book an appointment with your eye care professional and get your eyes tested. Thank you.

Dr. Issah Imoro Bawku (issahwuni@gmail.com)