A Consultant Ophthalmologist and Deputy Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Parklane, Dr. Ani Bernard, has urged Nigerians to prioritize regular eye examinations, proper management of underlying health conditions, and the use of prescribed spectacles to maintain healthy vision and prevent avoidable vision loss.
Dr. Bernard gave the advice while speaking on Beyond the Headlines, a programme aired on Freedom Square TV and hosted by Uchenna Cyril Anioke Ph.D. The discussion focused on the theme, “The Vision Divide: Comparing Spectacle Dependency in Youth and Seniors.”
Speaking on spectacle dependency, Dr. Bernard described it as the reliance on glasses to carry out everyday activities such as reading, driving, watching television, and performing household tasks. He explained that individuals who are spectacle-dependent often find it difficult to perform these activities effectively without their prescribed glasses.
According to him, wearing spectacles should not be viewed as a sign of old age or poor eye health, noting that many people wrongly assume that those who wear glasses have severely impaired vision. He stressed that spectacles are simply corrective devices designed to improve vision and enable individuals to function comfortably in their daily lives.
He further explained that refractive error, one of the most common causes of spectacle use, occurs when the eye is unable to focus light properly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. He noted that such conditions can be effectively corrected with spectacles and, in some cases, other medical interventions.
Addressing the perceived increase in eye-related problems, the ophthalmologist stated that technological advancements have made it easier for people to recognize vision difficulties. He explained that while routine eye examinations were less common in the past, the widespread use of mobile phones, televisions, computers, and other digital devices now allows individuals to detect possible vision problems earlier.
Dr. Bernard noted that signs of vision impairment are often evident in children. According to him, children with visual difficulties may move closer to television screens, while teachers can sometimes identify pupils with poor vision because they consistently prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to see the board clearly.
On the issue of excessive screen exposure, he stated that digital screens do not directly damage the eyes. However, he warned that prolonged use of phones, computers, and other electronic devices can lead to eye strain, which may manifest through symptoms such as tearing, itching, discomfort, frequent rubbing of the eyes, and visual fatigue.
Comparing younger and older individuals in terms of spectacle use, Dr. Bernard observed that many young people are often reluctant to wear glasses because they associate spectacles with aging. He noted that younger individuals may continue to cope with vision problems for some time, whereas older adults are generally more likely to comply with spectacle prescriptions because vision challenges tend to affect their daily activities more significantly.
The eye specialist also highlighted several age-related eye diseases that commonly affect older adults, including Glaucoma, Cataract, and Age-related Macular Degeneration. He explained that these conditions become more prevalent with age and can significantly impair vision if not properly managed.
Speaking on prevention, Dr. Bernard stated that while some eye conditions can be prevented, others may not be entirely avoidable. He advised individuals to avoid activities that could cause eye injuries and to seek professional medical attention whenever they experience changes in vision.
He emphasized the importance of managing underlying medical conditions such as Diabetes and Hypertension, noting that regular medical check-ups can help prevent complications that may result in vision loss. He also encouraged the use of protective eyewear when necessary to reduce the risk of eye injuries and prevent foreign objects from entering the eyes.
Addressing common misconceptions about diet and eye health, Dr. Bernard acknowledged that carrots contain vitamin A, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy vision, particularly among children. However, he clarified that eating carrots alone is not a guaranteed way to improve eyesight throughout life, stressing the importance of a balanced diet and overall healthy lifestyle.
On the issue of blindness, he identified glaucoma as one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness globally and warned that the condition is often detected late because it may not present obvious symptoms in its early stages. He advised individuals with a family history of glaucoma to undergo regular eye screening to facilitate early detection and treatment.
The consultant ophthalmologist further cautioned against self-medication and the use of traditional eye remedies, describing such practices as potentially dangerous. According to him, many traditional eye medications can cause severe damage to the eyes and worsen existing conditions.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Bernard urged members of the public to seek immediate medical attention whenever they notice blurred vision or any other eye-related symptoms. He stressed that early diagnosis, routine eye examinations, adherence to prescribed treatments, and healthy lifestyle choices remain critical to preserving vision and preventing avoidable blindness.