Health
DR Paulinus Unung, a medical expert says knowledge of family medical history is imperative in the management and prevention of eyes diseases.
Unung, who is the Head of Pathology Department, National Eye Centre, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Kaduna.
He advised people to get the history of eye diseases from family members, especially glaucoma, because it could help in determining if one was at higher risk of contracting the eye disease.
According to the expert, smoking also increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataract, which could damage the optic nerve, hence the need for early diagnosis and treatment.
“Your eyes are an important part of your health. Most people rely on their eyes to see and make sense of the world around them.
“However, some eye diseases can lead to vision loss, so it is important to identify and treat eye diseases as early as possible.
According to Unung also, the kind of food one consumes is important in eye-care.
“Your diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially deep yellow and green leafy vegetables. Eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut can also help your eyes.”
He also noted that maintaining a healthy weight was imperative in ensuring healthy eyesight.
“Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes. Having diabetes puts you at higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma.
“Exercise regularly to prevent or control diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
“These diseases can lead to some eye or vision problems. So if you exercise regularly, you can lower your risk of getting these eye and vision problems,” he said.
He, therefore, recommended a periodic eye check.
“Children usually have vision screening in school or at their health care provider’s office during a checkup.
“Adults may also get vision screenings during their checkups. But many adults need more than a vision screening. They need a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
“Getting comprehensive dilated eye exams is especially important because some eye diseases may not have warning signs.
“The exams are the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages, when they are easier to treat.”
He further prescribed the use of sunglasses to shield the eyes from sunrays which could damage the eyes.
“Protect your eyes by using sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 per cent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
“Use protective eye wear to prevent eye injuries; you need eye protection when playing certain sports, working in factories and construction companies. (NAN)
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Tags: Dr Paulinus Unung
