•Dr Priscilia Imade
As the year comes to an end, this is a good time to think about your eye health. An end of year eye check helps you review the condition of your eyes and prepare for a healthier new year.
IMPORTANCE OF ANNUAL EYE EXAMINATION
You may feel your eyes are fine, but some eye problems develop slowly without obvious symptoms. An annual eye examination helps detect these problems early.
During an eye examination, your vision is checked and the overall health of your eyes is assessed. This helps ensure that your eyes are working well and that your glasses or contact lenses, if needed, are still correct.
IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION
Some serious eye conditions do not cause pain or early warning signs. Glaucoma can slowly damage your vision without you noticing until it is advanced.
Diabetes and High Blood Pressure can also affect your eyes and lead to vision loss if not detected early.
An eye examination can reveal early signs of these conditions and help you take action before serious damage occurs.
PREPARING FOR SCHOOL AND WORK RESUMPTION IN JANUARY
Clear vision is important for learning and productivity. An end of year eye check helps you start the new year with good vision.
If you or your child needs glasses or a change in prescription, December is the right time to do it. This helps avoid vision problems when school or work resumes in January.
FAMILY EYECARE
Eye care is important for every member of the family, both young and old. Bringing your family together for an eye examination saves time and helps everyone start the new year with healthy eyes.
Children, adults, and older family members all have different eye care needs. A family eye check helps detect problems early and promotes a culture of eye health at home.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
Many eye problems can be prevented or managed well when they are detected early. Waiting until you have pain or severe vision loss can make treatment more difficult.
Regular eye examinations, healthy lifestyle choices, and proper eye protection help you prevent serious eye conditions and protect your sight.
Finally, an end of year eye check is a simple but important step toward lifelong eye health. By having an annual eye examination, detecting problems early, and preparing for the new year, you protect your vision and that of your family.
Make eye care a priority this December, because prevention is always better than cure.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
Another edition of the column returns on Monday in The Frontier.
