•Dr Priscilia Imade
Caterers, including chefs, bakers and food handlers, spend long hours working in hot kitchens, surrounded by steam, smoke and strong spices.
While they focus on preparing delicious meals, their eyes often suffer from irritation and strain. Many caterers experience eye problems that can make their work uncomfortable and affect their overall well-being.
Today’s topic – Common eye symptoms among caterers, is an insight from the new book written by the author, Dr Priscilia Imade.
Some common eye problems caterers face and how to manage them include:
1. Eye Irritation and Redness
Many caterers experience eye redness and irritation due to long exposure to heat, steam and spices. Fumes from fire wood, charcoal, sawdust and various other materials poses specific eye challenges to caterers and food vendors in Nigeria. Also, ingredients such as onions, chili peppers and pepper soup spices release strong fumes that can make the eyes sting and water. To reduce irritation, it helps to work in a well-ventilated kitchen, keep a safe distance when chopping onions, fries and rinse the eyes with clean water if irritation occurs.
2. Dry Eyes
The heat from ovens, stoves and grills can cause dry eyes, making them feel uncomfortable or itchy. This is because heat reduces moisture in the air, leading to faster evaporation of tears. To prevent dry eyes, caterers should blink often, stay hydrated and use artificial tears if needed. Keeping a bowl of water near the stove can also help add moisture to the air.
3. Blurry Vision
After hours of focusing on cutting, stirring and reading recipes, some caterers notice that their vision becomes blurry. Repeated exposures to smoke from firewood can result in eye problems.
Blury vision could be a sign of eye strain or an undiagnosed eye condition. If blurry vision happens often, it may be time to visit an Optometrist for a check-up. Wearing the right prescription glasses can make a big difference.
4. Foreign Body Sensation
Caterers often feel like something is in their eyes, even when there is nothing there. This happens because tiny food particles, flour, spices, or smoke can enter the eyes. Rubbing the eyes can make the problem worse and increase the risk of infection. To avoid this, caterers should wash their hands before touching their eyes and wear protective glasses when working with flour or strong spices.
5. Watery Eyes
Some caterers experience excessive tearing, especially when handling onions, peppers, frying, cooking with firewood or working near hot steam. While watery eyes help to flush out irritants, too much tearing can make it difficult to work comfortably.
One way to reduce this is by refrigerating onions before cutting them and using a sharp knife to release fewer fumes. Proper kitchen ventilation also helps prevent excessive tearing. Watery eyes could be indicative of more serious eye problems.
6. Eye Allergies
Exposure to food ingredients, smoke or dust in the kitchen can cause allergic reactions in the eyes. Symptoms include itching, redness and swelling. Caterers with sensitive eyes should avoid rubbing them and use allergy-friendly eye drops when needed.
Keeping the kitchen clean and free of dust can also help reduce allergies. Eye allergies could be indicative of more serious eye problems.
7. Frequent Eye Rubbing
Because of irritation and strain, many caterers rub their eyes frequently. However, this can introduce bacteria into the eyes, increasing the risk of infections. If the eyes feel uncomfortable, it is better to wash them with clean water or use a cold compress instead of rubbing. Frequent rubbing of the eyes could be indicative of more serious eye problems.
8. Burning Sensation in the Eyes
Many caterers complain of a burning feeling in their eyes, especially after spending hours near a hot stove. Heat, smoke, and oil splashes can cause this sensation. To protect their eyes, caterers should avoid standing too close to heat sources and use kitchen exhaust fans to reduce smoke buildup. Wearing protective glasses can also help prevent oil or spice splashes from entering the eyes. Burning sensation in the eyes could be indicative of more serious eye problems.
How Caterers Can Protect Their Eyes
• Ensure the kitchen is well-ventilated to reduce smoke and heat exposure.
• Take short breaks to rest the eyes, especially during long cooking hours.
• Avoid rubbing the eyes with unwashed hands to prevent infections.
• Use protective glasses when working with flour, spices, or frying oils.
• Blink often and stay hydrated to prevent dry eyes.
• Wash hands before touching the eyes to avoid irritation.
• Visit an Optometrist regularly to check for any vision problems.
Eye health is important for everyone, especially for those working in kitchens where heat, smoke and food particles can cause irritation.
By following these simple eye care tips, caterers can keep their vision clear and continue creating great meals without discomfort.
*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.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Dr Priscilia Imade (OD, MSc, FAAO, FNOA) recently authored a book titled, “COMMON EYE SYMPTOMS, Understanding Prevention and Care”.
In the book, she explored the most frequent eye complaints people experience, what they mean, their possible causes and how to manage them effectively.The book provides simple explanations to help you understand your eye health better.
You will find practical tips on prevention, care and home remedies that can help relieve discomfort. Most importantly, you will learn when to seek professional help from an optometrist to prevent complications.
For this week only, she is giving away this new book for FREE to all readers of The Frontier who will visit Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. Plus, a 10% discount on your eye examination and up to 20% off eyewear when you book your appointment today!
Interested readers can call 0905-556-0532, 0803-333-6672.
