•Dr Priscilia Imade
Happy new month everyone! The Yuletide is here and the scent of Christmas is in the air, so as the year gradually draws to an end it is good to protect your eyes and prevent avoidable blindness.
As you enter the month of December, it is important to pay special attention to your eye health.
This season comes with travel, harmattan weather, family activities and long hours on digital screens. All these can affect your eyes more than you may realise. December Eyecare is a reminder for you to slow down, stay alert and protect your vision throughout the festive period.
START THE MONTH WITH HEALTH AWARENESS:
December is a busy month. You may be preparing for travel, planning celebrations, or getting ready to welcome family and friends. In the middle of all this excitement, your eyes often suffer quietly. This is the best time to check how well you are seeing, notice any discomfort, and take action early. When you take care of your eyes now, you reduce the risk of emergencies and avoidable blindness later.
SIMPLE EYE SAFETY TIPS FOR DECEMBER:
To enjoy the season fully, try to follow these eye care steps:
1. Rest your eyes when they feel tired or dry.
2. Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially when the weather is dusty.
3. Use protective glasses when travelling on bikes or in open vehicles.
4. Keep your hands clean before touching your eyes.
5. Drink enough water so your eyes stay moist and comfortable.
6. Visit an eye clinic if you notice pain, blurred vision, redness, or sudden changes in sight.
Small habits like these can prevent major eye problems this season.
HARMATTAN, TRAVELS, CHILDREN AND DIGITAL EYE STRAIN
December brings a mix of factors that can affect your eyes:
1. HARMATTAN:
The dry, dusty breeze can make your eyes itchy, red, and uncomfortable. You may need eye drops, protective glasses, and frequent cleaning of your surroundings.
2. TRAVELS:
Long road trips and night journeys can strain your eyes. Clear vision is important for safe driving. Before you travel, make sure your sight is sharp and you are not struggling to see road signs, lights, or far distances.
3. CHILDREN:
Children play more during the holidays. They use toys, run around, and spend extra time on phones and tablets. Watch out for toys with sharp edges and reduce long hours on screens so their eyes can rest.
4. DIGITAL EYE STRAIN:
Adults also spend more time on phones during the festive season. Long screen time can cause headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes. Take breaks, adjust screen brightness, and avoid staring at your phone for too long.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR EYE-HEALTH THIS DECEMBER
Your eyes help you enjoy the beauty of the season. They help you travel safely, connect with loved ones, read, work, and celebrate. December Eyecare is a reminder that you have only one pair of eyes, and you must protect them.
If you feel any discomfort or notice changes in your sight, visit a professional eye clinic. Early care is always better than late treatment.
*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.
