•Dr Priscilia Imade
As we step into the new year 2025, it is time to make your eye health a priority.
In Nigeria, where environmental factors like intense sun, dust and long working hours on the computer are common, it is especially important to care for our eyesight.
This is a guide to your eye care routine for the new year.
1. Make regular eye examination part of your New Year Resolution:
You should start the new year by committing to regular eye examinations. Many Nigerians wait until problems arise before visiting an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
However, it is better to detect any issues early on. Routine eye examination can catch conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and even the early signs of diabetes-related eye damage before they worsen.
Generally, it is recommended to get a comprehensive eye examination every year, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of eye disease.
2. Eye Care for different occupations in Nigeria:
Different jobs require different kinds of eye protection. In Nigeria, with a range of professions from manual labour to office work, understanding how your job impacts your eyes is very important. Some occupations to consider include:
• Welders, Mechanics and Construction Workers: Always wear protective eyewear, as sparks, dust and other hazards can seriously damage your eyes. Nigeria’s harsh sunlight also increases the risk of UV damage.
• Farmers and Outdoor Workers: The sun in Nigeria can be intense, so wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help prevent cataracts and other vision issues.
• Office Workers and Students: Long hours spent on computer screens lead to digital eye strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce strain and wear blue light-blocking glasses if you spend a lot of time on digital devices.
• Drivers (Especially in Urban Areas): Always ensure your vision is sharp— especially for night driving or dealing with the dust and glare common on Nigerian roads. Visit an eye care professional regularly to check your eyesight. Commercial drivers with vision correction requirements should wear their glasses to drive.
3. Eye care for children:
In Nigeria, where many children face long hours of study, it is important to ensure their eyes are in good health. Vision problems can affect school performance, so early detection is important.
• Signs to Watch For in children : Difficulty reading the board, squinting, excessive rubbing of eyes, or complaints of frequent headaches could all be signs that a child needs an eye examination.
• Protecting Against Screen Time: With many children using phones or computers for schoolwork, it is important to limit screen time and encourage outdoor activities to prevent eye strain.
Ensure your child gets a thorough eye check-up before starting school and continues with regular examination throughout their schooling years. Early detection is the key to solving eye problems in children.
4. Eye-healthy diet:
Eat lots of antioxidants for better vision.
A healthy diet plays a huge role in protecting your eyes and in Nigeria, we are fortunate to have access to a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Incorporate these into your diet for stronger, healthier eyes:
• Leafy Greens: Nigerian vegetables like ugu (fluted pumpkin) and spinach are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes.
• Carrots and Sweet Potatoes: These are rich in vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy vision.
• Fish: Fish like mackerel (titus) and sardines are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of dry eyes and macular degeneration.
• Fruits: Local fruits like oranges, pawpaw and mangoes provide vitamin C, which strengthens the blood vessels in the eyes.
Drink plenty of water, especially during the dry season, to avoid dry eyes due to dust and heat.
5. Aging and its effects on the eyes:
Know what to expect about your age and eye health this new year. As we age, our eyes naturally undergo changes. In Nigeria, where the average life expectancy is increasing, more people are living into their 60s and beyond, which makes it even more important to manage eye health as we age.
• Over 40: As you enter your 40s, you may start noticing difficulty reading small print (a condition known as presbyopia). This is normal but can be addressed with reading glasses or prescription lenses.
• Over 60: Cataracts (clouding of the lens) become more common after age 60, leading to blurry vision. Regular eye examination can help detect this condition early.
In addition, age-specific eye care needs should be uppermost on your mind in 2025. In Nigeria, eye care needs vary by age group:
• Children (5-11 years): Ensure they get a proper eye test before starting school. A child with uncorrected vision problems may struggle academically.
• Teens (12-18 years): With the rise of mobile phones and social media, digital eye strain is common. Encourage breaks from screens, and consider protective eyewear.
• Young Adults (18-35 years): This is the time to establish good eye habits. Wear sunglasses to protect against UV rays, and manage screen time to prevent digital eye strain.
• Adults (40+): The risk for conditions like presbyopia, cataracts and glaucoma increases. Schedule regular eye examination and monitor your vision carefully.
• Elders (60+): After 60, vision-related issues like cataracts and macular degeneration are common. Make eye care a priority with frequent checkups and protection from UV rays.
6. Do not ignore eye symptoms:
They could be pointers to more serious eye problems or health challenges.
So whether it is a small irritation or a sudden change in vision, never ignore eye symptoms. In Nigeria, where access to eye care may be limited in some areas, it is important to act quickly.
Seek help if you experience:
• Sudden blurry vision
• Pain, redness, or discomfort in the eyes
• Seeing flashes of light or floaters
• Trouble seeing at night, especially while driving.
Early treatment can prevent permanent damage.
7. Know your family’s eye health history:
Just like other health conditions, eye problems can run in families. If your parents or grandparents had issues like glaucoma or macular degeneration, it is essential to inform your eye doctor. Being aware of your family history helps you take preventive measures and get early screenings.
8. Common eye problems in Nigeria:
In Nigeria, some eye conditions are more prevalent due to environmental factors, diet and lifestyle. These include:
• Cataracts: Common as we age, but they can be treated with surgery if detected early.
• Glaucoma: A silent condition that damages the optic nerve. Regular eye examination can help detect it before significant vision loss occurs.
• Conjunctivitis (red eye or apollo ): Common due to dust, pollution, and infections.
• Dry Eyes: The dry season and exposure to dust can lead to dry, irritated eyes.
9. Beware of systemic health conditions that affect your eyes:
Some health conditions like diabetes and hypertension are common in Nigeria and they can lead to eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing chronic conditions with your doctor can prevent these complications.
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to have your eyes checked regularly as these conditions can significantly impact your vision.
CONCLUSION
Finally, prioritise your vision in 2025. In Nigeria, where the sun is bright, the dust is heavy and digital screens are everywhere, taking care of your eyes is more important than ever. Whether you live in urban or rural areas, make eye care a priority this year.
Schedule that eye examination, protect your eyes from harmful rays, eat nutritious foods and do not ignore symptoms.
Make 2025 the year you commit to better eye health. Start now and see clearer into old age.
Happy New Year!
*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.
