•Dr Priscilia Imade
In Nigeria, the end of the year is usually heralded with the harmattan season which impacts eye health. The December Eye Care Series will focus on these eye-related issues and how to care for them.
During the harmattan season, the weather becomes cold, dry, and dusty. This can affect your eyes and cause discomfort. Paying attention to your eye care during this period helps you prevent problems and maintain clear, comfortable vision.
Let’s consider the following:
DRY EYES, ALLERGY AND DUST PROTECTION
During harmattan, dry air and dust reduce moisture on the surface of your eyes. This can make your eyes feel dry, gritty, itchy, or burning.
Dust can also trigger eye allergies, causing redness, tearing, and swelling.
You should protect your eyes from dust as much as possible. Avoid rubbing your eyes, even when they itch, because this can worsen irritation.
When you are outdoors, try to limit exposure to strong wind and dusty environments.
LUBRICANTS AND PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
Lubricating eye drops help keep your eyes moist during the harmattan season. You should use them as advised to relieve dryness and discomfort.
Protective eyewear such as glasses or goggles helps shield your eyes from dust and wind. When riding a motorcycle or traveling in open vehicles, wearing eye protection is very important. Sunglasses also help reduce irritation from wind and bright sunlight.
CLEANING AND HYGIENE DURING DUSTY PERIODS
Good eye hygiene is very important during harmattan. You should wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands. Keep your face and eyelids clean to reduce dust buildup.
If dust enters your eyes, rinse gently with clean water or sterile saline. Avoid using dirty cloths or handkerchiefs to wipe your eyes. Clean your eyeglasses regularly so dust does not transfer back to your eyes.
PREVENTION AND EYE PROTECTION
Preventing eye problems during harmattan starts with simple daily habits. Drink enough water to help keep your body and eyes hydrated.
Use a humidifier indoors if possible to reduce dryness in the air.
You should reduce exposure to smoke, dust, and strong wind.
Wearing protective eyewear, maintaining good hygiene, and using lubricating eye drops can greatly reduce harmattan related eye discomfort.
WHY AN EYE EXAMINATION IS IMPORTANT
An eye examination during the harmattan season helps detect eye problems early. Conditions such as dry eye disease, allergies, infections, and worsening vision can be identified before they become severe.
You may think eye discomfort is normal during harmattan, but an eye examination helps determine whether there is an underlying problem.
Early treatment helps protect your vision and keeps your eyes comfortable throughout the season.
Finally, harmattan can be harsh on your eyes, but proper care makes a big difference.
By protecting your eyes from dust, maintaining good hygiene, using lubricating eye drops, and wearing protective eyewear, you reduce the risk of eye problems.
Regular eye examination and healthy daily habits help you enjoy clear and comfortable vision throughout the harmattan season and beyond.
*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.
