•Dr Priscilia Imade
Your eyes travel with you wherever you go. They guide you at home, on the road, at work, during sports, and even when you relax outdoors.
Because they are always working for you, you must always work to protect them. Loving your eyes everywhere means building habits that keep your vision safe and strong in every part of your daily life.
PROTECT YOUR EYES
One of the simplest ways you can care for your eyes is by wearing sunglasses when you are outdoors. The sun’s ultraviolet rays may not be visible, but they are powerful and harmful.
Over time, exposure to these rays can damage the sensitive tissues in your eyes and increase your risk of conditions such as cataract.
By choosing sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays, you give your eyes the protection they need, just as you would protect your skin with sunscreen. This small act is a big step in loving your eyes everywhere.
YOUR EYES AND DRIVING
Driving is another important part of life where your eyes play a central role. Safe driving depends on clear and sharp vision.
You must be able to read road signs, recognise traffic signals, and respond quickly to sudden movements around you.
If your vision is blurred, if your glasses are not updated, or if you drive without proper lighting, you put yourself and others at risk.
Loving your eyes means taking responsibility for clear vision every time you are behind the wheel.
YOUR EYES AND SPORTS
In sports and at home, your eyes can face unexpected dangers. A flying ball, a piece of wood, or even household cleaning chemicals can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage.
You should always wear protective goggles or shields whenever your activities carry a risk of eye injury.
This simple precaution can prevent accidents that might change your life forever.
GOOD EYE HYGIENE
Good eye hygiene is also an essential part of everyday eye care. You should avoid rubbing your eyes, because dirty hands can transfer germs that cause infections.
If you wear contact lenses, you must clean and store them carefully according to instructions. You should never sleep with your lenses in or use them longer than recommended.
By treating your eyes with clean and gentle care, you protect them from discomfort and disease.
Finally, you must remember that your eyes are part of your overall health. Regular eye checks are as important as routine medical check-ups.
Even if you feel your vision is normal, a professional examination can detect problems at an early stage, when treatment is more effective. By scheduling regular eye checks, you are investing in a future where your sight remains clear and strong.
Loving your eyes everywhere means making conscious choices to protect them in all environments.
When you wear sunglasses outdoors, drive safely, use protective goggles, practise good hygiene, and attend regular eye examinations, you are showing respect for your vision.
Your eyes are your constant companions; when you care for them everywhere you go, they will continue to brighten your world for years to come.
*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.
