•Dr Priscilia Imade
We are continuing our December eyecare series by looking at good vision and safe travels.
It is paramount for you to understand that when you travel this season, your eyes play a big part in keeping you safe.
Good vision helps you see clearly, react fast, and avoid danger on the road. This is why you must pay attention to your eyes before any holiday trip.
Things to pay attention to include:
1. NIGHT DRIVING AND GLARE SAFETY
When you drive at night, your eyes work harder. Bright headlights from oncoming cars can blind you for a few seconds. If your vision is not sharp, those few seconds can be dangerous.
You should clean your windscreen, use anti-reflective lenses if you wear glasses, and avoid staring directly at bright lights. If you notice halos, glare, or difficulty seeing at night, you should have your eyes checked immediately.
2. LONG-DISTANCE TRAVEL VISION PROTECTION
Long trips strain your eyes. You may feel tired, your eyes may get dry, and your focus may reduce.
You should rest your eyes during breaks, blink often, and use recommended eye drops if needed.
Protecting your eyes during long travel helps you stay alert and reduces the risk of making mistakes on the road.
3. HOW POOR EYESIGHT CONTRIBUTES TO ACCIDENTS
Many road accidents happen because the driver could not see clearly. Blurry vision, uncorrected glasses, or untreated eye problems can make you miss road signs, pedestrians, or sudden movements.
If your eyesight is poor, your reaction time becomes slower. Even a one-second delay can cause an accident.
This is why driving with poor vision is risky for you and others on the road.
CHECK YOUR EYES BEFORE YOU START THAT HOLIDAY TRIP
Before you travel, you should make sure your eyes are in good condition.
A simple eye check can detect problems you may not notice. Your lenses may need an update, or your eyes may need treatment to improve clarity and comfort.
When you check your eyes, you gain confidence and peace of mind. You know you can see clearly, especially in a season when the roads are busy and the trips are long.
Poor vision has been found to be one of the causes of road accidents in Nigeria. Have your eyes checked and protected before you embark on that journey.
Wishing you safe travels and safe holidays this season.
*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.
