•Dr Priscilia Imade
The Yuletide period is the season of Christmas holidays. There are a lot of festive and joyful activities which often lead to neglect of essential eye care practices.
This can have serious consequences, particularly for those people with pre-existing medical conditions or those who rely on corrective lenses or therapies.
The following are some common mistakes people make with their eye health during the Yuletide holidays:
1. Neglecting medication, especially for Glaucoma patients:
Glaucoma patients often skip their prescribed medications during the Yuletide or Christmas holidays which can lead to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and potential vision damage. Regular medication is essential to prevent complications, making it important to stay on track, even when traveling or celebrating.
2. Traveling without eyedrops or medication refills:
Some glaucoma patients travel without ensuring they have enough medication, risking higher IOP and worsening of their condition. Proper planning and securing medication refills before travel can help avoid such issues.
3. Misplacing glasses (Have a spare):
Glasses wearers often misplace their eye glasses during busy Christmas activities. Having spare pair of glasses on hand, especially when travelling or engaging in active events, can prevent vision problems caused by lost or damaged glasses.
4. Children breaking or losing glasses:
Children are particularly prone to breaking or losing their glasses during the holidays. Ensuring they have durable frames and a backup pair can reduce the likelihood of these problems.
5. Skipping eye clinic appointments:
Many people cancel or delay eye appointments during the Christmas season. However, regular checkups are essential for detecting eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma. Missing these examinations can result in undiagnosed problems and worsened conditions.
6. Postponing surgery and treatment:
The Christmas holiday season often prompts people to delay necessary eye surgeries or treatments. Delaying care can lead to worsening of eye conditions, making timely medical intervention essential.
7. Increased risk of eye injuries:
Eye injuries are more common during the Christmas or Yuletide holidays due to activities like fireworks, sports and home decoration. Wearing protective eyewear and exercising caution can help prevent avoidable injuries.
8. Higher risk of eye infections:
Sharing personal items like towels or cosmetics increases the risk of eye infections during the holidays. Good hygiene practices, such as avoiding the sharing of items and proper cleaning of contact lenses, can reduce infection risk.
While the Christmas holidays are a time for celebration, it is important to remain vigilant about eye care.
Staying consistent with medication, attending eye appointments, carrying spare glasses, and taking precautions against injuries and infections can help ensure that you enjoy the Christmas season without compromising your vision. Ensure that you have a comprehensive eye examination before the year comes to an end if you have not done so. Prevention is better than cure. Enjoy your Yuletide.
*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.
