An Ophthalmic Nurse at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, Sulaiman Babah, has disclosed that the hospital’s eye clinic receives more than 350 patients on a daily basis.
Mr Babah added that the influx of patients and inadequate equipment in the facilities are the major challenges facing opticians in the hospital.
Speaking with DAILY NIGERIAN on Monday, Mr Babah disclosed that most of the patients come with some common eye diseases like; Glaucoma, Conjunctivitis, Cataracts and Trachoma.
According to him, the treating glaucoma is a life-long therapy, advising glaucoma patients to always ensure strict adherence to their medications.
Mr Babah, therefore, called on Nigerians to adopt a healthy eating habit, saying poor dieting and lack of knowledge of the variety of nutrients that gives a good sight may cause critical damage to the eye.
“We commonly eat carbohydrates for growth and energy only, forgetting about the vitality of the essential nutrients required in our bodies.
“People must improve their eye health by dietary modifications; food that contains nutrients (proteins and vitamins),” he said.
Mr Babah further stressed the need for consumption of vegetables, carrot, pumpkin, fish, Beans, Citrus fruit; lemon, grapes, cashews, and the like.
He, however, urged Nigerians to visit eye health facilities for check-up and treatments regularly, stressing the need for the use of protective equipment that would prevent and minimize occupational hazards.
Mr Babah also called on the Nigerian government to make provision for equipment and consumables in the hospital.
“Equipment should be monitored, gadgets should be properly maintained and the community should be enlightened on health education and curriculum should be reviewed to include basic eye health and training,” he said.
