An Ophthalmologist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ogbe James, on Friday, said that constant washing of the face could prevent blindness.
James said this at an annual healthy talk programme organised by the Knights of St. Mulumba, Nigeria, held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
According to him, the common disease condition that leads to blindness in our society include cataract, glaucoma, refractive error, xerophthalmia, tracheoma and onchocerciasis.
“The prevention of blindness involves early detection of the disease which attracts early intervention and those that are detected late can involve operation.
“The prevention of blindness involves health education like embracing basic eye hygiene like washing of face and eating of vitamin A rich diet to prevent blindness,’’ he said.
James also advised Nigerians to avoid self-medication and educate children to avoid playing with sharp objects.
He encouraged members to embark on preventive measures by regularly having eye checks in an eye clinic and by an ophthalmologist.
