Nairobi: Regular visits to your ophthalmologist could be the thin line between going blind or enjoying longer and healthier eyesight. Karen Wanjiku, who works at the City Eye Hospital in Nyeri, says many Kenyans rarely visit health facilities to have their eyes checked, a situation that exposes them to visual challenges later in life.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wanjiku notes that many individuals only seek medical attention when they notice difficulties with their eyesight, often when the condition has progressed beyond remediation. She urges the public to routinely have their eyesight checked to prevent future complications that could irreversibly damage their vision.
“Many eye problems can be managed and prevented when detected at an early stage. Do not wait until you are blind to seek treatment. As a hospital, we want to reach all categories of people, especially children and the aged, because they are at a higher risk of eye problems. We want to ensure that everyone understands how critical eye hea
lth is to the overall well-being of an individual,” she said.
Wanjiku made these remarks at the Nyeri Huduma Centre, where City Eye Hospital is hosting a free eye consultation clinic running until April 30. She encouraged the public to use this opportunity for early treatment if necessary. Besides the free consultations, the facility offers comprehensive eye care services, including diagnostic testing and treatment.
Morris Mulinge, another eye specialist at the facility, warned that excessive alcohol consumption and prolonged screen time could damage eyesight. He emphasized the link between lifestyle choices and eye health, citing cases of blindness due to illicit brew consumption. Mulinge also advised parents to limit their children’s screen time to prevent future vision impairment.
According to the Kenya National Eye Health Strategic Plan (2020-2025), over 80 percent of blindness in Kenya stems from curable or preventable causes. Currently, 7.5 million Kenyans require eye care services, with 15.5 percent
of the population experiencing eye problems that could lead to vision loss if untreated.
Recent research indicates a rise in eye-related issues such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and cataracts, affecting individuals both in Kenya and globally. The research, conducted by a United States organization, identified cataracts as the leading cause of both blindness and visual impairment, accounting for 38 percent of all visual losses. Trachoma, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and severe refractive errors are also significant causes of blindness, while trauma, corneal scars, phthisis, and staphyloma lead to monocular blindness, according to the US survey.