As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark this year’s World Sight Day, there is the need for citizens to desist from the habit of self-medication.

An Assistant Director, Public Health Nursing Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Mrs. Agatha Abiola gave the advice while speaking on this year’s World Sight Day in Ibadan.

Mrs. Abiola explained that eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma amblyopia, strabismus require the intervention of ophthalmologists, saying self-application of self-made herbs could further deteriorate sight problems.

The Ophthalmic Nurse said most sight problems were treatable when early symptoms were reported by patients to experts.

The sight expert, who said some sight ailments were hereditary, called on Nigerians to be mindful of their food intake, adding that food intake could serve as a predisposing factor to sight problems.

Speaking on the theme of the 2021 World Sight Day; “Love your eye”, Mrs. Abiola urged all and sundry to avoid excessive exposure of their eyes to the rays from the sun as well as ones from smartphones and computers screen.

Rotimi Famakin