Get your eyes tested regularly
Kwatsaduza – In celebration of Eye Care Awareness Month, which is observed from September 23 to October 20, locals have been encouraged to take better care of their eyes and to have them tested regularly to avoid complications that could lead to blindness.
According to an optometrist in KwaThema, Patrick Mncube, during this month the Gauteng Department of Health is trying to make people more aware of eye care and aims to get as many people as possible to have their eyes tested for various problems and diseases.
“Some eye complications can be avoided through regular testing.
“We find that some diseases can also be managed if caught early while others can be prevented if eyes are checked often by an eye care specialist.
“When a patient has prescribed spectacles, we recommend that they wear them as prescribed so they can see clearly and to get protection from the UV light that causes cataracts and can lead to blindness,” says Mncube.
He adds that cataracts can be surgically removed but it is not always successful and he recommends patients wear tinted spectacles to help prevent this.
“Regular eye tests allow the optometrist to screen for other eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, which is the leading cause of blindness globally, glaucoma and conjunctivitis.
“With some diseases, they can only be manageable if caught early, so get into the habit of getting your eyes tested as you will know exactly the strength or power of each individual eye, as they are both different.
“Test your eyes at least once in two years, wear proper sunglasses that have been prescribed by an eye care specialist or tinted lens spectacles when in the sun, and maintain a healthy diet at all times,” says Mncube
