Accra: Dr Alphaeus Asamoah Amoasi, an Optometrist with the Entrance University Hospital, has cautioned the public to desist from touching their eyes without caution or clean hands to prevent eye infections and problems. He emphasized the risks associated with touching the eyes with unclean hands, which could lead to serious infections and eye conditions.

According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Amoasi highlighted that such misconduct could result in infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes, and more severe issues such as corneal ulcers. He advised the use of sunglasses or UV-protected glasses when outdoors to prevent conditions like cataracts, pterygium, macular degeneration, and eyelid cancers. He also recommended taking breaks while using electronic devices and blinking often to keep the eyes comfortable and protected.

Dr Amoasi shared this advice during an interview at a free eye screening event conducted by the hospital, part of the Tobinco Group of Companies, in Accra. The screening revealed numerous cases of refractive errors, eye infections, and cataracts, prompting the hospital to provide medications and refer patients for cataract surgery as needed. Lifestyle changes were also recommended for those with eye infections.

He urged everyone to undergo regular eye examinations, noting the reluctance of many to seek check-ups until problems arise. Dr Amoasi recounted the case of a 43-year-old man who had never had an eye check and was found to have advanced glaucoma with significant vision loss, highlighting the potential consequences of neglecting eye health.

Dr Amoasi stressed the importance of taking eye health seriously, as undiagnosed conditions could lead to irreversible vision loss and decreased quality of life. He called for greater awareness and regular eye examinations to prevent such outcomes.