Professor Ifeoma Ezegwui, a Professor of Ophthalmology at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has urged parents to prioritize early eye examinations for their children, particularly if they notice signs of vision problems. This appeal was made during the 2024 World Sight Day celebration, themed “Love Your Eyes, Children,” held at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC).
Prof. Ezegwui stressed the critical role of early detection in preventing vision loss or blindness in children, highlighting that many cases of childhood visual impairment are caused by ignorance, lack of awareness, or the stigma surrounding the use of corrective glasses. She advised mothers to be mindful of early signs of visual issues, such as a child’s failure to make eye contact during breastfeeding or not responding with a social smile by three months.
World Sight Day, observed every second Thursday of October, aims to raise awareness about preventable eye diseases and the importance of early intervention. This year’s theme placed special emphasis on children’s eye health.
Professor Ada Aghaji, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Nigeria, also underscored the relevance of focusing on children’s eye health. She noted that while cataracts and glaucoma are major causes of blindness, refractive errors such as myopia and hyperopia are the leading causes of visual impairment and can be easily corrected with glasses. However, she expressed concern about the stigma that prevents many children from wearing prescribed spectacles, emphasizing the need for continued education to eliminate this barrier.
The event also featured a quiz competition among eight secondary schools, aimed at educating students on eye health, proper eye care practices, and the functions of the eye. This initiative sought to encourage children to take pride in maintaining their vision and help reduce the stigma associated with wearing glasses.