The Busia County Department of Health is concerned about the increased number of cases of eye diseases in the county, urging residents to take preventive measures and seek proper medical attention.
The department disclosed that between 85 and 90 per cent of eye problems are preventable if addressed early.
This warning was given during a one-day workshop at the Busia County Referral Hospital which sought to evaluate eye health in the county.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Harriet Kavere, the chief ophthalmologist at Busia County Referral Hospital, pointed out the inability of many residents to seek professional help and their resorting to self-medication as a great concern.
This, as she explained, worsens the condition and delays treatment.
Dr. Kavere urged the public against using eye medication without a proper prescription. She warned that inappropriate use of eye medication may cause irreversible blindness and loss of vision.
Also, she emphasised visiting healthcare providers for appropriate screening and treatment.
“There is a worrying trend involving people self-diagnosing and using harmful eye drops and traditional remedies. This can turn simple issues into complex problems. We appeal to the public to visit licensed eye clinics or hospitals,” stated Dr. Kavere.
Additionally, Pastor Boniface Owino of the Cornerstone Pentecostal Ministry challenged the residents to abandon the myth associating eye ailments with witchcraft. He urged other clergy to inform their followers to seek medical attention without delay.
“Eye diseases’ are not a curse but medical conditions. People need to go to hospitals, not shrines. It is our duty as religious leaders to promote health,” said pastor Owino.
Stakeholders also urged the county government and non-governmental organisations to expand investment in eye health infrastructure and human resources, citing worries about the lack of eye care specialists and specialised eye clinics in the county.
“We have the equipment, but the challenge is the shortage of trained personnel. We urge the county to employ more specialists so that eye care is accessible to all,” said Francis Namuju, a representative from a local NGO.
Beneficiaries of the recent eye care initiatives in Busia were relieved, as they used to seek services from Sabatia and Kakamega hospitals.
“I used to travel long distances to get eye treatment but now I can get help close to home,” said Jane Etyang, a resident of Matayos.
With aid from the Fred Hollows Foundation, Busia County has already started expanding eye care services, bringing hope to many who require treatment.
Eye problems can stem from various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, infections, injuries, and underlying health conditions. Common causes include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
“Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. It is caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.
The infection is transmitted by direct or indirect transfer of eye and nose discharges of infected people, particularly young children who harbour the principal reservoir of infection. These discharges can be spread by particular species of flies,” Dr. Kavere
By Owen Mutai and Absalom Namwalo
