The Managing Director of a private eye clinic in Warri, Delta, Dr Comfort Omo-Irabor, has said people with dark brown eyes have higher risk of developing cataract than those with lighter eyes.
Omo-Irabor, an Eye Specialist and Consultant in low vision, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Warri.
The optometrist explained that the Ultra Violet Rays (UVR) from the sun, computer and cell phones is also a known contributor to cataract development, no matter the colour of the eyes.
The eye specialist, who described cataract as clouding of the lens in the eyes that impede vision, added that its causes could be congenital or hereditary.
She called for regular eye check, avoid smoking, manage other health conditions such as diabetes and balanced diet to prevent the ailment.
She advised people to wear sun glasses, hats, reduce alcohol intake, take anti-oxidants such vitamin A, C and E, Carotenoid, Lutein and others to prevent cataract.
She said “cataract is not a death sentence, the situation can be remedied. The best form of prevention is early detection. While under the sun, you need to protect your eyes.”
She explained that the scourge could be formed as a result of systemic condition such as diabetes and toxic substances like long use of steroids.
She said that the eye lens is a fragile organ in the body, “and can start degenerating and lead to opacification at the age of 40.”
According to her, some symptoms of cataract include blurred vision, trouble seeing at night, frequent changing of eye glasses, among others.
She said “women who roast plantain by the roadsides can confirm some of the symptoms because over time, heat tend to opacify their eye lens.
Omo-Irabor added that cases of cataract was on the increase and called for increased awareness on its prevention