Hundreds of Embu residents have benefitted from a free eye medical camp organized by Lions Club Embu in conjunction with Rotary Club.
The one-day camp held on Saturday at Lion School in Embu Town saw patients screened for various eyesight problems such as cataracts, refractive errors, photosensitivity and age-related problems.
Ophthalmic Clinical Officer Lilian Nyaga said some of the cases they noted among the aging group was diabetic retinopathy, macular holes and some suspicious growth that they referred for specialized treatment.
Among the young people, the officer said the most prevalent cases were refractive errors, allergies and photosensitivity as a result of overuse of digit’s gadgets.
She advised young people to minimize the amount of time they spend on these gadgets and also use them at a distance from the eyes to protect their eyes from harmful UltraViolet (UV) radiation.
“It is also good that they make use of photo chromic glasses that are designed to protect the eyes from these harmful rays,” she said.
For those who require cataract surgery, the officer said they are consolidating the list of the cases so that they will be attended to in due course.
She also called on residents to observe a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamin A in order to keep their eyesight in good shape.
During the camp, those with reading problems were provided with glasses for free or eye drops for those with minor ailments such as allergies or infections.
Beneficiaries termed the opportunity as a life-changing as it has helped improve their vision without incurring the heavy financial burden that such procedures entail.
“I had a problem with blurry vision where I could not see far objects clearly but today I am happy I have been treated and given glasses to correct that,” said patient Richer Ireri.
Lions Club Embu President Chandrakant Patel said it is an annual event that they hold as a way of giving back to the society.
