Busia: The Busia County Department of Health is raising alarms over the increasing incidence of eye diseases across the county, urging the community to adopt preventive measures and seek appropriate medical care.
According to Kenya News Agency, the department revealed that a staggering 85 to 90 percent of eye problems could potentially be prevented with early intervention. This crucial information was shared during a one-day workshop held at the Busia County Referral Hospital, aimed at assessing the state of eye health within the county.
During the event, Dr. Harriet Kavere, chief ophthalmologist at the Busia County Referral Hospital, expressed grave concerns over residents' reluctance to seek professional medical help, often opting for self-medication instead. She highlighted that this tendency exacerbates the conditions and delays timely treatment. Dr. Kavere advised against the use of eye medications without proper prescriptions, warning that inappropriate usage could lead to irreversible blindness and vision loss. She emphasized the importance of visiting healthcare providers for proper screening and treatment.
Dr. Kavere remarked, '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.'
Pastor Boniface Owino of the Cornerstone Pentecostal Ministry also addressed the gathering, urging residents to dispel myths linking eye ailments to witchcraft. He encouraged fellow clergy to educate their congregations on the importance of seeking medical attention promptly. '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,' Pastor Owino asserted.
Stakeholders at the workshop called on the county government and non-governmental organizations to increase investment in eye health infrastructure and human resources. They expressed concerns about the scarcity of eye care specialists and specialized eye clinics in the area. Francis Namuju, a representative from a local NGO, stated, '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.'
Residents benefiting from recent eye care initiatives expressed relief, having previously traveled to distant locations such as Sabatia and Kakamega for treatment. Jane Etyang, a resident of Matayos, shared, 'I used to travel long distances to get eye treatment but now I can get help close to home.'
With support from the Fred Hollows Foundation, Busia County has commenced expanding its eye care services, offering hope to many in need of treatment. Eye problems can result from genetic predispositions, environmental factors, infections, injuries, and underlying health conditions. Common issues include refractive errors, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
Dr. Kavere noted that 'Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. It is caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.' She explained that the infection spreads through the transfer of eye and nose discharges from infected individuals, especially young children, and can be transmitted by specific species of flies.