Iten: The officer in charge of eye outreach services at the Iten County Referral Hospital (ICRH), Benson Biwott, has called on residents to visit eye clinics at least once every year to have their eyes tested for glaucoma disease. Biwott emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in managing glaucoma, a condition that has been increasingly prevalent in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, Biwott highlighted that while glaucoma cannot be reversed once it sets in, early detection can lead to effective treatment. The disease, caused by increased pressure within the eyeball affecting optical nerves, often lacks symptoms in its early stages, making routine pressure tests crucial for early intervention.
Speaking to the press at the ICRH, Biwott expressed regret over the tendency of individuals to skip medical consultations for eye problems, opting instead for over-the-counter medications from pharmacies. He noted that pharmacies often dispense steroid drugs that do not address the root of the condition, leading patients to seek proper treatment only when it is too late.
Biwott also raised concerns about improper usage of these drugs, as many patients self-medicate without understanding the correct dosages. He urged residents to seek medical advice from qualified professionals and adhere strictly to prescribed treatments to ensure effective management of their eye health.
