As we commemorate Eye Care Awareness Month from September 23 to October 18, the City of Ekurhuleni cautions that too much exposure to screens such as TV or phone equally have a negative effect on one’s eyesight as overexposure to the sun.
The City of Ekurhuleni manager for non-communicable diseases, Angie Ndhambi, reminded residents that a comprehensive eye examination is very important as it may help save your sight, as it not only determines one’s need for spectacles but can also dictate the presence of eye disease. If detected early and treated, it might save one from blindness.
“The caution not to look directly at the sun has been passed from generation to generation by parents or guardians to children to avoid overexposure to sunlight that may cause blindness.
“The same lessons still hold true today, and equally extend to overexposure to light rays emitted by cellphones or TV,” said Ndhambi.
“People spend a considerable amount of time working on computers, watching TV or on their phones. Looking at a bright screen for a long time tends to dry and strain the eyes leading to redness and this pattern ultimately causes prolonged eye problems that may lead to blindness,” said Ndhambi.
Some of the City’s health-care facilities that offer free comprehensive eye care services are:
Thembisa Main Clinic (Monday to Friday); Duduza Clinic (Tuesdays); Payneville Clinic in Springs (Mondays), and Slovo Park in Springs (Mondays).
The metro pointed out that eye care services are the competency of Gauteng Health Department and booking is essential when you need the service.
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