Optometrist Warns Against Using Eye-Drops Medication Without Doctor’s Prescription

By Praise Chinecherem

A seasoned Optometrist, Dr Chidiebere Ezeanowai has advised citizens on the importance of observing good eye health habits to prevent blindness and other avoidable illnesses.

The Immediate past Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) Anambra State chapter Chairman also urged people to undergo regular health check ups and endeavour to always visit the hospital for proper medical examinations.

He stressed the need for patients to adhere to drug prescriptions in order to avoid deterioration of their eye health which could result to blindness.

“We joined the rest of the world to celebrate 2026 World Health Day held on the 7th of April, 2026 with the theme: Together for Health. “Standing with Science”.

“People need to observe good eye health habits. Eye health is something no one should take for granted. Self medication, buying drugs or eye drops over the counter without seeing an optometrist or a professional eye doctor can lead to irreversible complications or blindness.

“Some health conditions which affects the body also manifest in the eye especially when not properly managed. Systemic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, Tuberculosis, Syphilis, Thyroid diseases and even HIV/AIDS can lead to vision threatening eye conditions.

“Poorly controlled or poorly managed systemic hypertension can cause damages to the retina of one’s eyes in form of eye conditions known as Hypertensive retinopathy, Macular Edema, Retinal Arteries/Veins Occlusion, Optic Neuropathy, Choroidopathy and also increases one’s chances of coming down with Glaucoma of Primary Open Angle Type.

“Poorly controlled or managed diabetes on the other hand can lead to what in medicine is referred to as Diabetic Eye Diseases and these diseases are namely Diabetic Retinopathy, Neovascular Glaucoma, Retinal haemorrhages, Diabetic Macular Edema and can also affect the natural lenses of our eyes in form of Cataract mostly of Posterior subcapsular type.

“The major ways one can prevent many of these systemic health conditions listed above from affecting one’s eyes, is to make sure one undergo regular health checkups and always endeavour to regularly visit the hospital for proper medical examinations.

Dr. Ezeanowai hails from Uga community, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State.

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