No. It is not normal. The eyes were not created to be rubbed but for sight. If your child rubs the eyes often, it could be a sign of allergic conjunctivitis. It means your child is reacting to something in her environment. That means something is going into her eyes that the eyes don’t like. The commonest things are the things around her, like the soap she uses to bath, cream on the face, mosquito coil, mosquito spray etc. Once you are able to find out and avoid the substance, most of the time the itching and rubbing will stop. However while you are still looking for the causative agent, you will have to take your child to the eye clinic for examination and treatment. This is because if she continues rubbing the eyes, she will create what we call erosions of the corneal surface which could become ulcers and heal with scaring, reducing her vision permanently!

Not necessarily. A lot of diseases can cause the front part of the eye to look white, what we call leucocoria. Cataract is one of them. Other diseases which can cause the front part of the eye to look white are corneal scars in both adults and children, retinoblastoma (eye cancer) or persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous in children etc. A white pupilary reflex in children must be examined by the ophthalmologist as soon as possible. This is because if it turns out to be a retinoblastoma, which is a cancer of the eye, early treatment is very important not only to save vision, but to save life! If left untreated, retinoblastoma will lead to the death of the child if the cancer migrates or metastases into the brain. So just get a check up when you see something white on your eye

For more details on the subject of glaucoma, please click on our link on the left side of our home page on glaucoma surgery. However simply put, glaucoma is a disease of the eye which is associated with high pressure in the eye (intra-ocular pressure, IOP) and which leads to a progressive damage of the optic nerve and blindness if not diagnosed and treated on time. You cannot know whether you have glaucoma or not unless you have gone for a checkup with an ophthalmologist (eye doctor), not an optician. This is because the commonest type of glaucoma in Ghana and most Africans (open angle glaucoma) does not cause pain or itch. Moreover you cannot feel the pressure in your eye unless it has been checked. However glaucoma is not dependent only on the IOP but on some other factors and that is the reason why you will need a trained person like the ophthalmologist or ophthalmic nurse to examine you to rule it out. Because glaucoma comes with age, everyone pass the age of 30 yrs (25yrs in Ghanaians) should check his eye to rule out that he does not have glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a chronic disease. Once you have it, it stays with you for life. It is treatable but not curable! Once you have had a successful glaucoma surgery, the IOP will reduce and there will be no further damage to the optic nerve. However with time, changes can occur on the eye which will cause the pressure to start going up again. If this is not detected and treated (first with drops and later with another surgery), the eye could become blind. Hence the need for regular checkup even after a successful glaucoma surgery.

The best vision correction options for your eyes depend on several factors, including your specific vision condition, eye health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. The best vision correction option for you should be determined through a comprehensive eye examination and consultation with an eye care professional. They will evaluate your eye health, assess your vision needs and goals, and discuss the most suitable options based on your unique circumstances.

Yes, taking steps to protect your eyes is essential for maintaining good eye health and preventing vision problems. Here are some important measures you can take to protect your eyes: Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with an eye care professional, even if you do not have any apparent vision problems. Regular exams can detect early signs of eye conditions and allow for timely treatment. Wear Protective Eyewear: When participating in activities that pose a risk to your eyes, such as sports, DIY projects, or working with hazardous materials, wear appropriate protective eyewear. Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields can shield your eyes from potential injuries and damage. Practice Healthy Contact Lens Use: If you wear contact lenses, follow proper hygiene and care guidelines. Wash your hands before handling lenses, clean and disinfect them as recommended, and replace them according to the prescribed schedule. Avoid sleeping in contact lenses unless specifically approved by your eye care professional. etc.

Extended use of digital devices can contribute to eye strain and discomfort, commonly known as computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain. Here are some ways to minimize the impact of digital devices on your eyes: Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and allows your eyes to relax. Adjust Display Settings: Optimize the settings of your digital devices to reduce eye strain. Increase the text size and contrast for comfortable viewing. Adjust the brightness of the screen to a level that is comfortable for your eyes. Maintain Proper Distance: Position your digital devices at a comfortable distance from your eyes. The recommended distance is about 20-28 inches (50-70 centimeters) from your eyes and slightly below eye level. etc.