Eye screening detects uncorrected presbyopia among NAN journalists

The American Academy of Opthamology describes presbyopia as the gradual lose of ability to see things clearly up close, due to the hardening of one’s eye’s lenses

It is a normal part of aging, it notes.

According to it, the term “presbyopia” comes from a Greek word which means “old eye.”

Osuji said the condition hampered their ability to carry out activities, while further testing was recommended for several participants.

“We also spoke to them about digital eye strain. In today’s advanced digital world, a lot of people spend more time on their phones, computers and devices,” he said

He said free glasses were given in conjunction with Lions Club, while participants were educated on preventing damage from digital eye strain.

Speaking on glaucoma, Osuji said it primarily affected the optic nerve and was usually asymptomatic, urging people aged 40 and above, especially those with family history, to undergo comprehensive eye examinations.

He said glaucoma could cause gradual loss of peripheral vision and permanent, irreversible blindness, stressing that early detection and treatment were essential to prevent further vision loss.

Mrs Funmilayo Oladeji, Chairperson, Vision Preservation, Lions Clubs International, District 404B4, said the initiative was aimed at promoting healthier workers.

She said healthy workers were more productive, confident and better able to serve their organisations, families and communities.

“Today, Lions are here to say: You matter. Your health matters. Your vision matters. Your ability to work and live well matters,” she said.

Mrs Ifeyininwa Omowole, Head of NAN Lagos Operations, said the eye-screening initiative was important because good vision was essential for effective journalism and staff productivity.

She advocated regular screenings, noting that staff members’ eyesight could deteriorate over time, especially with prolonged exposure to screens.

“This initiative is not just laudable; it is a necessity. We could have it four times a year because the impact will be better felt,” she said.

Speaking earlier, Mr Kevin Okunzuwa, Head of Editorial Operations, NAN Lagos, said the initiative would improve staff productivity by increasing awareness about eye health and preventive care.

He said prolonged screen exposure could affect workers’ eyes, stressing the need for regular breaks and proper eye-care practices among journalists and other screen users.

“The exercise has made us more conscious of our eye health and how to prevent problems arising from prolonged screen exposure while working,” he said.

Mr Yusuf Yunus, Chairman, NUJ NAN Lagos Chapel, said the exercise helped journalists assess their eye health, considering prolonged exposure to digital devices.

He said Lions Club International provided the service free of charge, adding that the exercise was the second organised by the chapel.

“Journalists are constantly exposed to phones and gadgets, which can affect their eyes. The screening will help them know their status,” he said

Appreciating the NUJ and Lions Club for the initiative, members of staff said it was a step in the right direction, as most staff members had prolonged exposure to screens.

Ms Uchechi Afonne, a staff, said prolonged exposure to screens had caused her frequent headaches around her brow, prompting her to undergo the eye screening to ascertain the cause.

She said the initiative was timely, noting that journalists spent long hours working with digital screens and would benefit from regular health checks.

“I want to thank the NUJ chairman and his executives for thinking of this for us because it means they have us in mind. I believe this will go a long way to help us,” she said.

Afonne urged the organisers and management to sustain the initiative through periodic screenings, saying quarterly exercises would help staff members maintain good eye health.

Mrs Sandra Umeh commended the NUJ Lagos Chapel for organising the eye screening, saying it would help address the impact of prolonged screen exposure on journalists.

She said the nature of journalism required constant use of laptops, phones and other digital devices, putting journalists’ eyes under considerable strain.

“Our work puts us in contact with screens at all times, so our eyes are constantly at risk. This initiative is timely and will enhance our work,” she said.

Appreciating the NUJ and Lions Club for the initiative, NAN staff said it was a step in the right direction, as most workers had prolonged exposure to screens.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Vivian Ihechu