Concern over eye diseases in students

Medics have expressed their concern over the high number of students suffering from eyesight complications in Kenya.

Data from Lions Club International indicate that an estimated 17 per cent of students in public institutions are suffering from common vision problems.

This emerged during an eye screening of pupils from Loldia Primary School in Kasarani, Gilgil, and which was organised by area MP Martha Wangari and Lions Group.

According to Lions Vice Chairman Manoj Shah the data was based on research conducted by eye specialists from the association.

“We have come to realise that there is a major eye problem among children in public institutions who are suffering from eyesight complications,” he said.

Dr Shah said more than 300,000 children were screened last year, with many having an “eye reflection problem.”

“Am alarmed that majority of the pupils from Loldia Primary who were screened are suffering from a simple reflection problem which can be easily corrected using eye glasses,” he noted.

He also noted that some students were suffering from allergy and juvenile cataract which require surgery.

“During the clinic we found out that several other pupils were having infection in the eyes, but they have been treated,” he said.

He also expressed concerns that many residents are diabetic but are not aware about the condition.

“We encountered a patient who has been diabetic for about 15 years, and he wasn’t aware of his condition until today, and we have advised him accordingly,” he said.

He said the condition had led to the upsurge of eye problem among the rural population and medics detected 57 diabetic cases.

The doctor encouraged those who turned up for the free medical camp to ensure they go for regular checkup.

Ms Wangari faulted the county government for failing to equip health centers in the constituency like Kasarani dispensary.

“There are so many health centers in this constituency that were constructed years back, but they have not been equipped or staffed,” she said.