The Chief Executive Officer of PIWAK Natural Health , Dr Prince Nelson Mortoti, has cautioned the public against ignoring persistent eye itching, warning that what may appear to be a minor irritation could sometimes be an indication of an underlying eye condition requiring medical attention.
According to him, many people tend to overlook frequent itching of the eyes, particularly when the discomfort is mild or occurs intermittently, and resort to rubbing their eyes or using readily available eye drops without establishing the actual cause of the problem.
He said such an attitude could worsen the condition, especially when the underlying cause remains unidentified and appropriate treatment is delayed.
Dr Mortoti stressed that eye health is an important aspect of general wellbeing and should not be compromised through self-medication or the assumption that persistent itching will disappear without proper attention.
He explained that eye itching can be associated with several conditions, including allergic reactions, environmental irritants, infections and other eye-related problems.
Dust, smoke, pollen, animal dander and certain cosmetic products, he noted, could trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, resulting in itching, redness, watering and discomfort.
He advised people experiencing persistent or recurrent eye itching to seek professional medical assessment to establish the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
WARNING AGAINST EXCESSIVE EYE RUBBING.
Dr Mortoti particularly cautioned against the habit of repeatedly rubbing itchy eyes, explaining that although it might provide temporary relief, excessive rubbing could irritate the delicate surface of the eyes and potentially cause further complications.
He encouraged the public to resist the temptation to use their fingers to scratch or rub their eyes whenever they experience discomfort.
He further advised people to maintain proper personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their eyes with unclean hands.
According to him, individuals should also be mindful of their surroundings and minimise exposure to substances that may trigger allergic reactions.
He recommended that people experiencing eye irritation should avoid sharing towels, handkerchiefs and other personal items that come into contact with the face and eyes.
EARLY ATTENTION IS IMPORTANT
The PIWAK CEO emphasised that persistent eye itching should not be treated as an ordinary inconvenience, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, excessive tearing, discharge, swelling or blurred vision.
He advised individuals experiencing such symptoms to seek prompt medical attention rather than relying on unprescribed medications.
He also urged the public to avoid using steroid-containing eye drops without medical supervision, as inappropriate use could lead to serious eye complications.
Dr Mortoti further explained that sudden changes in vision, severe eye pain, significant sensitivity to light or sudden redness accompanied by pain require urgent medical assessment.
He maintained that early identification of eye-related problems could help prevent avoidable complications and protect the vision of affected individuals.
PROMOTES EYE HEALTH AWARENESS
Dr Mortoti used the opportunity to encourage Ghanaians to pay greater attention to preventive healthcare and make regular health assessments part of their lifestyle.
He observed that many people only seek medical attention when a health condition becomes severe, a situation he believes can sometimes make treatment more difficult.
He therefore called for increased public education on common health conditions, including eye problems, to help individuals recognise warning signs and seek appropriate care early.
He reiterated that maintaining good eye hygiene, avoiding unnecessary exposure to irritants and seeking professional advice whenever symptoms persist are important steps towards protecting one’s eyesight.
The PIWAK Natural Health and Clinic CEO urged parents and guardians to pay particular attention to children who frequently rub their eyes, complain of itching or experience unexplained eye discomfort.
He said children may not always be able to communicate the nature or severity of their symptoms, making it important for adults to observe unusual changes and seek medical advice when necessary.
Dr Mortoti concluded by reminding the public that good eyesight is essential to everyday activities and that persistent eye discomfort should never be ignored.
He urged Ghanaians to make eye health a priority, stressing that timely medical attention remains an important safeguard against preventable vision problems.
