Ilorin: A Consultant Community Ophthalmologist, Dr. Bolarinwa Tota, of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, has advised Nigerians to blink often when using phones or computers. Tota gave the advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), warning that prolonged screen use could lead to dry eyes.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tota explained that consciously blinking helped maintain eye moisture and protected against screen-related discomforts such as dryness and irritation. She noted that staring too long at screens, phones, laptops, or tablets can cause eye strain, headaches, blurry vision, or a gritty sensation in the eyes.

Tota emphasized the importance of making a deliberate effort to blink frequently, saying it helped keep the surface of the eyes from drying out during screen exposure. She added that blinking not only moisturized the eyes but also reduced strain, enhanced focus, and provided natural protection from dust and environmental particles.

In addition to blinking, Tota urged Nigerians to undergo regular eye screening to detect common eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts at an early stage. She said regular screening was essential for maintaining long-term eye health and preventing avoidable vision loss caused by undetected eye diseases.

‘About 75 per cent of blindness cases are preventable with early detection. People should prioritize routine eye examinations,’ she added.