Strategies to Reduce the Burden of Visual Impairment and Blindness Secondary to Ocular Trauma in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30442/ahr.1104-02-300Keywords:
Eye Injury, Banditry, Ocular trauma, Public Health Intervention, Road Traffic Injuries, NigeriaAbstract
Ocular trauma is a cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. The epidemiological patterns of ocular trauma in Nigeria differ from those of developed countries, despite some similarities. However, literature talks about 90% of ocular trauma cases being preventable; hence, it is essential to develop strategies for eye injury prevention. This study aimed to highlight approaches to reduce the incidence of visual impairment and blindness due to ocular trauma in Nigeria. This is an explanatory review article. The importance of improving surveillance systems, advocacy, health promotion, legislative and stakeholder meetings, well-equipped tertiary eye care hospitals, and the training and retraining of eye care workers in public health interventions to prevent blindness due to ocular trauma in Nigeria is underscored.
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