The Principal Optometrist and Head of the Eye Unit at the Ga North Municipal Hospital, Dr Godwin Asamoah Ahiakwao, has cautioned mothers against putting breast milk on their children’s eyes when they observe changes in the colour of the eyes.

Instead, he has advised them to take their children to the hospital when there are concerns over their children's eyes and take them for regular eye check-ups for prompt attention to help prevent eye problems in the future.

During a special eye-screening exercise to mark World Sight Day, Dr Ahiakwao said: “We want parents to stop using breast milk on their children’s eyes because applying breast milk to the eye can cause infections, including potentially severe ones. This is because breast milk is not sterile and can introduce bacteria into the eye.

"They have to help protect their children's eyes by sending them to the hospital when they observe something unusual instead of risking damage by using breastmilk.

It’s the eyes they use for learning and reading, so parents must make sure their children’s sight is always checked,” he added.

This year's World Sight Day was held on the theme: “Love Your Eyes, Love Your Sight,” encouraging individuals to value and protect their vision through regular check-ups and safe eye care practices.

As part of their celebrations, the Ga North Municipal Hospital conducted free eye screening for pupils of Silicon Valley International School.

The screening was aimed at promoting good eye health, creating awareness of preventive eye care, and encouraging regular eye examinations among schoolchildren.

About 1,000 pupils were screened during the exercise, which, among other things, was to ensure early detection and treatment of eye conditions among children.

Dr Ahiakwao described sight as a precious gift from God that must be protected through regular check-ups and healthy eye care practices.

He also advised against excessive screen time, especially among children, students and office workers, and encouraged regular eye relaxation.

“We are in the digital age, and our use of phones and computers has increased. For every 20 minutes of close work, take a 20-second break and look 20 metres away. That simple practice helps to relax the eyes and prevent strain,” he advised.

Appreciation

The Head of the Junior High Department and Boarding House Supervisor of the school, Dominic Owusu Ansah, expressed appreciation to the Ga North Municipal Health Service for its continuous efforts to improve the eye health of pupils.

He noted that the initiative had received strong support from parents and had helped improve pupils’ academic performance by addressing sight-related challenges early.