A strange blindness disease, known as Pterygium, has hit Delta state,
leaving no fewer than five hundred persons in three riverine
communities in the state blinded.
The three riverine communities of Oporoza, Ayakurumo,and Uvwie are
currently being rattled by the disease described by experts as new in
Delta state, and deadly if urgent steps were not taken to curb its
prevalence.
The Coordinator of Restore Sight Africa Initiative in the state, Dr.
Ernest Ogbedo, who spoke to DAILY POST in Asaba on Friday, explained
that, “the disease Is called Pterygium, it’s prevalent in the riverine
communities because of the people closeness to the river. One of the
causes of the disease is the reflections of sun-rays on the water from
the sea, hence it’s advisable that people in riverine communities should
always wear sunglasses to protect their eyes.”
Ogbedo, while expressing concern at the high incidence of Pterygium,
especially in Uvwie community, warned persons who had refused to
undertake surgery out of fear to come forward for treatment.
He said that over 3,000 persons have been treated at Ekpan General
Hospital in Uvwie local government area of the state, with a total
number of 106 eye surgeries carried out, adding that over 2,000 persons
who took part in eyes surgical last month were given glasses including
eye drops.
He said, “Over 500 persons are being taken care of at present in
three riverine communities. They had gone blind via the Pterygium
disease, but measures were being taken by her Excellency’s “05
Initiative” to ensure they get back their sights.”