MEET THE OPTOMETRIST OF THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2020

Dr. Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi is a Nigerian born optometrist by training and hail from Amakohia in Ihitte Uboma LGA of Imo State in Eastern Nigeria.

Dr. Levi is married to Osuagwu Uchechukwu Jacinta and they are blessed with three children.

Dr. Levi completed his primary education at 67 Infantry Battalion Primary School, Aba, Abia State, and his secondary education at Army Day Secondary School Bori-Camp Port Harcourt, River State.

Dr. Levi completed his undergraduate Doctor of Optometry degree from 1993-2000 and has practiced in various private and public hospitals in Nigeria and overseas.

In 2006, he left for Saudi Arabia to gain foreign work experience and later got into academia when clinical practice alone could no longer provide him what he looked for in a career.

Dr. Levi has supervised many undergraduates and postgraduate students and was a lead research person for the Corneal Research Chair at King Saud University, Riyadh, (KSU), where he developed several collaborative projects involving practicing Optometrist, Cardiologist, and public health research persons.

At KSU, Levi was also part of the first committee that developed the new OD program curriculum and was heavily involved in the first accreditation process. Levi continues to pursue excellence in research. He obtained his M.sc at Aston University, Birmingham in 2014, where he graduated with a distinction and later completed his Ph.D. in Optometry and Vision sciences from the Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Queensland; the University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

Dr. Levi's current interest as a Research Fellow at Western Sydney University is focused on diabetes and integrated care under Prof. David Simmons. 

He has coordinated various projects in Diabetes including International Projects in New Zealand and Tonga. The team at Western Sydney University is looking for ways to detect, prevent and manage different types of diabetes through peer support programs and an integrated model of care.

Dr. Levi has held several leadership positions including re-instituting the election process as the Transition Committee Chairman of the Nigerian Optometric Students’ Association, ABSU, First Vice President, East for the National Association of Optometric Students’ (NOSA); Member of the IHBI Postgraduate Research Student Committee

INTERVIEWER:_ Dr. Levi, please tell us more about your Student Life: How did you develop your interest in Optometry?

DR. LEVI:_ I had initially set my career to studying medicine but later got into Optometry after one year in Botany.  My interest in Optometry grew as I progressed into the third year. I began to see opportunities to excel particularly in academia as there were no enough lecturers at that time. Since I was passionate about caring for people, the optometry profession felt like a safe place to leave a lasting footprint.

INTERVIEWER:_  Which Optometry school did you attend?

DR. LEVI:_ I attended Abia State University, Uturu

INTERVIEWER:_  When did you graduate?

DR. LEVI:_I graduated in the year 2000

INTERVIEWER:_  What attracted you to that optometry school?

DR. LEVI:_ The institution was the only accredited school of Optometry in the East at that time.

INTERVIEWER:_  What does the program entail/process (how many years, clinical, student life)?

DR. LEVI:_ Optometry degree in Nigeria is actually an eight(8) years program consisting of six(6) years of full-time study, one year of supervised clinical training (internship) at a private or public hospital and another year of National Youth Service Corps Program (NYSC, voluntary) 

INTERVIEWER:_ Describe your best moment in optometry school.

DR. LEVI:_ I had several good moments but the one that stands out was my appointment as the Transition Committee Chairman of NOSA at a time when the student body was experiencing a leadership crisis. The trust bestowed on me by the school leadership and the support from the Optometry students was a humbling experience for me. We went on to institute a democratically elected leadership one year after.

INTERVIEWER:_ Where do you see improvement in the school system in optometry?

DR. LEVI:_ The Optometry school in Nigeria has come along way from B.Sc to the O.D program which gave us a full formulary license, something many countries are unable to have. There is a need to continuously re-evaluate the O.D training program to align with the new technological globe. Optometry training needs to be uniform across training institutions.

INTERVIEWER:_ How was finding a job/Internship after optometry school? Did you feel prepared?

DR. LEVI:_  While finding a place for an internship was difficult at first, job after the internship was available as private clinics. I felt very prepared prior to my internship program because I was fortunate to serve as the Assistant Clinician President at the ABSU clinic, which helped me to instill extra confidence in me. Also, our early exposure to out-patient clinic consultation from the 4th year and the supervised internship program was very helpful at preparing us for unsupervised practice.

  

INTERVIEWER:_Tell us about your Achievement(s) in the Health care sector and in the Optometry profession

DR. LEVI:_I have over 14 years of clinical practice experience, and spent the most part of my career in research and academia.

I have worked in various collaborative research projects across diverse fields published more than 45 peer review articles despite just completing my Ph.D. in 2017.

I have co-supervised many undergraduate and postgraduate students, and assisted in developing optometry program curriculum at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

I have presented at various local and international conferences and served as a Contact Lens educator for Johnson & Johnson in Saudi Arabia.

AWARDS

ü Deputy Vice-Chancellors Award for Excellence in Research (December 2019)

ü Lions Community Award Boondall, QLD (September 2019)

ü Ingham Diabetes Research Grant (promoting self-care for diabetes management and prevention) by Ingham Institute NSW, Australia (July 2018).

ü Higher Degree Research Grant (Tuition Waiver/stipend), by Faculty of Health and School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, QUT, Australia (February 2014 – July 2017).

ü International Travel Grant by Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology (September, 2016)

INTERVIEWER:_  Do you have any plans/Ideas for the Optometry Profession here in Nigeria?

DR. LEVI:_ Optometry keeps changing and the scope of practice still expanding. One way of keeping up to date with practice is being involved in research and good use of the evidence-based practice.

I have plans to engage Nigerian Optometry graduates and practicing Optometrists in research as a way to increase knowledge and engage with the wider society of researchers.

Currently, we have initiated the coming together of foreign-trained Optometry and Public Health Researchers from Nigeria, who have an interest in promoting Research in Nigeria and Africa.

This group will provide the needed opportunity for training and development in research for HCPs in Nigeria. The group will seek funds, grants, and design international research projects to fill identified gaps in various health-related fields

.

I have recently initiated a collaborative research group of Optometry and Public Health practitioners from across the globe, all of whom are from Nigeria. 

The aim is to bring quality research from Africa, and together we can encourage new graduates to take up research projects and training. 

I find that study opens up peoples mind, makes them think critically and see the potentials ahead of the optometry practice. I encourage the institutions to support quality research and students to thin beyond just practicing as a way to succeed.

INTERVIEWER:_  What is your advice to young optometrists in and outside Nigeria?

DR. LEVI:_ I find that international experience is useful at the early stage of practice, but when seeking such opportunities, make inquiries, have an exit plan, and continue developing yourself so that when the right opportunity comes, you will be better placed to grab it. Information is power, so find a senior optometrist who can serve as a mentor even while you are practicing.

I hope that young and practicing optometrists will draw inspiration and motivation from your life story to see beyond clinical practice as a way to foster Optometry growth in Nigeria and personal development.

You can get in touch with Dr. Levi below

LinkedIn Profile: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/uchechukwu-levi-osuagwu-b368421a/

Diabetes Research Works

https://www.westernsyndney.edu.au/domtru/projects/prevention/wollondilly_diabetes_programme

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/_data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1556390/Diabetes_Monograph.pdf

E-mail: 

L.osuagwu@westernsydney.edu.au;

Dr. Levi's Research Profile: 

https://orchid.org/0000-0002-1727-6914

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THE HEALTH RISKS OF ARTIFICIAL EYELASH

The fixing of Artificial eyelashes, otherwise known as fake lashes, has become a norm and an increasingly popular trend in the fashion world today. It is a must-have for women seeking a glamorous look. However, we should not neglect the health implications associated with it.
There are typically three types of Artificial Eyelashes;
1. Synthetic Lashes
2. Human hair lashes
3. Mink fur Lashes

Synthetic lashes are made from human-made materials, including rubber and other recyclable materials

Artificial Eyelash

Artificial eyelashes are also known as fake eyelashes and often serve as a supplement to the existing eyelashes or as a replacement.
Lash glues have been rated amongst the most toxic of all beauty products on the market today for its high concentration of chemicals such as formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde has been linked to developmental or reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, and neurotoxicity and is a confirmed carcinogen by the National Cancer Society.

All of the glues on the market today contain some form of harsh chemical ingredients such as latex cause allergic reactions in many individuals, ammonia, phthalates, and many others.

When the glue is drying and setting, it's also releasing these chemicals into the air that we are breathing and can cause asthma-like symptoms.

Current lash glue products that claim to not have harsh chemicals in them still actually do, including sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate.
Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate is a skin and eye irritant that can cause permanent damage to your eyes.
In addition to these health problems, these harsh chemicals are prematurely aging the eye area and making your lashes dry, brittle, and potentially sparse.

When clients go in to get their eyelashes fixed, one thing they dont typically worry about, or even think about is the type of glue used.
The most common type of glue used for fixing eyelashes in many busy centers is black bonding glue, which is originally meant to be used for hair and can be dangerous for the eye.

Black bonding glue is dangerous 

Black bonding glue forms a solid bond, and given the small surface area of a lash band, and the fact that eyelids are continually moving, that relationship will crack and weaken.

Here are some of the hazards that could be caused by the black bonding glue most people use for fixing their lashes.

A woman who got severe allergic reactions after using fake eyelashes

1. Damage of the real eyelashes- Most people tend to wear false lashes because their natural ones are neither lush nor long enough. Sadly, wearing the fake lashes regularly and also applying it with the black bonding glue puts stress on the hair follicles, exposes the eyes to different dangers, and eventually makes the real lashes to fall out and not grow back. Sometimes, in the course of the removal process, the glue gets sticky and removes the natural lashes with it.

2. They can trap bacteria- When applying glue to stick the eyelashes, you create a moist environment which makes the dirt to get caught and for bacteria to thrive.
Natural eyelashes protect the eyes from dust, foreign materials, and sweat, while low quality and unhygienic false lashes usually cause irritation and infection.

3. Eye sensitivity: The bonding glue can cause sensitivity and irritation to the skin. People with sensitive skin typically suffer from rashes and irritation due to adhesive. Eye irritation and tenderness can cause an infection that can lead to eye damage or even vision loss.

4. Trapping dirt: Hygiene wise, false eyelashes are a risk as they tend to trap dirt and bacteria, and this could lead to them infecting the eye. Whereas, Natural eyelashes prevent dirt, sweat, and bacteria from entering into the eyes, by trapping and keeping out anything that comes near the eyes.\

Information: for those in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, an eye doctor will be on air to discuss more on "Health Risk of Artificial Eye Lash" Stay tuned to "Orient FM 94.5

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Quick Facts on MENINGOCOCCAL-A VACCINE: PART 2

The previous blog post on the Menningococcal A Vaccince was a concise summary of the disease it protects against, which is the Menningococcal Disease.

Mode of transmission, signs and symptoms, and complications of this diseases were highlighted including preventive tips.

Click here to read previousblog-Part-1

https://sightmedical.blogspot.com/2020/01/quick-facts-on-meningococcal-vaccine.html?m=1

Furthermore, there are essential information to be aware of which are stated in this blog post. In summary, it includes reactions to the Vaccince and key messages that parents/caregivers ought to be aware of.

Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)

This refers to any untoward medical occurrence which follows immunization and which does not necessarily have a causal relationship with the usage of the vaccine.

Types of AEFIs include;

1) NONSERIOUS AEFI: This type of AEFI is a reaction that is not serious. It usually causes mild fever of about 38°C, Soreness and pain at injection site.

Nonserious AEFI associated with Menningococcal A Vaccine includes; Fever, Headache, Pruritus, Rashes, Urticaria, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Irritability, Persistent cry and Loss of appetite.

2) SERIOUS AEFI: It is life threatening, can cause congenital abnormalities, birth defect and death . Serious AEFI due to Men A Vaccination is extremely rare, it includes;

 Hospitalization or prolonging of existing hospitalization e.g. seizure.

 Persistent or significant disability e.g. paralysis

 Convulsion

 Syncope (Fainting)

Dizziness

 Anaphylaxis

Key Messages to Parents/Caregiver

Regarding Immunization, as a parent/caregiver irrespective of gender, one should be able to;

1) Know the following about the vaccine about to be administered to your child:

 Name of the vaccine
 Site of administration
 Mode of action
 Next appointment ( where necessary)
 Side effect of the vaccine

2) Come with the immunization card every immunization day for proper documentation of vaccines and next appointment.

3) Ensure the immunization cards are kept from oil stains and water, it was be kept intact and dry.

4) When your child is immunized, check if the health worker indicated the date it was given beside the vaccine on the immunization card.

5) If the place of vaccination is a mobile clinic or your child was immunized in a campaign programme, ensure to ask about the venue of next appointment.

6) After immunization, if there is any bleeding, you will be given a cotton wool by the health provider to press the site. DO NOT RUB

This is to prevent rapid absorption of the vaccine into the body which cancels the good effect of the immunization.

7) Parents and caregivers are to wait at least 10minutes to ensure there is no reaction after vaccination.

8) Immunization is very important and necessary for children in order to prevent them from catstrophic diseases.

9) It is important to have a thermometer in order to monitor the temperature of one’s child after Immunization.

Questions and comments are welcome on SightMedical Blog

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Why Do My Breasts Sag

Why Do My Breasts Sag

The erroneous belief, especially among young people today, is that a woman’s breasts will sag if she has lots of sexual encounters and they are usually shamed one way or the other, THIS IS NOT TRUE.

Here’s why:

Breasts contain mainly fat, glands that produce milk, and Cooper ligaments

It is commonly thought that these ligaments are what give support to these breasts making them firm and supple and giving them their shape

However, with age, these ligaments become lax and breasts fall


There are major things that make would make a woman’s breasts sag

Cigarette smoking(Shisha): Smoking breaks down elastin in the skin which can invariably cause breasts to fall
The more pregnancies a woman has, the more chances that her breasts are going to fall.

Large breasts: it is common sense that large structures need more support, the larger your breasts are the more support they would need.

So naturally, they would sag because of their weight

Gravity: Gravity plays a large role.

Higher body mass index: remember that breasts are largely composed of fat>more BMI, more fat>more weight >sag

Significant weight gain or loss(23 kg) If you lose a lot of weight too soon, without giving your body time to adjust, breasts may sag because you have extra skin

Age: as a woman gets older the ligaments weaken, hence, breasts will sag.

Breastfeeding will NOT make your breast fall!

Genetics: These play a huge role, but we do not understand yet fully how they influence the shape and size of the breasts

Also, there is no evidence that wearing A bra will affect the sagging of your breasts,

A BRA WILL ONLY CHANGE THE SHAPE OF YOUR BREAST WHEN IT IS WORN.

Exercise will NOT improve the shape of your breasts, they contain fat, not muscle.

Vit C helps in connective tissue, may help minimally, but there is no evidence that this works in breast shape.

For a more permanent if you’re uncomfortable with the way they look: you can go for a breast lift called a mastopexy

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Quick facts on MENINGOCOCCAL-A VACCINE ; Part 1

A new vaccince has been added to the routine immunization schedule in Lagos State namely, Meningococcal A Vaccine.

Meningococcal vaccine is a vaccine that prevents against meningococcal disease.

What is Menningococcal Disease?

This is a devastating disease that causes serious fatalities in Nigeria.

It is the inflammation of the covering of the brain called Meninges.

It is caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses.

There are 12 serotypes of this disease of which six are identified namely; A, B, C, W, X, Y.

Signs and symptoms

1) Fever

2) Sudden onset of headache

3)Nausea

4) Vomiting

5) Irritability

6) Neck stiffness

7) Convulsion

8) Loss of consciousness.

Complications

1)Deafness

2) Paralysis

3) Seizures

4) Mental retardation

5) Arthritis

6) Death

Risk Factors to Meningococcal Disease

Bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseira meningitidis (Nm), Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophillus influenza and Group B streptococcus are of global public health concern.
Meningococcal Meningitis caused by Nm is the most frequent and leading cause of bacterial meningitis or cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) and sepsis.

Nm Serotype A accounts for almost 90% of pathogen causing meningitis in Africa.

Risk factors include;

1) Dry season that comes with weakening of the nasopharyngeal mucosa as a result dust winds, cold nights and increase in upper respiratory tract infections.

2) Living in overcrowded houses and poor sanitary conditions e.g. schools, prison, barracks etc.

3)Population displacement and movement or convergence; Markets, IDP camps. This facilitates quick circulation of virulent strains.

Mode of Transmission

Nm doesn’t have animal reservoir, it only affects humans. It is transmitted from humans to humans through:

1) Respiratory droplets, throat secretions or direct contact with infected people.

2) It can spread rapidly in overcrowded and poor sanitary conditions.

Diagnosis

1) History taking by a clinician or health provider.

2) Clinical examination (fever, neck stiffness, Kernig’s sign ‘pain on extension of the knee on a flexed hip’)

3) Confirmatory lab test made by culture of the organism on the cerebrospinal fluid obtained from lumbar puncture.

Treatment

1) All suspected cases should be reported immediately to the nearest health facility for proper evaluation and management.

2) Antibiotic of choice is ceftriaxone and alternate choice is ciprofloxacin.

Prevention
1) Vaccination with Men A vaccine. This prevents against Menningococcal Disease caused by Serotype A organism. Other serotypes vaccine will be available in Nigeria soon.

2) Good personal hygiene

3) Avoid over crowding

4) Exclusive breast feeding

Administration

Men A Vaccine is given in a single dose of 0.5ml intramuscularly, usually at the left upper thigh of a child at 9-15months of age.

Stay connected with SightMedicalBlogs, a sequel to this blog post will be provided soonest.
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Optometrist of the Month Coming Soon!

Optometrist of the Month Coming Soon!

The time has come for the world to know you and know how ambitious you are about your profession. Are you an eye doctor (optometrist) in Nigeria? Then this great opportunity is for you. We will be showcasing optometrists (eye doctors) that have won our hearts with their achievements. We will be doing this every month by God's grace.

To participate, kindly email us your details (not less than 350 words) with the subject: "Eye Doctor of the Month". If your personal details are good enough, then we will showcase it on our website for free. Remember, you must have your permanent license or temporary (internship license) and must be law abiding Nigerian optometrist. Also attach at least two of your pictures and include your Facebook user name  Twitter handle, Google+, LinkedIn, etc. in the mail. Send the email to " nwadikeikechi00@gmail.com" and we will give you feed back as soon as possible.

This will be very interesting as many optometrists will be discovered and our blog readers will get to know them and the stories behind their achievements. It will also enable people find these young and vibrant eye doctors whenever their names are being searched on google or bing.

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Pile; Is it really caused by eating/drinking sweet things?

Pile; Is it really caused by eating/drinking sweet things?

The word Pile which translates toJedi-Jedi in Yoruba is a commonly used term. It is often believed to be caused by consumption of sweet things such as soft drink, ice cream, cookies etc.

People patronize herbal concotions usually advertised in transit or at bus parks by those who claim their medicines cures anything, like an all in one elixir to treat/prevent pile.

In today’s blogspot, the true meaning of pile will be examined, including the causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment.

What is Pile?

Pile also referred to asHaemorrhoids, are swellings containing enlarged blood vessels that are found inside or around the bottom i.e the rectum and anus.

Types of Pile

There are four (4) types of haemorrhoids and they include:
1) Internal Haemorrhoids;

• It is found in the rectum.
• It is always be seen because they’re too deep in the anus to be visible.
• It is not normally serious and tend to go away on their own.

Sometimes internal haemorrhoids can swell and stick out of the anus. There aren’t any nerves that detect pain in the rectum, but they can cause symptoms if they grow larger. Noticeable lumps or swelling near the anus. Faeces traveling through the rectum can also irritate an internal haemorrhoid. This can cause bleeding that might be noticeable on toilet tissue.

2) External Haemorrhoid;

• It occurs on the anus, directly on the surface of where the feaces comes out.
• It’s not always visible, but are sometimes seen as lumps on the anal surface.
• It isn’t usually a serious medical issue.

3) Prolapsed Haemorrhoids; It occurs when internal haemorrhoids swell and stick out of the anus.

4) Thrombosed haemorrhoids; It is essentially a complication of a haemorrhoid, in which a blood clot forms. Blood clots can happen in both internal and external haemorrhoids.

Causes
The exact cause of haemorrhoids is unclear, but they’re associated with increased pressure in the blood vessels in and around the anus. This pressure can cause the blood vessels in your back passage to become swollen and inflamed.

Haemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
• Being obese
• Squatting while defecating
• Being pregnant
• Having anal intercourse
• Eating a low-fiber diet
• Regular heavy lifting
• Aging
• Genetics
• Low fibre diet
• Having chronic diarrhea or constipation

Acute diarrhea is defined as the sudden onset of 3 or more loose stools per day and lasts no longer than 14 days. This is often referred to as or a cause of Pile aka Jedi-Jedi but it’s not.

Chronic diarrhoea refers to passing loose watery stool consistently that lasts for more than 14 days and it’s a known cause of pile.

What about CONSUMPTION OF SUGAR?

A technical report by the World Health Organization (WHO) provided evidence that high intake of sugary drinks (including fruit juice) increased the risk of obesity by adding to overall energy intake.
The “empty calories” argument states that a diet high in added sugar will reduce consumption of foods that contain essential nutrients.

By itself, sugar is not a factor causing obesity, haemorrhoids and metabolic syndrome but when over consumed is a component of unhealthy dietary behaviour.

Several things can exert pressure on the rectum but high intake of sugar is not one of them. Since high intake of sugar does not exert pressure on the rectum then sugar does not cause pile but it has been found out that pile can be implicated by sugar because it aggravates the pain caused by haemorrhoid and makes pile last longer than it should last.

The main thing sugar does is to increase and aggravate pile and makes it worse thereby causing great pain.

Signs and Symptoms

Seeing blood in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement is no doubt alarming, but it’s one of the main symptoms of haemorrhoids. Other symptoms are;

• Painless bleeding during bowel movement.
• There might be itching or irritation on the anal region.
• Pain or discomfort swelling around the anus.
• A lump near the anus, which may be sensitive or painful.
• Bright red blood on toilet paper or in stool after a bowel movement.

Prevention

• Eat high-fibre foods: Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Doing so softens the stool and increases its bulk, which will help avoid the straining that can cause haemorrhoids. Add fibre to diet slowly to avoid problems with gas.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Drink six to eight glasses of water and other liquids (not alcohol) each day to help keep stools soft.
• Don’t strain: Straining and holding breath when trying to pass a stool creates greater pressure in the veins in the lower rectum.
• Go as soon as you feel the urge: Passing of bowel movement should not be delayed so that the stool does not become dry and get harder to pass out.
• Exercise: Stay active to help prevent constipation and to reduce pressure on veins, which can occur with long periods of standing or sitting. Exercise can also help to lose excess weight that may be contributing to haemorrhoids.
• Avoid long periods of sitting: Sitting too long, particularly on the toilet, can increase the pressure on the veins in the anus.

Treatment

In the majority of cases, piles resolve on their own without the need for any treatment. However, some treatments can help significantly reduce the discomfort and itching that many people experience with piles such as use of pain relief drugs, dietary modifications and surgery.

Consult a Certified Doctor or a Registered Nurse regarding treatment as the regimen differs, depending on the type of pile/haemorrhoid a person has.

Unpatented Herbs and so called elixirs that have not been scientifically proven to cure pile could aggravate it as their content is unknown, avoid them.

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Dangers of Cotton Buds on the Ears

Dangers of Cotton Buds on the Ears

What is a Cotton Bud?

A cotton bud is a small stick with a ball of cotton wool at each end, which people use, for example, for applying make-up. It is often used to remove wax from the ears.

Cerumen a.k.a. ear wax is an orange or yellowish waxy substance produced by special cells in the skin of the outer ear canal. It is often perceived as dirt as it looks irritating when it becomes visible outside the entrance of the ear.

The cerumen is actually beneficial to health as it;
• Assists in cleaning the ears.
• Provides lubrication to prevent the skin in the ear from drying out.
• Protects the ear against bacteria, fungi, dusts, insects and water.

Normally, the movement of the jaw during speaking and eating helps to push earwax along the ear canal to its entrance. Here the wax dries into small pieces or flakes, which are shed. Usually, the wax accumulates a bit, dries out, and then comes out of the ear, carrying dirt and dust with it or it may slowly migrate to the outside where it can be wiped of using a clean soft material. The ear canal itself should be left alone.

Reasons you should not use cotton bud

• It is not safe; Although the cotton bud has some level of advantages over sharp objects that could rupture the eardrum such as biro covers, feathers, nails, keys, fingers etc., it is not safe. Attempts to clean the ear with cotton bud merely push the wax deeper into the ear canal, causing a blockage.
• Substandard Packaging; The problem with cotton bud is that it is usually not made according to recommended standards. In other words, it is substandard and in the process of using it to clean the canal, the cotton drops into the ear, thereby creating problems.
• Exposure; The cotton bud is also exposed to all kinds of dirt, weather and unhygienic situations that could cause infections to the ear. As a result, it is advised that it should be stopped.

New method of ear-cleaning
• To clean the ear, experts say, wash the external ear with a cloth, but do not insert anything into the ear canal.
• Irrigation or ear syringing is commonly used for cleaning and can be performed by a physician or at home using a commercially available irrigation kit. Common solutions used for syringing include water and saline, which should be warmed to body temperature to prevent dizziness.
• Manual removal of earwax is also effective. This is most often performed by an otolaryngologist using suction or special miniature instruments, and a microscope to magnify the ear canal. Manual removal is preferred if your ear canal is narrow, the eardrum has a perforation or tube, other methods have failed, or if you have skin problems affecting the ear canal, diabetes or a weakened immune system.

When to see a doctor

• If wax has accumulated so much that it blocks the ear canal (and hearing), a physician may prescribe eardrops designed to soften wax, or he/she may wash or vacuum it out. Occasionally, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) may need to remove the wax under microscopic visualization.
• If there is a possibility of a perforation in the eardrum, consult a physician prior to trying any over-the-counter remedies. Putting eardrops or other products in the ear with the presence of an eardrum perforation may cause pain or an infection. Certainly, washing water through such a hole could start an infection.

Preventing excessive earwax
There are no proven ways to prevent cerumen impaction, but not inserting cotton-tipped swabs or other objects in the ear canal is strongly advised. If you are prone to repeated wax impaction or use hearing aids, consider seeing your doctor every 6 to 12 months for a check-up and routine preventive cleaning.

References
• http://www.owlcation.com
• http://www.wikpedia.com
• http://www.vanguardngr.com

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