Research on Corneal Ulcer presented to the Ghana Health Service

Accra, July 25, GNA - The Ghana Eye Foundation, a non-governmental organization, on Friday presented 200 copies of books on the 2005 Annual Eye Report and another 200 copies of a research on Corneal Ulcer (Suppurative Keratitis) to the Ghana Health Service (GHS). The manual which cost GH¢ 1,500 would be distributed to health facilities across the country to help the Ghana Health Service in its fight against eye diseases.

Speaking at the presentation, Mrs. Peggy Dzodzomenyo, Member of the Board of the Board of Trustees of Ghana Eye Foundation, said suppurative keratitis was an infective corneal ulcer with pus forming in the cornea which might in some very severe cases extend to affect the whole eye thereby leading to blindness.

She said corneal ulcer could be caused by bacteria, fungi or protozoa when an airborne particle such as sand, rice husk or metallic piece falls into the eye and causes damage to the surface of the eye thereby introducing infection into it. Mrs Dzodzomenyo noted that the manual was based on research findings in two studies carried out at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Agogo Hospital and Bawku Hospital Eye Unit that, prompt and adequate treatment would save an infected person's eye and salvage his vision. She appealed to corporate Ghana to come to the aid of the NGO financially to enable it to carry out its duties effectively. Dr Awua Siaw of the Ghana Health Service who received the manuals thanked the NGO for its kind gesture and appealed to individuals and organizations to come to the aid of the Service to help it function properly.