World Sight Day is an annual global event observed on the second Thursday of October. It is a day to raise awareness about blindness and vision impairment, and to advocate for access to quality eye care for all.
This year, World Sight Day will be celebrated on October 12, 2023, under the theme "Love Your Eyes". The theme aims to encourage people to prioritize their eye health and to take steps to protect their vision.
Eye health is essential for our overall well-being and quality of life. It allows us to see the world around us, to learn and grow, and to participate fully in society. However, millions of people around the world are blind or have vision impairment, many of whom could have been prevented with access to timely and appropriate eye care.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide have a vision impairment, of whom at least 1 billion have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or treated.
The most common causes of blindness and vision impairment include:
- Uncorrected refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism)
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
Many of these conditions can be treated successfully if detected early. However, access to quality eye care is often limited in developing countries, and many people do not seek eye care until their vision is already severely impaired.
World Sight Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and to advocate for access to quality eye care for all. It is also a day to celebrate the work of eye care professionals and organizations around the world who are working to prevent blindness and vision impairment.
How to get involved in World Sight Day?
There are many ways to get involved in World Sight Day. Here are a few ideas:
Get your eyes checked.
Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health. Even if you don't have any vision problems, it's important to see an eye doctor regularly to rule out any underlying eye conditions.
Educate yourself about eye health.
There are many resources available online and in your community to help you learn more about eye health and vision impairment.
Donate to or volunteer for an eye care organization.
There are many organizations working to prevent blindness and vision impairment around the world. You can donate to or volunteer your time to support these organizations and make a difference in the lives of people who are blind or have vision impairment.
Spread the word about World Sight Day.
Talk to your friends and family about the importance of eye health and encourage them to get their eyes checked. You can also share information about World Sight Day on social media and other online platforms.
What can you do to protect your eye health?
Here are 10 tips to help you love your eyes and protect your eye health:
1. FOLLOW THE 20/20/20 RULE TO GIVE YOUR EYES SCREEN BREAKS.
When using a screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, to avoid eye strain and headaches.
2. SPEND TIME OUTSIDE.
Children should spend at least two hours a day outside. This also helps their eyes develop in a healthy way and helps them avoid developing nearsightedness.
3. WEAR SUNGLASSES OUTSIDE.
Make sure your sunglasses offer UVA and UVB protection to prevent radiation from the sun damaging your eyes.
4. WEAR PRESCRIPTION GLASSES, IF YOU NEED THEM.
You should wear your prescription glasses to see clearly and prevent your eyes from having to work harder which can lead to eye strain and headaches.
5. CHECK YOUR COSMETICS TO AVOID EYE INFECTIONS.
Check the expiry date on eye makeup and replace your brushes regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria that could cause eye infections.
6. EXERCISE REGULARLY.
Doing regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure which can affect your sight.
7. EAT A HEALTHY DIET.
Eating a balanced diet ensures you have the vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining healthy eyes.
8. DON’T SMOKE.
Smoking increases your risk of developing serious eye conditions and permanent sight loss.
9. BOOK AN EYE TEST TO DETECT PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY ARISE.
An eye test can detect an eye condition even before it’s affected your eyesight, so even if you don’t think there’s anything wrong with your eyes, you should book a test.
10. PRIORITISE YOUR EYES - YOU NEED THEM TO LAST ALL YOUR LIFE.
Put reminders in your calendar to have regular eye checks. You should have your eyes checked every 1-2 years.
By getting involved in World Sight Day, you can help to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and vision impairment, and to advocate for access to quality eye care for all.