Did you know 4 out of 5 people who are blind across the world could have avoided blindness? Whether their loss of sight was a result of eye injury or eye disease, many people can avoid unnecessary blindness.
Join us in recognizing World Sight Day by learning more about the initiative and some steps you can take to protect your vision.
What is World Sight Day?
World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. It was originally initiated by the Sight First Campaign of Lions Club International Foundation in 2000.
Today, it is coordinated by The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness in cooperation with the World Health Organization.
Make Vision Count
What is the first thing you can do to make your vision count? Schedule a vision care exam. The American Optometric Association recommends that adults again 18 to 60 receive a vision care exam every two years, or as recommended by your eye care provider.
Be proactive for your loved ones, as well. School-aged children, elderly, or those with diabetes should also receive a vision care exam.
They say knowledge is power, so make your vision count by staying informed. Know the signs and symptoms of major eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (to name a few). Recognizing signs of these conditions, and seeking treatment early can make all the difference.
Healthy Habits
Here are a few everyday practices to help protect your vision:
- Wear sunglasses year-round
Years of cumulative exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can result in macular degeneration or cataract formation. Protect your eyes year-round, not just in the summer months!
- Maintain a balanced diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for our overall health but there are certain foods that are particularly good for eye health. Leafy greens, carrots, eggs and salmon are a few examples of foods rich with nutrients and antioxidants to keep your eyes healthy.
- Wear safety eyewear at home and at work
Of the thousands of eye injuries that occur each day, 90 percent could have been avoided with the use of appropriate safety eyewear. Safety eyewear has a higher standard of impact from everyday eyewear. It’s important to wear safety eyewear to protect your eyes from projectiles, chemical splashes or blunt force injury.