World Sight Day 2023: 8 tips to care for your eyes

In a world where digital screens and fast-paced living is the norm, the significance of maintaining good eye health often takes a backseat. World Sight Day, celebrated every second Thursday of October, serves as a crucial reminder to prioritise our eyes. This year’s theme, 'Love Your Eyes', echoes the need for proactive care to prevent vision impairment and blindness.

2 things you need to know

• Regular eye check-ups ensure early detection of issues.
• Antioxidant-rich foods like berries promote excellent eye health.

Global vision crisis

According to the World Health Organization, a staggering 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from vision impairment and shockingly, at least 1 billion of these cases could have been prevented or treated. The alarming numbers emphasise the urgent need for awareness and lifestyle changes to safeguard our vision.

(Prioritize eye health with 'Love Your Eyes' mantra | Image: iStock)

Simple steps for healthy vision

In a bid to promote eye wellness, here are some simple yet effective tips to incorporate into your lifestyle according to WebMD blog.

Eat right

Make conscious food choices. Consume items rich in antioxidants, such as beta carotene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Colourful fruits and vegetables, especially berries and leafy greens like spinach and kale, should be integral to your diet. Omega-3 rich foods like salmon and tuna contribute significantly to eye health.

Keep your body healthy

Regular exercise not only maintains a healthy weight but also regulates blood sugar and blood pressure. Avoid smoking to reduce the risk of cataract and macular degeneration. A holistic approach to health positively impacts your eyes.

Practice good hand hygiene

Prevent the transmission of germs to your eyes by avoiding rubbing them and keeping hands away from your face, especially if you wear contact lenses. Clean hands are crucial in minimising the risk of eye infections.

Regular eye check-ups

Any change in vision, whether sudden or gradual, should prompt a call to an ophthalmologist. Early detection of eye problems is crucial. Regular eye check-ups and adherence to prescribed glasses or contact lenses are imperative.

Prioritise eye safety

Engage in high-risk activities with caution. Always wear protective eyewear for tasks like mowing the lawn or playing sports to prevent blunt force trauma, foreign bodies or corneal abrasions.

Shield your eyes from UV light

Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing high-quality sunglasses that block all UV rays. If sensitivity is a concern, opt for polarisation to control glare effectively.

Manage screen time

In an era dominated by screens, adopt the 20/20/20 rule to reduce eyestrain, headaches and dry eyes. Take a break every 20 minutes and look at a distant object for 20 seconds, at least 20 feet away.

As we celebrate World Sight Day with the theme 'Love Your Eyes', let it serve as a call to action for a collective commitment to eye health. By incorporating these simple habits into our lives, we can contribute to a world where preventable vision impairment becomes a rarity.