World Sight Day is celebrated on the second Thursday of every October to inform people about blindness and vision impairment that is widely spread in our world. Many people worldwide suffer from some form of eye health issue. Be it something as simple as having to wear spectacles or something more like total vision loss. India is home to over 20% of the world’s blind population. A billion people are estimated to have no access to any eye healthcare.

Globally over a billion people suffer from some form of visual impairment. Uncorrected refractive error and unoperated cataracts can cause permanent vision impairment. WHO in its 74th World Health Assembly made targets to increasing coverage for refractive error by 40% and coverage for cataract surgery by 30%.  

The day was first introduced in 2000 by SightFirstCampaign of Lions Club International Foundation. The theme for this year is ‘Love Your Eyes.’ The theme is meant to help individuals to become proactive in their own eye health. If you feel any error or problem in your eyes then take care to get it checked by your doctor.

With increasing screen time in both children and adults, it is important to take time out to protect your most important asset, your eyes. Make a pledge to yourself this World Sight Day to love and protect your eyes with the following three steps.

Take Breaks

With increasing time spent on our laptops and screen, we often overburden our eyes. Children who take their classes online and adults who work on screens should work towards putting a routine in place. After every 20 minutes in front of the screen, take a 1-minute break. Rub your hands to warm them and then place them over your closed eyes. After that look outside the window and then after a minute resume your work. This helps your eyes get some rest and bring back the blinking rate to normalcy.

Consult your doctor

Taking the advice of a doctor is always advisable. If you suffer from frequent headaches or blurry vision then consult your doctor to do an eye check. The number of people who require glasses has significantly increased. Also, those who already wear glasses must visit their doctor annually to see if their number has increased or not. Do not use any eye drops without consulting with your doctor first.

Eat Rich Foods 

A good diet can improve your eye health from within. This includes omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods. This includes flaxseeds, cod liver oil and salmon. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A which is good for your eyes. Other things to include in your diet are nuts, green leafy vegetables, vitamin C rich foods, dairy and seeds.