Have you ever wondered how often you rely on your eyes? Reading, driving, or even just scrolling through your phone right now, all thanks to your vision! However, the sad part is that around 2.2 billion people globally have some vision problem, and what’s even more shocking is that 1 billion of those cases could have been treated, prevented or are still unaddressed. The situation is even grimmer in low-income countries, where most individuals lack access to affordable care or services. This is where World Sight Day comes in.
World Sight Day is about shining a light on vision issues, blindness, and the importance of keeping our eyes healthy. It is an excellent reminder to stay on top of regular eye check-ups, catch any problems early, and make sure everyone has access to good eye care.
The best part is that this day focuses on the global mission to eradicate preventable vision loss/blindness and help improve the lives of those with blindness. With International Sight Day around the corner, let’s walk through what this day is all about, why it matters, and how you can celebrate by participating in different activities.
What is the Purpose of World Sight Day?
How often do we stop and think about eye health? Barely! That is what World Vision Day is about a global reminder that our vision needs attention, too. Looking at the statistics (globally), vision impairment affects around 1.1 billion people, with drastic projections indicating this number could rise to 1.8 billion by 2050. This could predominantly occur due to the ageing population or lifestyle changes such as increased sedentary behaviour and poor nutrition.
If we speak of India, approximately 4.95 million people are blind (along with 0.24 million children), thereby constituting about 0.36% of the population. In addition, around 70 million individuals in India experience some form of vision impairment.
Speaking of age, the prevalence of visual impairment is notably higher among older adults, with 33.8% of those aged 45 and above affected. 5 Despite significant progress, one of the major causes of blindness, i.e., cataracts, remains prevalent by contributing to vision loss in India by 45%. 6
This necessitates the importance of eye care and eye health. Vision problems can significantly affect an individual’s physical, emotional, social, and financial health.
In the upcoming years, vision problems could become even worse due to the ageing population and the increase in NCDs (non-communicable diseases) like diabetes. Several conditions like ocular damage, glaucoma, trachoma, cataracts, refractive error, or age-related macular degeneration can cause permanent vision loss or defects in vision. Although individuals of all ages stand at risk, those above 50 are the most vulnerable. In addition, women, some ethnic minority groups and rural communities are at risk of developing vision impairment (as compared to other groups) and often struggle to get their hands on timely care.
That’s where awareness becomes essential in preventing and eradicating the potential progress of harmful eye conditions. World Sight Day is the perfect platform to highlight eye health, promote improved eye care measures and services, and introduce different approaches to prevent blindness or temporary vision loss.
The Theme of World Vision Day 2024
The theme for World Vision Day in 2024 is “Love Your Eyes,” with a specific focus on children's eye health. This year's campaign highlights the importance of prioritising children's vision care, encouraging parents and schools to take the initiative on eye tests for young people.
World Sight Day is usually observed on the second Thursday of October annually and has had different themes (each year) ever since its introduction in 2000. For example, some of the past themes are:
- 2023: Love Your Eyes at Work
- 2022: Love Your Eyes
- 2021: Love Your Eyes
- 2020: Hope in Sight
- 2019: Vision First
- 2018: Eye Care Everywhere
- 2017: Make Vision Count
History of World Sight Day
World Sight Day started as a big idea in 1998. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) teamed up with a clear mission: to draw more attention to vision issues and blindness that were often overlooked.
What began as a single day to discuss eye health has become a global movement, with people from all corners coming together to ensure everyone has access to quality eye care.
Since then, World Eyesight Day has sparked conversations and actions. Governments, healthcare professionals, and many organisations have stepped up to manage preventable blindness and vision problems. This International Sight Day is about raising awareness and ensuring people get the appropriate eye care they require, irrespective of where they live.
What are Some of the Preventable Causes of Blindness?
If looked closely, several issues with vision loss can be prevented or treated. Let’s break down some common problems and how to tackle them:
Cataracts
This is indeed the main reason people go blind worldwide. Cataracts happen when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, often affecting older people. However, it can also arise from injuries or radiation. Luckily, cataract surgery exists and is an effective way to restore vision.
Refractive Errors
Common vision problems are farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia), and astigmatism. The good news is that these are easy to treat with contact lenses, glasses, or even surgery if necessary.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
This eye condition impacts the central part of the retina and is yet another major cause of permanent vision loss in people over 50. AMD does not appear to have a solid cure, but making certain lifestyle changes and following medical advice can help manage it.
Glaucoma
Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve entirely, leading to gradual vision loss. The key here is early detection. If treated early, medications or surgery can help prevent permanent vision loss.
How to Celebrate World Eye Sight Day in 2024?
World Eyesight Day is not just a day to raise awareness but a concern we must address. Here are some fun World Sight Day activities to get involved, celebrate, and make a difference:
Schedule an Eye Checkup: First things first, prioritise your eye health! Schedule a thorough eye checkup and make it a habit. Encourage friends and family to do the same.
Support Charities: Consider donating to organisations that support or offer essential eye care services. You can help by contributing to the supply of treatments and glasses and donations for surgeries for those who can’t afford them. You can also try contributing to research initiatives to understand and treat various eye conditions.
Advocate for Better Eye Health: Use your voice to advocate for better access to eye care, especially in underserved regions. Reach out to local leaders or join campaigns that push for improved policies. Every voice counts!
Educate: Knowledge is power! Share as much information as possible about good eye health and the importance of regular check-ups within your community and on social media. Your post could inspire someone to act.
Organise Creative Eye Health Workshops: Get creative and host events in your community, like workshops, vision screenings, or awareness campaigns. These gatherings can educate more people and build a community around eye health.
How to Avoid Vision Loss With Little Habits?
If you or someone you know is dealing with poor vision this world blindness day, there are some proactive steps you can take to protect your eyes and improve your overall eye health. Here’s a handy list of actions to add to your daily routine:
- Use the 20/20/20 rule to give rest to your eyes from continuous screen time.
- Spend at least 2 hours outdoors. This helps prevent nearsightedness in children.
- Wear sunglasses when outside.
- If needed, make sure to wear prescription glasses.
- Be extremely cautious with cosmetics that could lead to eye infections.
- Quit smoking.
- Schedule regular eye exams to catch issues early.
- Position your computer screen 15-20 degrees below eye level.
- Blink often. This keeps your eyes lubricated.
- Use proper lighting and reduce glare to ease eye strain.
Caring for your eyes goes beyond regular check-ups. What you eat is crucial in keeping your vision sharp and preventing eye diseases. Add Vitamin A, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamins C and E, Zinc, fruits, and vegetables to your plate.
Wrapping Up!
As we observe World Sight Day in 2024, it is high time we remember that vision is more than just being able to see the beautiful things in life. With millions still without access to essential eye care, we all must advocate for better resources, education, and support for eye health initiatives. By prioritising vision care in our communities and pushing for systemic change, we can help prevent avoidable blindness and ensure everyone can enjoy the beauty of the world around them.
Fortunately, every year, more voices are added to the cause, indicating that eye health is something we can all support. Care Health Insurance offers a range of health plans to further support this World Vision Day, including comprehensive eye care coverage. With the right coverage at your fingertips, you can rest assured that your vision is protected and you have access to necessary treatments when needed.
>> Also Read: Does Health Insurance Include Dental and Vision Care?
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
References:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment https://www.statista.com/chart/31502/expected-number-of-people-with-vision-loss-globally/ https://www.iapb.org/learn/vision-atlas/magnitude-and-projections/projected-change/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9359234/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s43587-022-00298-6 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/health-services/articles/10.3389/frhs.2024.1365485/full https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/events/item/2024/10/10/default-calendar/world-sight-day-2024---children--love-your-eyes
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