Dr. Ridham Nanda
‘Human eyesight’ is a remarkable sense that allows us to interact with the world in profound ways from basic survival to experiencing the richness of life’s visual wonders. It is important to protect and care for our eyes to maintain this precious sense throughout our lives. Losing vision can have a profound impact including physical, emotional, and financial burdens not only on the individual but also on their family and society as a whole. World Sight Day is an important annual observance that raises awareness about the importance of good eyesight; and advocates for the prevention and treatment of vision-related issues. It typically falls on the second Thursday of October each year and is being observed on the 12th of October this year.
On the occasion of World Sight Day, various activities like free eye screening camps, educational talks, eye health awareness activities, fund-raising activities, and social media campaigns are carried out. The ultimate goal of World Sight Day is to draw attention to the global issue of preventable blindness and vision impairment and to encourage individuals, communities, and governments to take action. This includes prioritizing eye health, ensuring access to quality eye care services, and supporting initiatives that improve vision outcomes for people of all ages. It is important for individuals to take advantage of the resources and events offered on World Sight Day and throughout the year to prioritize their eye health and encourage others to do the same. Regular eye check-ups and early intervention can often prevent or mitigate vision problems, improving overall quality of life.
History
The history of World Sight Day can be traced back to the global humanitarian organization, Lions Clubs International. Lions Clubs have a long-standing commitment to addressing vision-related issues and have been involved in various sight-related projects and initiatives since the early 20th century. In 1988, the World Blind Union (WBU) issued a resolution calling for the establishment of an annual day dedicated to raising awareness about blindness and visual impairment. The WBU is an international organization representing the interests of blind and partially sighted people. The International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in collaboration with the World Health Organization further propagated this initiative. Currently, World Sight Day is observed all across the globe including India with the active participation of various government and non-governmental organizations.
Magnitude of Problem
According to the WHO, approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide have near or distance vision impairment. Out of this vast number, at least 1 billion cases could have been treated or prevented. The leading causes of visual impairment globally are refractive errors (such as myopia and hyperopia) and cataracts. Refractive errors can often be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses, while cataracts can be surgically treated. These conditions are considered treatable or preventable. National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey conducted in India between 2015 and 2019 revealed significant challenges. More than one-fourth of individuals aged 50 years and above in India are visually impaired. This is a substantial portion of the population and underscores the need for comprehensive eye care services.
Theme for 2023
Every year, IAPB selects a theme for World Sight Day based on priority eye health area. The theme for this year’s World Sight Day, “Love Your Eyes at Work,” is indeed a timely and important choice. This theme highlights the critical aspect of eye health in the workplace and underscores the need for comprehensive eye care for individuals across various professions and age groups. Let us ensure that everyone is made aware of eye care tips and receives affordable eye care from factory workers, laborers to software engineers, and teachers.
Here are some key points to consider about this theme:
* Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Taking regular breaks and looking at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes of screen time can help alleviate digital eye strain and reduce eye fatigue.
* Maintain Proper Posture and Lighting: Sit in an ergonomically correct position when using computers or laptops. Ensure that the room is adequately lit to reduce glare and eye strain.
* Consider Blue Light Blocking Lenses: Blue light-blocking lenses may help reduce exposure to harmful blue light emitted by screens. While their effectiveness is debated, some studies suggest benefits in reducing eye strain and improving sleep quality.
* Use Protective Eye Gear: In workplaces where there is a risk of eye injury, such as construction sites or industrial settings, always use appropriate protective eyewear like safety goggles or glasses.
* Blink Frequently: People tend to blink less when using digital screens, which can lead to dry eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently to keep your eyes moist.
* Manage Screen Brightness: Adjust your screens’ brightness and contrast settings to comfortable levels. Avoid using screens in overly bright or dim environments.
* UV Protection: For outdoor workers, wearing sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays is crucial. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can contribute to various eye conditions, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
* Prompt Treatment for Eye Trauma: If an eye injury occurs at the workplace, seek immediate medical attention from an eye specialist. Early treatment can prevent further damage and promote a faster recovery.
* Preventing Accidents: Poor vision can lead to workplace accidents and injuries, which can have severe consequences for both employees and employers. Safety at work is closely tied to good vision, so promoting eye care can help reduce accidents and incidents.
Role of Employers
By taking following proactive measures and providing support, employers can contribute significantly to the well-being of their employees’ eyesight-
* Routine Eye Screening Camps
* Subsidized Corrective Glasses for refractive errors
* Distribution of Protective Eye Equipment for employees working in environments where there is a risk of eye injury
* Awareness Talks and Seminars
* Ensuring adequate lighting and working conditions.
* First Aid and Trauma Response at the workplace.
* Incorporate Eye Health into Wellness Programs
As advocated by IAPB–Prioritize your eyes- You need them to the last of your life.
(The writer is Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, AIIMS Jammu. ridznanda@gmail.com).