World Sight Day is run by VISION 2020: The Right to Sight, a joint global initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
This year
World Sight Day (WSD) takes place on Thursday 8 October.
Vision 2020
Australia is running a social media awareness campaign #snapforsight designed
to inspire Australians through images.
Tips for
Protecting Your Eyes.
- Find out if you are at higher risk for eye diseases. Be aware of your family's health history. A positive family history of diabetes and hypertension in an African-American over the age of 40 increases the risk for sight-threatening eye diseases.
- Have regular physical exams to check for diabetes and high blood pressure. Early diagnosis and prompt interventions goes a long way in preventing complications. If left untreated, these diseases can cause eye problems. In particular, diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to vision loss.
- Look for warning signs of changes in your vision. If you start noticing changes in your vision, see your eye doctor immediately. Some trouble signs to look for are double vision, hazy vision and difficulty seeing in low light conditions. Other signs and symptoms of potentially serious eye problems that warrant immediate attention include red eyes, frequent flashes of light, floater, and eye pain and swelling.
- Exercise more frequently. According to the AAO, some studies suggest that regular exercise - such as walking - can reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration by up to 70 percent.
- Protect your eyes from harmful UV light. When outdoors during daytime, always wear sunglasses that shield your eyes from 100 percent of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. This may help reduce your risk of cataracts and other eye problems.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet. Numerous studies have shown that antioxidants can possibly reduce the risk of cataracts. These antioxidants are obtained from eating a diet containing plentiful amounts of fruits and colorful or dark green vegetables. Also, consider supplementing your diet with eye vitamins to make sure you are getting adequate amounts of the nutrients you need to keep your eyes healthy.
- Get your eyes checked at least every two years. A comprehensive eye exam, can determine your risk for major eye diseases which has no early warning signs or symptoms. An eye exam also can ensure that your prescription for eye glasses or contact lenses is up to date.
- Don't smoke. The many dangers of smoking have been well documented. When it comes to eye health, people who smoke are at greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other eye problems.
In addition
to following these guidelines, be sure to wear safety glasses when working with
tools or participating in active sports to help prevent eye injuries that
potentially could cause permanent vision loss.
It's true
that following these steps is no guarantee of perfect vision throughout your
lifetime. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having regular eye exams will
certainly decrease your risk of developing a sight-stealing eye problem that
otherwise might have been prevented.
On the
other hand, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I suggest we join Organizations - Governmental and Non - Governmental - in helping to promote the
prevention and treatment of the Number One Cancer in Women, which has also been
discovered in the men.
I am going
to be a part, you should also.
Have a
fabulous October ahead.
Love you..
Dr. 'Lara
Source.
- www.vision2020australia.org.au
- www.allaboutvision.com
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