World Sight Day 2022: World Sight Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of October. The global event is celebrated to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment. This year, the day falls on October 13. The theme for World Sight Day 2022 is "Love your eyes".
Through this article, let us have a look at vision impairment, its causes, tips for better vision, and more on World Sight Day 2022.
Globally, at least 2.2 billion people suffer from vision impairment.
— United Nations (@UN) October 13, 2022
Almost half of these cases could have been prevented - or treated - through adequate eye care.
More from @WHO on Thursday's #WorldSightDay: https://t.co/9TZynSfFdx pic.twitter.com/ZYPzHtvbrS
World Sight Day 2022: History
The day was first observed by the SightFirst campaign of the Lions Club International organisation in the year 2000.
Since then, it has been integrated into the VISION 2020: The Right to Sight (V2020) plan. The V2020 plan which was launched on 18 February 1999 is coordinated by International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO).
World Sight Day 2022: Significance
Eye health is important and vision impairment and blindness impact education, employment, quality of life and more. Therefore, world organizations and people must join hands to actively support universal access to eye health and ensure that everyone counts.
World Sight Day Theme: 2000–present
| 2000 | - |
| 2001 | - |
| 2002 | - |
| 2003 | - |
| 2004 | - |
| 2005 | The Right to Sight |
| 2006 | Low Vision |
| 2007 | Vision for Children |
| 2008 | Fighting Vision Impairment in Later Life |
| 2009 | Gender and Eye Health |
| 2010 | Countdown to 2020 |
| 2011 | - |
| 2012 | - |
| 2013 | Universal Eye Health |
| 2014 | No more Avoidable Blindness |
| 2015 | Eye care for all |
| 2016 | Stronger Together |
| 2017 | Make Vision Count |
| 2018 | Eye Care Everywhere |
| 2019 | Vision First |
| 2020 | Hope In Sight |
| 2021 | Love Your Eyes |
| 2022 | Love Your Eyes |
World Sight Day: Global targets for eye care by 2030
At the 74th World Health Assembly, the Member States have adopted two global targets for eye care by 2030. These are as follows:
1- A 40% hike for effective coverage of refractive errors.
2-A 30% increase in effective coverage of cataract surgery.
The aforementioned targets will not only increase global eye care coverage but will also deliver quality services.
Vision impairment
Vision impairment affects people of all ages and the majority of the affected people are above the age of 50 years. According to WHO, at least a billion people on this planet suffer from near or far vision impairment that could be prevented. Vision impairment and blindness impact all aspects of life, including daily activities, the ability to access public services and more.
What are the causes of vision impairment?
The main causes of vision impairment are unoperated cataracts and uncorrected refractive error. Other factors include age-related macular degeneration, infectious diseases of the eye, glaucoma, trauma, and diabetic retinopathy. However, one must not ignore these causes and should visit a doctor.
World Sight Day 2022: Tips for an improved vision
In order to maintain a healthy vision, follow the below-mentioned tips:
1- Eat Right
Your plate should have foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and Vitamin E. Include a healthy portion of green veggies, salmon, eggs and citrus fruits. A healthy diet reduces the chances of diabetes which is among the leading causes of blindness.
2- Manage Screen time
In an era where almost everything is digitalized, managing screen time is of utmost importance as it may result in dry, itchy or red eyes.
Some of the effective screen time management methods are as follows:
a. Take a screen break every 20 minutes.
b. When using a computer, make sure to use a supportive chair and keep your screen at eye level to avoid neck and shoulder pain and headaches.
c. Do not forget to blink your eyes.
d. Wear protective glasses when using a computer, tablet or phone.
e. Avoid using your phone or tablet when lying in bed.
3- Get screened regularly
Make it a habit to get yourself screened on a regular basis. Visit an opthalmologist if a potential vision problem occurs during screening.
4- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can improve your vision significantly or can reduce the risk of deterioration of eye health. This includes moderating alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, providing the eyes with proper rest, and practising eye exercises.
5- Wear sunglasses
Whenever you are stepping out in the sun, do not forget to wear sunglasses. Your sunglasses must provide you 99-100% protection from UVA and UVB rays.
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