Today is World Sight Day and it is observed on the second Thursday of October every year, with a vow to get the eyes examined and also encourage friends and family to do the same.

World Sight day theme for this year is Love Your Eyes, where healthcare providers believe that there is no ideal way to show love for others around the world than to ensure they can see a brighter future for themselves and their families. The campaign works to ensure that the persistent problem of preventable vision loss, gets the prompt attention and visibility it needs. Though the COVID-19 Pandemic is still impacting people in various ways, this day is a great opportunity to show your eyes some love.

Take the pledge to #LoveYourEyes on this World Sight Day to:

Get an eye test as soon as you can.

Don’t ignore any minor changes in vision

Regular follow-up and continue ongoing treatment for any prevailing eye problem.

World Sight Day was first recognized by the Lion Club International Foundation during the Sight First Campaign in the year 2000 which was aimed at raising awareness among people about impairment of sight, blindness and various other vision problems. Evidence reveals that there is an increased risk of myopia and diabetic retinopathy among the ageing population which may result in vision impairment. The importance of a healthy balanced diet with ample vitamin A rich foods is key for enhanced vision. Also Read: 5 Foods That Are High In Vitamin A

Cataract, refractive error, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration are a few eye problems that would impact the well-being of any age group people and impede the quality of life. According to statistics, more than one billion people are living across the globe with impaired vision as they lack access proper eye care and spectacles to correct the eye sight.

World sight day works for advocating policies towards better eye health and designing healthcare policies mainly for eyesight, communication is vital.

Good eye care and hygienic practices may help people to keep eye infections at bay. Age-related eye problems like myopia, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts can be prevented with prompt diagnosis and treatment. To maintain eye health and good vision it is pivotal for people of all age groups to go for a regular eye check-up.

On the World Sight Day, learn about five simple and effective tips to promote good eyesight.