World Sight Day is an annual event observed on the second Thursday of October, aimed at raising awareness about eye health and visual impairment worldwide. It serves as a global advocacy day, promoting the importance of eye care and the prevention of blindness. Organised by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), World Sight Day brings attention to the growing need for access to eye care services and encourages governments, organisations, and individuals to prioritise the prevention of avoidable blindness and visual impairments. Read on as we discuss the theme, history, and significance behind WSD. We also discuss the importance of protecting your eyes from blue rays.
Theme
The theme for World Sight Day 2024 is “Children, love your eyes.” It emphasises the significance of safeguarding eye health and vision, raising awareness about vision impairment and blindness, and promoting proper eye and vision care. WHO places particular focus on child eye health, highlighting the need for eye care services to be accessible, available, and affordable for all children.
History
World Sight Day was established in the year 2000 by the IAPB as part of its "VISION 2020: The Right to Sight" initiative. The initiative was a collaboration between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and IAPB, aimed at eliminating preventable blindness by the year 2020. The first observance of World Sight Day marked the beginning of a long-term strategy to fight global vision impairment. Although the VISION 2020 initiative ended in 2020, World Sight Day continues as an ongoing effort to promote eye health and ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to essential eye care services.
Significance
The significance of World Sight Day lies in its focus on raising awareness about preventable blindness and the importance of timely interventions. Eye diseases, if detected early, can often be treated effectively, preventing vision loss. World Sight Day emphasises the need for global cooperation in addressing vision-related issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, uncorrected refractive errors, and diabetic retinopathy, which are the leading causes of blindness. The day also advocates for the inclusion of eye health in public health agendas and highlights the importance of equitable access to eye care services, especially in underserved communities.
Why is it important to protect our eyes from blue rays?
Blue light, which is emitted by digital screens such as smartphones, computers, and televisions, penetrates deep into the eye and can lead to digital eye strain, discomfort, and even long-term damage to the retina. Protecting our eyes from blue rays is essential due to the potential damage that prolonged exposure to blue light can cause.
Extended exposure to blue rays can disrupt sleep patterns, as blue light interferes with the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. In the long run, excessive blue light exposure may contribute to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss.
In today's digital age, where screen time has increased significantly, it's crucial to take protective measures such as wearing blue light-blocking glasses, using screen filters, and taking regular breaks from screens to reduce strain on the eyes. By minimising exposure to blue rays, individuals can protect their vision and maintain overall eye health.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
