This week marks World Sight Day. Sponsored by the World Health Organization, this annual celebration aims to draw attention to eye health issues that can cause blindness or reduced vision. If you think “it can’t happen to me,” consider this: approximately 285 million people around the globe suffer from some form of vision loss. Tragically, 80 percent of these cases could have been prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.
You may be tempted to think that if you see relatively well right now, you have nothing to worry about and you don’t need an eye exam. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A comprehensive eye exam can detect problems long before you experience any change in vision. And early diagnosis means you have a better chance of preventing, or at least slowing, vision loss.
Even if an exam reveals no hint of disease, be wise and protect your eyes. Good quality sunglasses with UV protection are a must. If you wear glasses, opt for a UV-blocking lens material like polycarbonate or high index plastic. Anti-reflective coatings will make you more comfortable and reduce eye strain from computers, overhead lights and car headlights. If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor about the newer brands that have UV protection embedded in them.You only get one pair of eyes in a lifetime. Cherish them.