id you know that 80 percent of all vision impairment can be prevented or cured? However, more than 2.2 billion people worldwide, continue to face unnecessary visual challenges. From common eye health issues to groundbreaking technologies in vision care, this year’s World Sight Day is about opening our eyes to the importance of eye health.

World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, originated as a global initiative by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness in 2000. Its primary purpose is to raise awareness about eye health issues and advocate for universal access to quality eye care. The day serves as a crucial platform to educate the public about the importance of eye health, the challenges faced by those with vision impairment and the urgent need for comprehensive eye care services globally, to prevent vision impairment and blindness.

It’s crucial to understand some of the most prevalent issues affecting vision worldwide. Let’s explore four common eye health problems that impact millions of people globally: diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and refractive errors.

Diabetic retinopathy is a significant complication arising from diabetes, affecting the tiny blood vessels in the retina and potentially leading to loss of vision. This condition is caused by consistently high blood sugar levels that damage these blood vessels over time, impairing the retina’s ability to function correctly. Early detection through routine eye exams plays a crucial role in preventing severe vision impairment. It is a progressive disease that often goes unnoticed in its early stages, which is why regular monitoring is essential for those with diabetes. Late stage symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may include blurred vision, dark spots or empty areas in one’s field of view, and difficulty distinguishing colours. These signs indicate the need for immediate medical attention to prevent further deterioration. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options can include medication, laser therapy and surgery.

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This condition occurs when increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve. Several risk factors contribute to the development of glaucoma. These include advancing age, a family history of the condition and elevated eye pressure. Although anyone can develop glaucoma, those in higher risk categories should be particularly vigilant about monitoring their eye health. One of the primary symptoms of glaucoma is the gradual loss of peripheral vision, often going unnoticed until the disease has progressed significantly. This makes regular eye exams crucial for early detection, especially for those at higher risk. If caught early, glaucoma can be managed through various treatments aimed at reducing eye pressure. These treatments include prescription eye drops, laser therapy and in more advanced cases, surgery. While glaucoma cannot be cured, early intervention and consistent treatment can slow its progression, helping to preserve vision. Regular eye check-ups are the best way to detect glaucoma early and prevent long-term damage.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. With these eye’s natural lens becomes clouded, causing blurred vision and making it difficult to see colors clearly. This condition is most common in older adults, though it can develop at any age. Regular eye exams, especially for older adults, are essential for early detection and prompt treatment of cataracts, ensuring better long-term eye health. As cataracts progress, they can significantly impact daily life, making tasks like reading or driving increasingly difficult. Common symptoms of cataracts include cloudy or blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light and difficulty seeing at night. These changes in vision can develop gradually, often going unnoticed at first. Over time, however, they may worsen, leading to more pronounced visual impairment. Fortunately, cataracts can be effectively treated with surgery. The procedure involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, restoring vision in most cases. Cataract surgery is one of the most common, and successful medical procedures, providing improved eyesight to millions of people globally. With proper post-operative care and treatment, the risk of severe vision loss can be minimised.

Refractive errors are conditions that affect the way light is focused on the retina, leading to blurred vision. The main types of refractive errors include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia. With myopia, or nearsightedness, distant objects appear blurry because the eye focuses light in front of the retina. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is the opposite: objects close by appear blurry because light focuses behind the retina. Astigmatism happens when the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing distorted or blurred vision at all distances. Presbyopia is age-related and typically begins in middle age. It makes it difficult to focus on close objects, such as when reading, due to the gradual loss of flexibility in the eye’s lens. The refractive errors are usually corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery, allowing individuals to see clearly at various distances. Regular eye exams are essential for detection and correction.

Barthwal V, pointed out in his study that long working hours in front of computer screens, especially in white-collar jobs, are leading to an increase in eye-related problems. Along with traditional eye issues like uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy among older workers, younger employees in the IT sector are increasingly experiencing the computer vision syndrome. This includes symptoms like eye strain, irritation, dryness and redness. Implementing the 20-20-20 rule—taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to focus on something 20 feet away—along with proper screen positioning can improve both eye health and productivity. Adequate indoor lighting is also crucial.

Meanwhile, outdoor workers, such as auto-rickshaw drivers and street vendors, face different risks due to environmental exposure, frequently reporting eye redness and irritation.

World Sight Day initiatives are essential for raising global awareness about eye health through various activities aimed at educating and engaging communities. Fundraising events, such as charity walks, auctions and concerts, not only raise financial support but also promote community involvement in eye health programs. Social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, help spread awareness with interactive campaigns, reaching a wide audience. Educational initiatives, including workshops, school-based vision screenings and seminars, inform the public about eye health and prevention. Free eye screenings, offering basic vision tests and glaucoma checks, are particularly impactful in underserved areas, helping identify issues early and connect people with necessary care.

Vision care in developing countries faces unique challenges, but ongoing efforts and successes highlight significant progress. Organisations can work to improve eye health through training local professionals, providing essential supplies and implementing sustainable care systems. Success stories include Nepal’s reduction of cataract blindness by 50 percent through surgical camps; Rwanda’s integration of eye care into primary healthcare; and India’s development of low-cost intraocular lenses, making surgery affordable. However, challenges persist. These include limited funding, geographic barriers and shortages of professionals and equipment.

The writer is a family physician.