Love your eyes on World Sight Day. Something those of us in most developed and industrialized countries take for granted is the ability to maintain healthy eyes and good vision. Not everyone around the globe is fortunate enough to have equal access to professional eye care. This symptom of the global equity gap is an issue for some of us in America but grows exponentially when we consider other parts of the world.
This is why the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness has named October 14th as World Sight Day! The theme for this year’s World Sight Day is #LoveYourEyes. Chances are you are unfamiliar with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, but much of the world is benefiting greatly from their efforts.
According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, over one billion people do not have access to eye care services at all, which leads to a myriad of eye problems for those who live in underdeveloped countries. Many times, this lack of access leads to permanent blindness from issues easily resolved in most places with access to adequate care.
Another way in which we tend to take our eyes for granted is through a lack of understanding just how much our eyes and vision can tell us about our general health.
Ophthalmologists are often able to discern issues around the following health conditions from noticing abnormalities in eyes:
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness is providing several helpful resources for schools and others to incorporate awareness of World Sight Day in their curriculum. This includes an education pack that can be easily downloaded from their website.
Another way you can celebrate World Sight Day this year is by taking a pledge to have an eye exam in order to show that you love your own eyes. The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness is on a campaign to have over 1 million people make such a pledge.
To do so, simply go to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness website and sign up. Then, contact Palmetto Eye & Laser Center by calling 864-583-6381 or get in touch online to schedule your eye exam for this fall.
