90% of vision loss can be prevented or treated

2023-10-11 15:50:38

The second Thursday in October marks World Sight Day. On the occasion of this date, the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology offers information and advice on how to take care of health at work.

Poster of the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology on the occasion of World Vision Day

The objective of this World Day, this year on October 12, is to raise awareness about the different types of visual conditions and their treatments. Ophthalmologists from the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology (SEO) affirm that 90 percent of vision loss can be prevented or treated.

World Sight Day is established by the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).

This year, the focus is on the importance of eye care in the workplace, encouraging employers to make eye health initiatives a common practice among employees.

The SEO reminds us of the importance of attending periodic ophthalmological check-ups and not waiting for an emergency to occur to seek medical assistance.

How to take care of eye health at work? Prevention for vision well-being

Regardless of where we are or the work we do, it is important to prioritize and protect eye health in the workplace, says SEO.

This includes everything from avoiding workplace accidents that ophthalmologists say are too often caused or a consequence of poor vision, to productivity, which is greatly improved when workers’ eye health is prioritized.

According to IAPB data, around 160.7 million people suffering from moderate to severe vision loss were of working age and almost 9 out of 10 workplace eye injuries could be prevented with appropriate safety glasses.

Eye health is essential and taking care of it at work is crucial to maintaining optimal vision throughout your life.

Therefore, SEO shares a series of tips to ensure that your eyes are in their best condition while you work.

Proper lighting: Make sure your workspace has adequate lighting. Natural light is the best option, but if you work indoors, use artificial lighting without glare or shadows on your screen or work area. From SEO we remember that, according to the TFOS Lifestyle and Ocular Surface published in May in the magazine The Ocular Surface (display screens), there is no scientific evidence that glasses with a blue light filter prevent eye fatigue, so we do not it is necessary to use them.

· Visual ergonomics: If your work is related to screens, place the monitor so that it is at eye level and at a distance of about 50-70 centimeters. This will help reduce eye strain and eyestrain.

· Regular breaks: Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax your eyes and prevent eye strain.

· Frequent flashing: Blinking helps keep the surface of the eye moist and protected. When you work in front of a screen, you may blink less, which can cause dry eyes. Make a conscious effort to blink more often.

· Protection in risky occupations: If you work in occupations such as construction, carpentry or any environment where your eyes may be exposed to risks, be sure to always wear appropriate protective eyewear. Eye safety is essential to avoid serious injuries.

· UV protection: If you work outdoors or near windows, remember that UV rays can damage your eyes. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect them from the harmful effects of the sun.

· Regular exams: Schedule regular eye exams with your ophthalmologist. Detecting vision problems early is essential to prevent possible complications.

· Hydration and diet: Drink enough water to keep your eyes hydrated and eat a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for eye health.

EPA/Boris Roessler

90% of vision loss can be prevented or treated

At least 771 million people (90%) have vision loss that can be prevented or treated, reports the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology.

Uncorrected refractive error is the major cause of vision loss. For these people, sight can be restored with appropriate glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

For their part, cataracts are the largest cause of blindness and, in fact, 100 million people in the world have vision loss due to cataracts. For these people, vision can be restored with cataract surgery. Rates of vision impairment and blindness from cataracts are higher in women (1.7%) than in men (1.4%).

Age-related macular degeneration is the third leading cause of vision loss (More than 8 million people have vision loss due to AMD). For every person who experiences vision impairment and blindness from AMD, there are many more living with early-stage AMD and need comprehensive, integrated people-centered eye care services to prevent vision loss.

Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are the fourth and fifth causes, respectively, that can cause vision loss, followed by other eye problems such as neglected tropical diseases such as trachoma and onchocerciasis, macular degeneration of myopia and other retinopathies, or corneal opacities. .