World Sight Day: A Global Look at Blindness and Preventative Care

In honor of World Sight Day on October 11, Illinois Eye Center is taking an extra moment to shine a light on this year’s theme: Eye Care Everywhere.

There are some 7.3 billion people living on our planet; approximately 36 million of those people are blind, and another 217 million are moderately or severely visually impaired (MSVI). While some types of blindness and sight loss are unavoidable, other conditions can be forestalled with the right combination of preventative care and quick intervention.

Here’s what you can do to give your sight that attention and TLC it deserves:

Commit to Regular Eye Exams

Healthy eyes may seem low-maintenance, but the only way to keep good eyesight in tiptop shape is to schedule routine eye care checkups according to the national standard.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults with no known vision problems or risk factors in their 20s and 30s have their eyes checked every five to 10 years. That time frame decreases to every two to four years for healthy adults ages 40 to 54, one to three years for adults ages 55 to 64, and annually or biannually thereafter.

Of course, anyone experiencing vision issues or who has other sight-related concerns should schedule an appointment with their eye care professional as soon as possible.

Have an Eye Care Regimen

In between checkups, take care of your vision by establishing and following these expert tips:

• Use protective eyewear whenever you’re engaging in potentially hazardous activities such as DIY projects, sports or lab work
• If you wear contact lenses, use them according to the manufacturer instructions (never leave them in longer than recommended), and follow guidelines for proper cleaning and storage
• Avoid smoking, which can damage the optic nerve and contribute to or accelerate other vision impairment problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in sight-boosting antioxidants and other essential nutrients — berries, leafy greens, fish and walnuts are all good choices!

World Sight Day may be a great time to refocus your attention on the value of sight, but healthy eyes require love and care year-round. Are you overdue for your checkup? Call Illinois Eye Center today at (309) 243-2400 and make your appointment a priority.