Like other organs in the body, eyes require regular check-ups. It is especially important to detect vision problems in children early, as they often cannot report discomfort on their own. World Sight Day is observed every second Thursday of October. This year, October 8th, marks World Sight Day under the theme "#LoveYourEyes," aiming to raise public awareness about eye health.
According to WHO data, approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from vision impairments, including issues with distance or near vision. Of this number, at least 1 billion cases could have been prevented or are treatable but have not yet received adequate attention.
Dr. Kunal Rana, a vitreoretinal surgeon from Delhi, emphasized that while eye exams are important for everyone, detecting eye problems in children is more difficult than in adults. Many children may not realize their vision is declining. They might start reading too closely, squinting, or experiencing difficulties in school, which puts extra strain on the eyes and worsens the condition.
Therefore, it is crucial for children to undergo regular examinations. Timely diagnosis allows for the detection of vision problems and the initiation of treatment, such as glasses or other methods, depending on the needs. Dr. Kunal warns that if vision problems are not corrected, they can lead to serious consequences and even vision loss.
The first signs of most eye diseases do not manifest as pain, redness, or blurred vision. However, regular check-ups are critical for the early detection of conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. An examination is necessary if the following symptoms are observed:
- Tearing from the eyes
- Redness of the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Decreased visual acuity