Human eyes are capable of receiving images which are then carried to the brain. The eyes are one of the most important organs in the human body, allowing you to see and connect with your surroundings. Thus, protecting the eyes is a must for every individual.

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) declared World Sight Day on the second Thursday of October, the 13th of the month. World Sight Day was created to raise public awareness and knowledge about the importance of eye care. With the assistance of medical practitioners and eye experts, this celebration raises awareness about preventive measures to halt the progression of blindness, and the cooperation of citizens, with the goal of lowering the country's rate of eye impairment.

According to a recent report from World Health Organization (WHO) from 2012, approximately 285 million people worldwide have visual impairments, including 39 million who are blind and 246 million who have low vision. Worldwide, cataracts continue to be the leading cause of blindness, followed by glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration as secondary causes, while uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of visual impairment.

2019 Philippine National Blindness Survey (DOH), the prevalence of vision impairment and blindness in the Philippines is 1.98%. This equates to 1.1 million Filipinos with cataracts, 400, 000 with an uncorrected error of fraction, 300,000 with glaucoma, and 200,000 with maculopathy. Furthermore, over 4 million Filipinos have undiagnosed eye problems that must be identified and addressed. The data concludes that cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the majority of Filipinos. Vitamin A deficiency is also one of the factors that may lead to night blindness and drying of the eye. Because of a lack of awareness in eye care, visual deterioration has remained unresolved over the years, resulting in decreased self-esteem and loss of ability for body function. Moreover, disability in eyesight provides economic problems with loss of productivity and income that can lead to poverty and social dependence giving another burden to government problems.

However, early detection and prevention can reduce the risk of blindness and prevent future eye problems. Eye diseases can be treated with surgery and glasses, but they can also be avoided with proper vitamin A consumption, injury prevention, immunization, and keeping the body healthy and boosted. Anarson, Atli in his article, wrote that a healthy lifestyle while getting enough nutrients and regular exercise may help prevent chronic diseases, including eye conditions. A healthy diet can keep your eyes healthy too. JAEballe/NASLabordo

Reference

Anarson, A. BSc, Phd. (2019). 8 nutritients that will optimize your eye health. Healthline. healthline.com/nutrition/8-nutrients-for-eyes

DOH. (2019). Eye health services are part of universal health care - DOH. DOH.https://doh.gov.ph/ press-release/eye-health-services-part-of-universal-health-care-DOH

International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). World Sight Day. www.iapb.org/ world-sight-day/

Perkins, E. S. and Davson, . Hugh (2021, December 1). human eye. Encyclopedia Britannica.www.britannica.com/science/human-eye