The significance of World Sight Day on October 14 and Eye Care Awareness Month from September 21 to October 18, is to make the public aware of their own eye health and encourage them to be proactive about having regular eye health checks, writes Sarah Mackintosh.
According to Nicolette Raubenheimer, optometrist at Optical Emporio Durban North, “Seventy-five percent of all cases of blindness are avoidable either through prevention or treatment – which is why it is important to get your eyes tested at least once a year.
“Your eyes are not only a window to your overall health, but can influence your mood and comfort in your day-to-day life, because you use your eyes for so many tasks. If you notice a change in your vision, headaches or visual discomfort – have an eye test. Many eye health issues can be prevented if caught in time.
“The good news is that even small preventive measures, like wearing sunglasses and eating greens, can help protect your eyesight and stave off vision problems later in life,” says Nicolette.
Joanne Kalil, an optometrist with a special interest in low vision and children’s vision, says that many people don’t have access to eye care and others simply aren’t aware of the importance of eye care. “Vision is often something that is taken for granted until it is affected, and maintaining ocular health, ideally managing and preventing problems before they happen, is the best approach. Children, especially, may not realise how well they should be seeing or that their vision may be slowly changing.”
“There are easily managed and detected eye conditions that don’t present with very obvious symptoms until they are quite advanced and not as easy to manage. This means that regular eye appointments to pick up any potential issues in the early stages, when they are easily managed, is the best approach,” says Joanne.
Joanne suggests these tips for maintaining eye health:
- Healthy eating.
- Wear sunglasses.
- Avoid smoking.
- Manage systemic health concerns such as blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
- Regular eye appointments.
Joanne says that unless there are any issues at birth or before age three (such as squinting, visual symptoms or the eyes not having a normal appearance) she generally recommends the first detailed assessment of a child’s eyes around age three and then annually during their school-going years, even if glasses aren’t needed. “We monitor all aspects of a child’s vision and how they use their eyes together for learning, as appropriate for their age.”
CARING FOR YOUR CHILD’S EYESIGHT – TIPS FROM NICOLETTE
- Set clear limits on screen time and establish screen-free zones at home (like at the dinner table).
- Encourage your child to spend some of that screen-free time outdoors.
- Model moderate screen use as a parent. Show your children, with your own behaviour, how to live a varied and healthy life where all habits are practiced in moderation.
- Use the 20-20-20 rule when using a computer or other screen device – every 20 minutes, look away from the screen for 20 seconds and focus on something at least 20 feet away.
- When purchasing spectacles ensure they have a blue protect coating or at least UV400 protection.
- Make regular eye exams a part of your child’s healthcare schedule. You may be able to tell if your child’s eyes are tired or irritated, but it’s harder to tell if they are developing a vision problem. Only a comprehensive eye exam, by an eye practitioner who specialises in children can reliably tell you that.
“Adults should aim for an eye test every two years and those over 60 or with a history of glaucoma should aim for every year,” suggests Nicolette.
“Find an optometrist you can trust. We don’t only prescribe glasses and contact lenses. A paediatric optometrist will check for eye muscle control as well as eye health and vision,” concludes Nicolette. *
FOR MORE INFO:
- Optical Emporio Durban North: 031 563 5681; durbannorth@opticalemporio.co.za
- Joanne Kalil Optometrists: 031 563 6994; info@familyeyecare.co.za