The rise in vision loss due to age, disease, and prolonged exposure to digital light is a growing concern in the digitized world. Retina South Africa and the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa are working together to raise awareness about vision loss during World Retina Week from September 18 to 24, highlighting the importance of eye health and the challenges faced by those with vision impairment.
Vision loss is a global health concern affecting millions worldwide, resulting from various causes like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts and retinal diseases. Recently, digital devices have become a new concern in contributing to vision problems. Exposure to screens, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, emits high-energy blue light, potentially damaging retina cells.
This can lead to digital eye strain, age-related macular degeneration, and other vision-related issues. As digital devices' reliance increases, so does the risk of developing vision issues due to screen time. Retina South Africa and the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA) have partnered during World Retina Week to raise awareness about eye health, emphasizing early detection, prevention, and management of eye-related conditions and educating the public on the importance of good eye health.
World Retina Week aims to promote regular eye examinations, raise awareness about digital eye strain, advocate for healthy lifestyles, support research and treatment, and empower individuals with vision loss. Regular eye check-ups with qualified ophthalmologists are crucial for early detection of eye diseases, which can improve prognosis and quality of life. The 20-20-20 rule, which involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away, is essential for reducing screen time.
Healthy lifestyle choices like maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and managing chronic diseases like diabetes can also reduce the risk of eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy. Collaboration between medical professionals, researchers, and organizations focused on eye health is crucial for advancing the understanding and treatment of retinal diseases and vision impairment.
Empowering individuals with vision loss through access to low-vision aids, rehabilitation services, and emotional support networks is also essential. We can take significant steps towards preserving and improving eye health by highlighting the importance of early detection, prevention, and management of eye-related conditions and educating the public about digital eye strain risks.
