Keep your eyes on the prize this World Sight Day
 

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) - Vision is one of the most vital senses, allowing people to connect with the world around them. When impaired, it can deeply affect a person's quality of life, impacting everyday activities and social interactions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 2.7 billion people worldwide live with some form of visual impairment. To raise awareness about this critical issue, World Sight Day is observed each year on the second Thursday of October, bringing global attention to eye health. This year, October 10th marks World Sight Day.

Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group, stands at the forefront of eye health, committed to safeguarding the vision of the community and raising awareness about preventable blindness. Committed to helping you protect your vision with simple, actionable steps. Dr. Esmaeil Arbabi, consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi shares 5 tips to keep your eyes healthy, today and every day.

"World Sight Day is a powerful reminder that our vision is precious, yet often overlooked. This year’s theme, 'Love Your Eyes,' calls on everyone to make eye health a priority in their daily lives. Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to the eye care they need. Together, we can fight preventable blindness and empower individuals with the gift of sight," says Dr. Arbabi.

1. Get regular eye exams

Routine eye exams are key to catching early signs of vision problems. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, especially if you have a family history of eye conditions or are over 40 as some eye conditions, like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, can be hereditary.

2. Protect your eyes

Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to keep your eyes protected from harmful radiation. A good night’s sleep is also crucial for maintaining overall eye health.

3. Eat well

Your diet plays a big role in your eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E can help protect against age-related vision problems. Incorporate leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and citrus fruits into your meals.

4. Chose healthy habits

Smoking can severely impact your eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage. Quitting smoking is one of the best steps you can take for your overall health and vision. Additionally, dry eyes can cause discomfort and blurred vision, so be sure to drink plenty of water to maintain moisture and prevent irritation.

5. Take screen breaks

Extensive screen time can strain eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain and keep your eyes feeling fresh.

This World Sight Day, make your vision a priority. At Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, we’re dedicated to helping you see the world more clearly.

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