World Sight Day: Here are tips to prevent blindness

Like around the world, Sight Day is being observed across Pakistan to raise awareness about blindness and vision impairment today (October 10).

Prof Dr Suhail Sarwar, a prominent figure in the field of ophthalmology, shed light on the importance of the global event in drawing attention to eye health.

While highlighting the staggering statistics that reflect the severity of the issue, he shared valuable tips to save eyesight.

"Of the world’s 8.2 billion population, 2.2 billion people suffer from some form of eye disease," said Dr Suhail as he expressed concerns about the increasing prevalence of eye-related health problems in Pakistan, specifically cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and vision impairment caused by diabetes.

These conditions, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can lead to irreversible blindness, added the expert who served the King Edward Medical University as a professor.

"Early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial to preventing vision loss," Dr Suhail noted.

“If individuals recognize any abnormalities in their vision, seeking medical advice promptly can save their eyesight.”

In particular, Dr Suhail recommended that children undergo an eye examination at four or five."

He also highlighted the significance of a comprehensive eye checkup around 40, as many eye diseases begin to manifest in the 40s.

Regular checkups can help detect and treat conditions such as white and black cataracts and diabetic retinopathy early, improving overall eye health outcomes.

The King Edward Medical College alumni advised that individuals with a family history of eye diseases should have their eyes examined at least twice in their lifetime to ensure early detection.

"Family history plays a key role in some conditions, and regular monitoring can make a huge difference in preserving vision," he added.