The eyes are a vital organ that gives us contact with the outside world. No wonder they have become a symbolic part of many sayings as a criterion of fundamental importance and immeasurable value.
For over 30 years, the second Thursday of October has been World Sight Day in 150 countries. It is of utmost importance. The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) points out that we constantly underestimate eye exams and prevention. The number of people suffering from eye diseases and even blindness is continuously increasing, currently around 285 million. It is striking that in up to 80% of cases, problems can be prevented by appropriate means. “We urge people not to neglect their sight and to make an appointment for a preventive check-up at their ophthalmologist. It is also important to monitor seniors in the family. For example, if they say that the ophthalmologist should not give them any more glasses, there is always a way they can go back to reading books and magazines or solving crossword puzzles. Together, we can choose a suitable optical device. Today, there is a wide range,” says Tatiana Winterová, director of the Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Slovakia.
World Sight Day
It was established in 1990 to highlight risks, eye diseases, and possible prevention. Worldwide, it has more than 800 local events to increase people’s consciousness about eye care. “Many of us do not realize that eyesight not just about short- or far-sightedness. Several diseases can significantly hinder the ability to see. Approximately 80,000 blind and partially sighted people live in Slovakia. This is not a low number,” says Kristýna Štěbetáková, optometrist at Alensa.sk. Therefore, she recommends regular check-ups with specialists. Prevention is the cheapest and easiest way to avoid any eye problems.
How to Prevent Digital Eye Strain
If you wear glasses, use them, but make sure you use them correctly.- Blink often to moisten the surface of the eye. Use artificial tears for dry eyes. They are suitable for those that contain all the tear film layers – mucin, aqueous, and lipid.
- Adjust the monitor’s brightness, contrast, color temperature, and text size correctly.
- Place the computer screen 50 – 66 cm away. The angle between the screen and your eyes should be 15-20 degrees.
- Avoid direct sunlight on the computer screen, and use anti-reflective layers.
- Take frequent breaks when working on the computer. The 20-20-20 rule is recommended. It means every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 meters away from you and hold out for at least 20 seconds.
Text: Miriam Bartošová, photo: alensa.sk
