Eye Care Awareness Month 20 September to 17 October
(ECAM) in South Africa is observed annually from 20 September to 17 October to highlight the importance of eye health and prevent avoidable blindness. The campaign aims to educate the public on symptoms of serious eye conditions like cataracts and glaucoma, encourage regular eye tests, and provide information on eye care and healthy habits.
Key Aspects of Eye Care Awareness Month
– Purpose: To raise awareness about the significance of eye health and the prevention and treatment of blindness.
– Dates: The month-long campaign typically runs from mid-September to mid-October.
– Focus: Educating people about symptoms of eye conditions and advocating for regular eye exams.
How to Observe Eye Care Awareness Month
– Regular Eye Exams:
Get your eyes tested at least once a year.
– Healthy Diet:
Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatt acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and other beneficial nutrients.
– Digital Eye Strain:
Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax your eyes.
– Quit Smoking:
Lowering or quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage.
Diabetic Eye Disease
October is eye care awareness month. One of the most common causes of vision loss is diabetic eye disease along with glaucoma and cataracts.
Up to 80% of Diabetics develop eye problems if they have had the condition for 10 years or more. Diabetic eye disease damages the retina that can lead to permanent vision loss.
Chronically elevated sugar levels cause damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, which then results in leakage and swelling. Abnormal blood vessels can also grow on the surface of the retina and pull the retina loose or break and lead to bleeding in the eye that suddenly cause the vision to decrease.
Most people only find out too late that there is a problem with their eyes when the changes have already progressed and they have extensive changes. Annual eye examinations aretherefore very important to pick up changes early and preserve as much vision as possible. Up to 90% of severe vision loss can be prevented by monitoring and early treatment.
Sometimes laser treatment is necessary to stop the disease from getting worse.
Make sure your sugar is under control, as well as your blood pressure. Do enough exercise and eat a healthy diet.
And feel free to call one of our skilled eye specialists for an appointment to have your annual eye examination done and thus prevent vision loss.
by Dr Carina Slazrus
Cape Eye Hospital
