World Sight Day 2024: A call for action on eye health

Dr Noornika Khuraijam *

As we observe World Sight Day 2024, it is crucial to reflect on the importance of eye health and the global challenges that continue to hinder access to essential eye care services. With the theme "Love Your Eyes", this year’s campaign encourages collective responsibility to ensure equitable access to eye health services for everyone, regardless of geographical or economic barriers.

According to the World Health Organization over 2.2 billion people worldwide live with vision im- pairment or blindness. Alarmingly, nearly half of these cases could have been prevented or treated.

Vision impairment is especially prevalent in low-income regions, where access to proper eye care is often limited. This stark disparity highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, early detection, and affordable treatment options to tackle preventable blindness globally.

Cataracts : A Leading Cause of Preventable Blindness

Cataracts remain one of the most common causes of avoidable blindness, particularly in aging popu- lations. While advancements in cataract surgery, such as minimally invasive techniques, have greatly improved patient outcomes, many individuals remain unaware of the benefits of timely intervention. Regular eye check-ups and prompt treatment are essential in preventing vision loss and improving the quality of life for those affected

. Eye Health in Children: An Overlooked Concern

Children’s eye health is often overlooked, despite the significant impact visual impairment can have on their development. Uncorrected refractive errors are a leading cause of visual impairment among school-age children, affecting their learning and social interactions. Early detection through school screening programs and corrective measures, such as prescription glasses, can make a profound difference in a child’s life.

Additionally, children born with congenital conditions like ptosis or blocked tear ducts require specialized care that can restore vision and enhance eye function when provided early.

Advances in Ophthalmology: The Role of Oculoplasty : The field of ophthalmology has made significant strides in recent years, particularly in oculoplasty. As an oculo-plastic surgeon, my work focuses on reconstructive procedures around the eyes, including repairing the eyelids, tear ducts, and orbit (the eye socket).

These procedures not only restore function but also improve the appearance and well-being of patients affected by trauma, congenital abnormalities, or tumors. Oculoplasty reminds us that eye health is about more than just sight—it is integral to the overall quality of life.

Preventive Care : A Cornerstone of Eye Health

Preventive care is key to maintaining good eye health. Simple actions like protecting the eyes from excessive sun exposure, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins A and C, and practicing good hygiene to prevent infections can significantly reduce the risk of eye diseases.

Public health campaigns, like World Sight Day, play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of preventative care and regular eye check-ups.

Shija Eye Care Foundation: A Commitment to Community Eye Health

Shija Eye Care Foundation (SECF) is a leading provider of eye care services in the region, serving Manipur, Nagaland, Mizo-ram, Assam, and Myanmar.

Mentored by LAICO (Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai), SECF is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities and offers a wide range of eye care services. These include corneal transplants, PHACO cataract surgery, retinal laser treatments, vitreo-retinal surgery, squint surgery, oculoplasty, and glaucoma surgery.

SECF is the first in Manipur to offer corneal transplants, marking a significant achievement in the state’s healthcare landscape. SECF is the only Centre in Manipur handling retinoblastoma and other eye cancer in childen as well as adults. With five full-time ophthalmologists, SECF is empaneled with NPCB (NHM), RBSK, and PMJAY and partners with Mission for Vision to operate vision centers.

Its extensive outreach programs have conducted 570 camps, performed over 18,000 cataract surgeries, and reached more than 500 villages, demonstrating its strong commitment to community eye care.

A collective responsibility : As we observe World Sight Day 2024, we must renew our commitment to raising awareness, promoting preventive care, and ensuring accessible eye health services for all. The gift of sight is invaluable, and by taking steps to protect our vision, we can prevent unnecessary vision loss and improve the quality of life for millions worldwide.