“Love Your Eyes”

'Love Your Eyes' World Sight Day is celebrated on the second Thursday of October every year around the world to draw attention to blindness and low vision. The main theme of the celebrations starting on 13 October 2022 was determined last year and will continue until the end of 2023 as "Love Your Eyes". Turkish Ophthalmological Society Chairman Prof. Dr. Ziya Kapran noted that our eyes are of vital importance as windows to the world and continued: "We must protect our eyes without neglecting them. Even the slightest eye discomfort significantly complicates our lives. On World Sight Day, we Turkish physicians are also working to increase awareness of eye health." World Sight Day, celebrated through events and awareness campaigns organized in cooperation with the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, carries the theme "Love Your Eyes" determined last year. Eye doctors and specialists worldwide are conducting awareness and educational campaigns within the scope of World Sight Day to protect the eye health of every individual, particularly those experiencing vision problems due to social isolation, work-from-home or remote work arrangements, and online education resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Turkish Ophthalmological Society Chairman Prof. Dr. Ziya Kapran noted that World Sight Day is celebrated worldwide by eye doctors, specialists and volunteers, stating: "Because of the pandemic, we have come to understand the value of our eyes more than ever. Although the 'Love Your Eyes' theme may seem simple, it is very important.

'All individuals in the world should follow the necessary simple 10 rules to love and protect their eyes and inform everyone around them. In this way, we can protect the eye health of people around the world,' and continued:

"Nearly everyone in the world experiences an eye health problem at some point in their life, but more than a billion people worldwide do not have access to the services needed for eye health care or treatment. The LoveYourEyes campaign advocates for accessible, affordable and reachable eye care around the world while encouraging individuals to prioritize their own eye health. Following a highly successful 2021 World Sight Day, the #LoveYourEyes campaign continues for the 2022 World Sight Day. The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness has recently announced the '10 Rules to Love Your Eyes'. Our primary goal is to know these rules and teach them to those around us."

1. Apply the 20/20/20 rule to give your eyes a screen break.

When looking at a screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to prevent eye strain and headaches.

2. Spend time outdoors.

Children should spend at least two hours outdoors per day. This also helps their eyes develop healthily and prevents myopia.

3. Wear sunglasses outdoors.

Make sure your sunglasses provide UVA and UVB protection to prevent sun rays from damaging your eyes.

4. Wear prescription glasses if needed.

Wear your prescription glasses to see clearly and prevent eye strain and headaches.

5. Check your cosmetic products to prevent eye infections.

Check the expiration date of your eye makeup products and replace your brushes regularly to prevent bacterial buildup that could cause eye infections.

6. Exercise regularly.

Regular exercise reduces the risk of developing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure that can adversely affect your eye health.

7. Eat healthily.

A balanced diet ensures you have the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain healthy eyes.

8. Do not smoke.

Smoking increases your risk of developing serious eye problems and permanent vision loss.

9. Get an eye examination to detect problems before they develop.

An eye examination can detect eye problems before your symptoms worsen, so have an examination even if you think your eyes are healthy.

10. Prioritize your eyes; you will need them throughout your life.

Set reminders in your calendar for regular eye checkups. You should have your eyes examined every 1-2 years.