The Regional Health Directorate (DRS) is marking World Sight Day, celebrated on October 8th, aiming to raise public awareness about the importance of prevention, regular eye health monitoring, and early diagnosis.
Sudden vision changes, such as light flashes, blurred vision, spots, or partial/total vision loss, are signs that should not be ignored and require professional evaluation. Eye health should be monitored throughout life, considering age and individual risk factors, as some conditions can progress without evident symptoms.
Conditions like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts require special attention. Regular ophthalmological check-ups are crucial for timely diagnosis, enabling more effective treatments and preventing severe vision loss or blindness.
In childhood, monitoring visual development is essential. Early identification of refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia, if uncorrected, can lead to amblyopia or strabismus.
The DRS encourages participation in visual health screening programs, including infant screening for 4-year-olds and diabetic retinopathy screening for individuals with diabetes aged 12 and above. Prevention and early diagnosis are key to preserving sight and improving quality of life.
“"Vision is a pillar of our autonomy and quality of life; taking care of it is investing in our long-term health."
