The first thing millions of people around the world do each morning is open their eyes. And from that moment, they begin navigating their day through the precious gift of sight.
We read messages on our phones, navigate busy roads, recognise the faces of loved ones, go to work, attend school, watch television and take in the world around us, all through our eyes.
As the saying goes, the eyes are the windows to the world.
Yet despite how much we depend on our vision, eye health is often something we take for granted.
Globally, at least 1 billion people have near or distance vision impairment that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Without timely detection and appropriate care, vision loss can have long-term effects on an individual’s quality of life, independence and economic well-being.
This World Sight Day, observed on October 8, the global message is a simple but important one: Love Your Eyes.
For Dr Shannon Da Silva, Co-Owner and Optometrist at Da Silva’s Optical, the observance provides an opportunity to remind people just how precious their sight is and why protecting it should become part of everyday life.
“We need our vision to work, read, learn, get about… We need it to create memories,” she explained during an interview on the importance of caring for our eyes.
But good eye health is not simply about being able to see clearly.
Many eye conditions can develop without causing noticeable symptoms in their early stages. By the time a person realises that something is wrong, the condition may already have progressed and become more difficult to manage.
Dr Da Silva points to conditions such as cataracts, pterygium, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and hypertensive retinopathy as examples where early detection can be particularly important.
“The earlier we catch it, the more manageable and treatable” many eye conditions can be, she explained.
That is why regular eye examinations are important, even for people who believe they have good vision.
An eye examination is not simply about determining whether someone needs glasses. It can also assess the health of the eyes and help identify problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.
The Eye Testing and Spectacles Voucher Programme: A Game Changer
For many Guyanese, the cost of healthcare has historically influenced when, and even whether, they seek medical attention. The Government of Guyana’s Eye Testing and Spectacles Voucher Programme is helping to remove some of those financial barriers and make eye care more accessible.
Under the programme, all Guyanese can access an Eye Testing Voucher valued at $2,000 and a Spectacles Voucher valued at $15,000. There are currently no age restrictions for persons seeking to benefit from the eye-testing and spectacles components of the programme. The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Health in partnership with registered private optical providers across the country, with each Guyanese entitled to both vouchers annually.
According to Dr Da Silva, the programme is encouraging more people to prioritise their eye health, including individuals who may otherwise have delayed or avoided an eye examination because of cost.
She has encountered patients who had postponed getting their eyes tested for years because of financial constraints, but were finally able to seek care through the programme. Among them were people over the age of 50 who, after being encouraged to have their eyes examined, received their first pair of spectacles.
For Dr Da Silva, the impact of the programme extends beyond the provision of vouchers. The Ministry of Health’s outreach activities have also played an important role in bringing eye care services closer to people, particularly those in hard-to-reach communities.
“I had the pleasure of going to all of the regions except for Region 8,” she said, recalling her participation in several outreach activities. “I’ve been to Leguan, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Mabaruma, Aishalton, Orealla and Moraikobai to name a few”.
She has also provided services through outreach activities at the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), the CARICOM Secretariat, the International Building Expo and Saheed’s Boys and Girls Orphanage, and participated in a health fair at State House as part of this year’s Labour Day celebrations.
These outreach efforts, she explained, are important because they take eye care directly to people who may face difficulties accessing services especially in urban areas.
The benefits of improved vision extend far beyond simply having a new pair of spectacles. For someone who has spent years struggling to read small print, recognise faces or see clearly at a distance, clearer vision can restore confidence and independence. It can also make everyday activities easier and safer, from navigating familiar surroundings and commuting to performing routine tasks at home, work or school.
In that sense, the voucher programme is not simply helping people to see better. It is helping more Guyanese to live, work and participate in daily life with greater confidence.
Seeing Clearly Can Make a Difference
Good vision matters at every stage of life.
For children, undetected vision problems can affect learning and classroom performance. A child who cannot clearly see the writing on a blackboard or whiteboard may struggle to keep up with classmates. What may appear to be a problem with concentration or academic performance could sometimes simply be a child who is not seeing properly. Regular eye examinations can help identify these problems and give children a better opportunity to learn, participate and develop with confidence.
For older adults, good vision is equally important.
Dr Da Silva stressed that regular eye exams are important to ensure that older adults maintain the clearest vision possible as they age.
In other words, eye health is not just about sight. It is also about quality of life.
The Screen Generation and its effect on our eyes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and global eye health experts have raised concerns about the growing prevalence of myopia, or near-sightedness, with projections indicating that approximately 50% of the world’s population could be affected by 2050.
According to Dr. Da Silva, excessive digital screen time can contribute to the faster progression of near-sightedness (myopia).
With smartphones, tablets, computers and televisions now an integral part of everyday life, prolonged exposure to digital screens has become increasingly difficult to avoid.
Dr Da Silva noted that prolonged screen use can also contribute to dry eyes and visual fatigue. People tend to blink less when concentrating on a screen, while air conditioning and Guyana’s hot climate can contribute to tear evaporation.
Her advice is simple: look away.
Every 30 minutes or so, take a break from the screen and focus on something farther away. Look through a window, focus on the furthest point in the room or simply give your eyes a few moments to relax.
“Our eyes love different focal points,” Dr Da Silva explained. “It doesn’t like one fixed focal point for long periods of time.”
It is a small adjustment, but one that can easily become part of a daily routine.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Living in a tropical country also means considerable exposure to sunlight.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can contribute to the development of cataracts and other eye problems. Dr Da Silva therefore encourages people to protect their eyes from UV exposure by using appropriate eyewear, including sunglasses that provide adequate UV protection.
For people with high prescriptions, contact lenses can also be worn underneath polarised sunglasses, providing greater visual comfort and clearer vision while still offering protection from glare and sunlight.
For those who work in construction, welding, carpentry, plumbing, agriculture, oil and gas sector and other high-risk occupations, protecting the eyes is even more important.
Flying particles, sparks, chemicals and other workplace hazards can cause serious eye injuries, making appropriate protective eyewear essential.
Protective eyewear should be used before an accident happens, not after. Dr Da Silva notes that prescription safety eyewear is also an option for people who require vision correction. This is among the range of services offered by her optical practice, allowing individuals to protect their eyes while still maintaining clear vision.
Your Plate Matters Too
Taking care of your eyes also means taking care of your overall health.
Dr Da Silva advocates for a healthy, balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and other nutrient-rich foods.
Green leafy vegetables, bell peppers, citrus fruits, berries, beans and fish can all form part of a balanced diet that supports overall health.
Her message is particularly relevant as we age, when changes in vision become increasingly common.
Good nutrition cannot prevent every eye condition, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important part of looking after the body, and the eyes are no exception.
Don’t Believe Every Myth About Glasses
One of the most persistent myths surrounding glasses is that wearing them will make the eyes weaker or cause a person to become dependent on them.
Dr Da Silva says this is not the case.
Rather, once people become accustomed to seeing clearly with glasses, they naturally notice the difference when they take them off.
“You start to like wearing your glasses,” she explained, because the brain has become accustomed to the clearer image.
Another common misconception is that everyone needs a new prescription every few years.
Not necessarily.
Regular eye examinations can determine whether a prescription actually needs to be changed. Some people may continue using the same prescription for years if their vision remains stable.
Don’t Wait Until You Can’t See
Perhaps the most important message this World Sight Day is that people should not wait for a serious problem before seeking care.
Dr Da Silva encourages anyone who has not had an eye examination in several years, as well as parents who have never had their children’s eyes tested, to make an appointment.
“Prevention is better than cure,” she said.
An eye examination does not automatically mean that someone will be told they need glasses. Sometimes, the result is simply confirmation that the eyes are healthy. In other cases, an examination can identify a problem early and provide an opportunity to address it.
And that, ultimately, is what #LoveYourEyes is about.
It is about recognising that vision is too important to leave to chance. It is about taking a break from the screen, wearing protective eyewear in the workplace, shielding your eyes from excessive UV exposure, eating well and paying attention when your vision changes.
Most importantly, it is about making regular eye examinations a routine part of healthcare, whether annually or every two years, rather than waiting until vision problems become noticeable.
This October 8, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable work your eyes do every day.
Love your eyes. Protect your vision. And take care of the windows through which you experience the world.
Source: Village Voice News
