Get your eyes tested for World Sight Day
Pregnant mothers should also ensure good antenatal care in order to avoid congenital eye problems in their children.
The public has been advised by the Gauteng Department of Health to get their eyes tested regularly to avoid eye complications which could lead to blindness.
This comes as the world marks World Sight Day on Thursday and Eye Care Awareness Month between 21 September and 18 October.
According to World Health Organisation, at least half of all eye complications can be avoided through regular eye tests.
“Have your eyes tested by an ophthalmologist or optometrist every second year and always wear sunglasses or tinted lenses when you are in the sun,” said the department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona.
Mabona said engaging in healthy lifestyle activities like exercise and healthy eating also helped prevent eye-related systemic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes.
Pregnant mothers should also ensure good antenatal care in order to avoid congenital eye problems in their children.
Currently cataract surgery is performed in 14 Gauteng hospitals and two more specialist sites will be added in this financial year 2015/2016. – SAnews.gov.za
