This World Sight Day take a moment to love your eyes!
Thursday 8 October 2026
Every day the moment we wake up until we fall asleep our eyes are taking in information to navigate our world.
We blink about 15,000 times a day and a good tear film is important for clear vision, comfort and as a protection against infection.
Inside the eye your lens is focusing objects on the retina, all controlled by tiny muscles and ligaments.
The retina is where the image is focused and sent to the brain for decoding. Damage to our retina can be caused by high blood pressure, high prescription and diabetes. Or by some things we cannot control such as aging and genetics.
How can we ‘love our eyes’?
-Have regular eye examinations with your local Optometry Ireland member. At least every 2 years for adults is advised or yearly for children.
-Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that if you can see, then all is well. Diseases such as glaucoma, and AMD can all be managed better if found early.
-Take regular screen breaks, keep hydrated, have a good working distance and get some outdoor time to keep your eyes and tear film in balance.
-Protect your eyes with good UV protection in the sun and safety glasses at work or home when needed.
Most people only think about their eyes and vision when they are having a problem so don’t forget to love your eyes a little more this World sight Day
Optometry Ireland (OI) is the professional representative body for the vast majority of practising Optometrists in Ireland, including 700 members in 350 locations nationwide. OI works to ensure the highest possible standards in provision of clinical and dispensing eye-care services to the public. www.optometryireland.ie