By: Emmanuel Amoah
World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, serves as a global reminder of the importance of eye health. This year, the event falls on Thursday, October 10, and is led by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) under the Love Your Eyes campaign. For 2024, the theme is Prioritise Child Eye Health, placing children at the heart of the global movement.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of children’s eye health and to give every child the opportunity to love and protect their vision.
In Ghana, the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana (OSG), in collaboration with the National Eye Care Unit (NECU) of the Ghana Health Service, continues its annual efforts to eliminate the leading causes of preventable blindness and vision impairment. The OSG, a professional body of 169 ophthalmologists and 61 resident doctors, works with a diverse team of eye care professionals, including ophthalmic nurses, optometrists, and opticians, to improve the quality of eye care in the country.
Globally, over 450 million children suffer from a vision condition that requires treatment, and around 90 million children live with some form of sight loss. Of these, 448 million children and adolescents have refractive errors such as myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), or astigmatism, which are the leading causes of visual impairment in young people.
Uncorrected vision problems in children can severely impact their education, social development, and future socio-economic opportunities. In low- and middle-income countries, children with vision loss are up to five times less likely to receive formal education. Research has shown that children with access to glasses can reduce their chances of failing in school by 44%.
Good vision is essential for children’s physical growth and educational progress, which makes addressing their eye health critical for their future.
Children’s eyes are not simply smaller versions of adult eyes. The visual system of a child is still developing at birth, and clear, equal input from both eyes is required for the proper maturation of the brain’s visual centers. If one or both eyes fail to provide clear images to the brain during this critical period, the child may develop Amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.”
Amblyopia, which results in poor vision in an otherwise healthy eye, can lead to irreversible vision loss if not treated early. Early detection is essential to preventing this condition, as treatment becomes less effective as the child grows older.
The primary causes of vision impairment and blindness in children include uncorrected refractive errors, congenital cataracts, Retinopathy of Prematurity (an eye disorder in premature infants), congenital ocular anomalies, corneal scarring, and cerebral visual impairment.
As we commemorate World Sight Day, it is crucial to reflect on the role of eye health in shaping our children’s futures. Early intervention, awareness, and regular eye checks can prevent lifelong vision problems.
Children may not always be able to express their vision problems, which can result in undiagnosed conditions that affect their performance in school and daily life. Routine eye screenings, starting as early as preschool age, are crucial for detecting and addressing issues such as refractive errors, amblyopia, and congenital cataracts.
Parents, schools, and healthcare providers must work together to ensure that children undergo regular eye check-ups to safeguard their vision.
In today’s digital age, children are spending more time than ever in front of screens. This can lead to digital eye strain, blurred vision, and an increased risk of myopia. Research has shown that children who spend more than three hours per day on screens are nearly four times more likely to develop myopia compared to those who limit their screen time to one hour.
For younger children, the risk is even higher. Six- to seven-year-olds with high screen use are five times more likely to develop myopia. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no screen time for children under the age of one and limited exposure for young children in general.
One significant barrier to correcting vision in children is the social stigma associated with wearing glasses. Many children avoid using their prescribed glasses due to fears of being teased or bullied by their peers. As a society, we must work to normalize the use of glasses and educate children, parents, and teachers about the importance of corrective eyewear. Wearing glasses is not a sign of weakness but a responsible choice that ensures clear vision and a better quality of life.
The OSG will continue advocating for programs that provide affordable glasses to schoolchildren and promote eye care awareness across Ghana.
Children are naturally active and playful, making them more prone to injuries, including eye trauma. Eye injuries can cause permanent damage if not treated immediately. Parents and guardians must emphasize the importance of eye safety, particularly during sports or activities that involve sharp objects or tools.
Encouraging the use of protective eyewear in high-risk situations is essential to preventing eye injuries and safeguarding children’s vision.
Many eye conditions worsen over time if left untreated. Parents should be alert to signs of discomfort or vision problems in their children, such as redness, squinting, headaches, or complaints of blurry vision. Prompt medical attention can prevent serious complications and preserve a child’s eyesight.
On this World Sight Day, let us make a collective commitment to protect our children’s vision. The health of our children shapes the future of our nation, and good vision is a cornerstone of their education and development. By ensuring regular eye screenings, reducing screen time, removing the stigma around wearing glasses, preventing ocular trauma, and seeking timely medical care, we can help every child experience the world with clarity.
Let us work together to make children’s eye health a priority in every home, school, and community across Ghana.
