Prevention Of Blindness Week 2025: Theme, History, Significance, And Summer Eye Care Tips – News18
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Prevention of Blindness Week is a reminder to obtain healthy lifestyle choices and routine eye check-ups to reduce the risk of eye-related problems.
In India, the Prevention of Blindness Week is observed from April 1 to April 7. (File pic)
Prevention Of Blindness Week 2025: As summer temperatures rise, eye health concerns become more pressing, with increased risks of irritation and long-term damage. Marking the importance of vision care, India observes Prevention of Blindness Week from April 1 to April 7 each year. The initiative aims to raise awareness about blindness prevention, encourage routine eye check-ups, and promote healthy habits. Here’s a look at the history, significance, this year’s theme, and key eye care tips to safeguard vision during the summer months.
Prevention of Blindness Week 2025: History
The National Society for the Prevention of Blindness was founded in 1960 by Jawaharlal Nehru and Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. As a non-profit organization, it relies on donations and contributions to support its mission.
It collaborates with key organizations such as Sight Savers and Rotary International. Notably, India was the first country to seek a subsidised loan from the World Bank’s International Development Agency to combat blindness.
Prevention of Blindness Week 2025: Significance
This week’s goal is to raise awareness about the various causes of blindness. The initiative seeks to educate individuals on different types of eye injuries, visual impairments, treatment options, preventive measures, and possible remedies.
As part of a nationwide effort, free eye screening clinics and camps are organized, bringing together social workers, educators, and medical professionals to promote good eye health and hygiene.
Prevention of Blindness Week 2025 Theme
The theme for World Glaucoma Week 2025, happening from March 9–15, is “Uniting for a Glaucoma-Free World.” This theme highlights the importance of global collaboration in promoting early detection, timely treatment, and the prevention of vision loss caused by glaucoma.
According to Dr. Kamala S, Consultant Glaucoma, Sankara Eye Hospital, Shimoga, glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” and can lead to blindness if left undiagnosed.
Dr. Kamala said that the problem lies in its symptomless nature in the early stages, which makes regular eye examinations crucial, especially in underprivileged areas.
She emphasised, “People need to take responsibility by getting their eyes examined regularly. If there is a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, or high blood pressure, one should get a check-up without fail.”
Dr. Kamala also suggested that participating in local groups or workplaces to spread awareness can encourage more people to undergo screening.
She further explained, “Access to eye care can be improved at the community level. Organising screening camps in collaboration with health workers and advocating for more affordable eye care services can make a significant impact. Businesses and schools should also play a role in promoting eye care education, helping people understand the importance of early disease detection.”
Dr. Kamala highlighted that technological advancements such as telemedicine and mobile eye clinics can also contribute to better glaucoma care.
She concluded, “When individual and community engagement come together, we can reduce avoidable blindness and move toward a world free from glaucoma.”
Prevention of Blindness Week 2025: Quotes
- “Blindness is an unfortunate handicap, but true vision does not require eyes.” – Helen Keller
- “The soul, fortunately, has an interpreter, often unconscious but faithful, in its eye.” – Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
- “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” – Helen Keller
- “The face is the mirror of the mind, and the eyes, without speaking, confess the secrets of the heart.” – St Geronimo
- “Because she had eyes and she chose me.” – William Shakespeare, Othello
- “The face is an image of the mind whose interpreter is the eyes” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
- “The eyes indicate the antiquity of the soul.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “Those born blind cannot see, similarly blind are those in the grip of lust. Proud men have no perception of evil, and those bent on acquiring riches see no sin in their actions.”- Chanakya
- “Sight is a precious gift. Let’s work together to ensure everyone can see the world’s beauty.”
- “There is no better way to thank God for your sight than by giving a helping hand to someone in the dark.” – Helen Keller
Sun Protection Tips For Eyes In Summer
Dr. Hitendra Sinh Parmar, Registrar-General Ophthalmologist at Sankara Eye Hospital, Anand, says that the risk of eye-related issues such as infections, dry eyes, and inflammation increases during summer.
He explained that these common problems often arise due to a combination of air-conditioning, UV radiation exposure, excessive swimming, and allergens such as pollen and dust.
Dr. Parmar further stated, “Summers bring the risk of photokeratitis, or ‘sunburned eyes,’ caused by excessive UV exposure, leading to tearing, redness, and a burning sensation in the eyes. Macular degeneration and cataracts are also aggravated by prolonged exposure to air-conditioning. Additionally, swimming in pools can lead to infections like conjunctivitis, as chlorine, dust, and pollen can worsen allergy symptoms.”
To protect your eyes, he advised the following measures:
- Wear wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors.
- Use lubricating eye drops to combat dryness.
- Avoid opening your eyes underwater in pools, and refrain from rubbing them, especially after swimming.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away) and stay hydrated.
- Maintain proper hygiene by washing hands and cleaning contact lenses before use.
Dr. Parmar emphasised that adopting these simple precautions can significantly improve eye health. He warned, “If neglected, summer-related eye issues can escalate, increasing the risk of long-term damage.”
The Prevention of Blindness Week 2025 theme is yet to be announced by NSPB. Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs), decides on the theme.
