Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Kaya, a faculty member of the Department of Ophthalmology at PAU Hospitals, shared the following information in his statement: Vision is one of the most important senses that directly affects an individual’s quality of life. Protecting eye health is important not only for seeing well, but also for remaining healthy and active in many areas of life, from education and working life to social life and individual independence. Diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes-related eye diseases, and age-related macular degeneration are among the major causes of vision loss. In some of these diseases, permanent vision loss can be prevented or the progression of the disease can be slowed through early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Some eye diseases can progress for a long time without causing noticeable symptoms.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaya: “Having good vision does not necessarily mean that our eyes are completely healthy.”

Stating that having good vision does not necessarily mean that the eyes are completely healthy, and therefore it is especially important for children, older adults, people with diabetes, and those with a family history of serious eye disease not to neglect regular eye examinations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Kaya continued his statement as follows: “World Sight Day is an important opportunity to raise public awareness about eye health. Early diagnosis of eye diseases is often one of the most important steps in protecting vision. Since we may encounter diseases in which recovery is not possible after vision loss develops, we should not think about our eye health only when a problem arises. On the occasion of World Sight Day, we would like to give everyone the message: ‘Take good care of your eyes, protect your vision.’ Let us not neglect regular eye examinations, and let us consult an ophthalmologist without delay when we notice any changes in our vision.”