World Retina Week is observed from the 23^rd to 29^th September 2024. This eye health recognition week was created to educate individuals on the ocular function of the retina and on diseases that affect this most crucial part of the eye maintaining normal and clear vision. The retina is a light-sensitive, innermost layer of tissue that also lines the back wall of the eye and provides an essential function for vision. The most common diseases affecting the retina are retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. Retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive disease that has no cure, is characterised by night blindness (nyctalopia) and the loss of peripheral vision that may result in tunnel vision. Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration, results in blurred or absent vision in the centre of the visual field.

World Retina Week is commemorated to raise awareness on Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration and Usher Syndrome as the most common retinal degenerative diseases which affect hundreds of thousands of South Africans and millions worldwide. Retinal degeneration affects people from all racial and socio-economic groups.

The annual observance of World Retina Week aims to educate individuals on ways to look after their eyes. Make sure that you visit an optometrist regularly, avoid excessive smoking or drinking, and be mindful when using electronic devices as they emit blue light harmful to retinas over time. In addition, any physical activity also improves blood flow throughout the body. Regular monitoring of blood glucose as well as blood pressure levels is widely encouraged. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye, is the leading cause of vision loss globally, while the number of diabetics in South Africa has risen sharply from 1.3 million in 2010 to 4.5 million in 2019. On World Retina Day, 28^th of September 2024, Retina SA is encouraging parents to use it as a screen free day for their families as the focus is the alarming increasing rate of Myopia (short sightedness) in children caused by excessive screen time.

Sources: Retina South Africa, South African Government Health Awareness.