Reduce blindness in 2018

THE EDITOR: The Trinidad and Tobago Blind Welfare Association is taking this opportunity to express thanks to all people and organisations who contributed to making 2017 a memorable year with all its challenges and successes.

As the association bids farewell to 2017 and welcomes 2018 with great anticipation, it is the our resolution to make 2018 a year to reduce blindness.

The World Health Organisation says 80 per cent of all blindness is preventable. In TT there are three major forms of blindness that can be prevented. They are: Glaucoma, Cataract and Diabetic Retinopathy. In order to help prevent people from going blind because of these lifestyle conditions, the association wishes to make the following recommendations:

1. Let every citizen make 2018 a year to have his/her eyes medically examined. Early detection of any eye condition or disease could go a long way to preventing blindness.

2. Reduce salt, sugars and fat from your diet.

3. If you’re overweight — you should aim for a BMI of 18.5-24.9. Consult your doctor for further advice.

4. Exercise regularly. Aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.

5. Stop smoking — it affects your health and, by extension, could cause blindness.

6. Drink alcohol in moderation — excessive alcohol consumption could bring on lots of health issues and cause blindness.

7. Exposure to ultra violet rays from the sun could increase your chances of developing blindness. Wear proper shades when liming outdoors.

8. Check your family history for glaucoma and, if you are at high risk, seek your doctor for advice.

In closing, the association stands willing and ready to partner with all stakeholders to ensure that, through medical interventions and lifestyle changes, blindness could be prevented and TT might avoid the burden blindness could place on families and the national social services.

Kenneth Suratt, Executive officer, TT Blind Welfare Association

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