September 24, 2023 – World Retina Day

Did you know that the last Sunday of September each year is designated World Retina Day? This means that on September 24, 2023, Queensland Eye and Retina Specialists will appeal to optometrists, ophthalmologists, and society in general not to leave anyone in the dark.

Over 100 million people worldwide are affected by some form of retinal disease, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and retinitis pigmentosa. These conditions are among the leading causes of blindness in today’s society.

So, what can you do to help?

As health professionals, education is one of our most powerful tools. Particularly when it comes to retinal conditions, early intervention is key. Any sudden change in vision, such as reduced visual acuity, onset of floaters or curtains in vision, and flashes or eye pain, should be considered an emergency and evaluated promptly. For optometrists, a patient experiencing any of these symptoms necessitates a dilated fundus exam for appropriate investigation, and if no cause for the symptoms can be identified, referral to an ophthalmologist should be the next step. For general practitioners, any sudden vision changes should warrant a referral to an eye specialist. It is important that your patients understand that they should check the vision of each eye individually, as monocular vision changes can be masked by the other eye.

You have probably heard the phrase “prevention is better than cure”, and for many retinal conditions, this adage holds true. There are a few simple things your patients can do to reduce their likelihood of developing one of these sight-threatening diseases, and it is important to share information about these lifestyle choices for your patients’ wellness. These include modification of diet to include healthy fats (found in fish), a variety of different coloured fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens), nuts, and legumes. Consistent exercise is also important to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Smoking has also been shown to increase the risk of conditions such as macular degeneration. Inform your patients to see their local optometrist as soon as possible if they experience any sudden change in vision.