World Sight Day 2023 with Sight Research UK

The projection of 4 million people affected by sight loss by 2050 is primarily due to our large ageing population. Age-related conditions such as Cataracts and AMD become more prevalent with age. For instance, by age 90, 1 in 5 individuals have AMD. While ageing naturally impacts our sight, it's a myth to consider sight loss as inevitable. Research shows that proactive measures, such as maintaining a vitamin-rich diet, can positively influence our eye health and potentially delay or prevent certain eye conditions.

Sight Research UK emphasizes that, despite old age being a key determinant for blinding diseases, over 400,000 UK residents between ages 18-64 and 25,000 children under 14 experience sight-loss. The economic impact is significant, with the UK spending £25 billion annually on sight-impairment. Yet, eye research receives only 1.5% of medical research funding. If we could reduce AMD prevalence by just 1% each year, we could save the economy £1.2 billion by 2050. These statistics underscore the urgent need for increased funding in eye research.

Sight Research UK stands out as the only UK charity exclusively dedicated to combating sight loss through comprehensive research into all eye conditions. We pride ourselves on our unbiased approach, not favouring any specific disease or institution. While many charities provide community support, our unique role complements theirs by guiding individuals towards the answers and resources they critically need. Our commitment is to rigorous, impactful research that can bring about real change in the field of eye health.

Sight Research UK places a strong emphasis on translational research, which is the bridge between laboratory discoveries and their application in clinical settings. By funding research at this critical stage, we ensure that we're supporting the most promising solutions for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of eye diseases. This approach not only accelerates the timeline from bench to bedside but also ensures that the research we back has tangible, real-world impacts that can improve the lives of those affected by eye conditions.

Engaging with Sight Research UK on World Sight Day 2023 is easy and impactful. By subscribing to our mailing list, you can access up-to-date information on ongoing research, eye health tips, and even opportunities to be part of clinical trials. We aim to provide a platform where anyone, whether a patient, carer, or just someone interested in eye health, can find valuable resources and ways to actively contribute to the fight against sight loss.