MUBS/NWN Optometry Campaign Strives For 20/20 Vision In 2020

By MUBS Communications Dept., 2000-2021.

Everyone has the right to see. The eyes are one of the most vital, complex and indispensable organs, but often we don’t value them until vision is affected. With this in mind, the Modern University of Business and Science (MUBS) and the National Wellness Network (NWN), on the occasion of the National Health Awareness Month, organized optometry campaigns for MUBS students, staff and their families during the first month of the year. January is considered to be the National Awareness Month for Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness.

Optometry campaigns were held at MUBS’ Aley, Damour, Rashaya, and Spears campuses for a month - one week at each campus - during which a full visual assessment was offered to a hundred patients. They were educated on visual impairments that can affect their learning abilities, health and safety. In fact, 80 % of the assessed patients were suffering from visual problems and special eyeglasses were provided. The participants benefitted from tips on the advantages and disadvantages of wearing eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses.

 

Students and Eye Strain

Optometry campaigns are an ideal opportunity to promote eye health and to raise awareness about the importance of good vision for students. The most common eye problem among university students is eye strain, the direct result of university life requirements such as reading and using the computer, usually for long periods of time. This problem can cause dry, itchy, watery, and red or irritated eyes in addition to burning sensation accompanied with blurred vision, high sensitivity to light and headaches that decrease concentration. Also, blue light that comes from electronic devices can cause health trouble including neck and shoulder pain, and distort the sleep-wake cycle (Circadian rhythm) causing sleeping difficulty and general fatigue. So, students who spend much time reading, writing, and staring at screens and computers, can suffer from the symptoms of headache and blurred vision.

MUBS and NWN believe it is important to cultivate clinical collaborations with schools and community-based organizations. Such collaborations raise awareness on regular and comprehensive eye examinations, early detection and treatment for the eye protection. Eye issues should not be ignored and students should know the importance of paying attention to their eyes to prevent any injury or problem that may lead to significant vision distortion. As Helen Keller, American author, political activist and first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”