World Sight Day: take stock of your eyesight
Which tests, at what age, and which signs should alert you? An update for World Sight Day, on Thursday 8 October 2026.
Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or AMD, are painless in the early stages. A regular check-up, adapted to your age and history, helps detect them early. Sudden loss of vision, flashes of light or a curtain over your vision are an emergency.
Every year, on the second Thursday of October, World Sight Day reminds us of a simple idea: seeing well is not a luxury, and many eye diseases can be detected before they cause sight loss. This year it falls on Thursday 8 October 2026. It is a good opportunity to take stock of your eyesight, and that of your loved ones.
Why have an eye check-up, even with no symptoms?
Seeing clearly in the distance or up close does not mean the eyes are healthy. Several common diseases progress for a long time without pain or loss of vision: glaucoma silently damages the optic nerve, diabetic retinopathy can remain silent for years, and AMD often starts in one eye only, with the other compensating. When symptoms appear, the damage is sometimes already established.
An eye examination measures vision and eye pressure, looks at the cornea, lens, retina and optic nerve, and adjusts the correction if needed. It is painless and generally takes less than an hour, including dilation if required.
At what age, and how often?
There is no single schedule: it all depends on your age, history and general health. Here are general guidelines, which your ophthalmologist will adjust. See also our recommended screening.
In children
A child rarely complains of poor vision: they have nothing to compare it with. A first check before starting primary school is recommended, and earlier in cases of squint, family history or warning signs (crossed eyes, blinking, tilted head, reading difficulties). See our paediatric ophthalmology page.
Between 20 and 40
With no particular symptoms, a check every few years is enough, especially if you wear glasses or contact lenses. Screens tire the eyes, but current data do not show that they cause lasting damage: this is eye strain and dryness.
After 40–45
Presbyopia appears: reading up close becomes difficult, and you hold your phone or the menu further away. It is also the age at which measuring eye pressure is useful, especially if there is glaucoma in the family.
After 50–55
AMD and cataract become more common. Regular checks of the retina and macula, adapted to your situation, help detect an early disease.
If you have diabetes
A retinal examination (fundus examination or fundus photography) is recommended at least once a year, even if your vision is good.
Signs that call for a consultation without delay
- Sudden loss of vision, in one eye or both.
- Straight lines that look distorted, or a spot in the centre of your vision.
- Flashes of light, a shower of black dots or a curtain coming down across your field of vision.
- A red, painful eye with reduced vision, or intense pain with nausea.
- Recent-onset double vision.
These situations are an eye emergency: do not wait for your next scheduled appointment.
A few simple ways to look after your eyesight
Wear sunglasses that meet the CE standard with suitable UV protection. Stop smoking, which increases the risk of AMD and cataract. Keep diabetes and blood pressure under control. Take regular breaks from screens, looking into the distance. Finally, do not put off renewing your glasses: an unsuitable correction does not damage the eyes, but it causes fatigue and spoils everyday comfort.
Book an appointment in Noisy-le-Grand
At the Grand Paris Ophtalmologie practice, Drs Yaïr Chetrit and Mayer Srour carry out eye check-ups, screening and additional tests (OCT, visual field, retinal photography) on site.
To book an appointment: on Doctolib or on 01 85 10 57 00. The practice is located at 67 rue de Malnoue, 93160 Noisy-le-Grand.