How to Protect Your Vision
If you’ve never had issues with your
eyesight, then you probably have not given much thought to treating your
eyes right. However, since they are some of our most important organs,
it really is never too early to start taking care of your eyes, and here
are ten points to keep in mind when doing so:
1. Protect your eyes from the sun
The skin that surrounds your eyes is very
thin and susceptible to ultraviolet radiation. Different types of skin
cancer, such as carcinoma and melanoma, are able to form in your eyelids
and around your eyes, which can cause a lot of damage to the eye
structure.
Your sunglasses are also important, and you should buy a pair that gives
you 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays since they are both able
to stimulate issues that cause macular degeneration and cataracts, both
common causes of blindness.
2. What you eat matters
Eating well is the best way to ensure
proper eye care, says Rebecca Taylor, M.D., an ophthalmologist at
Nashville Vision Associates in Tennessee, and spokesperson for the
American Academy of Ophthalmology. She also says that you should try to
get most of your nutrients from food.
Green leafy vegetables provide your body with the nutrients zeaxanthin
and lutein, both of which have been shown to decrease the risk of eye
diseases. The vitamin A that orange and yellow vegetables contain also
boost eye health, while certain fruits, such as mangoes, oranges, and
strawberries provide your eyes with a healthy dose of vitamin C and
other antioxidants.
3. Comprehensive eye exams detect vision problems early
Getting your eyes tested regularly is the
best way to catch a range of eye issues, like glaucoma or diabetic eye
disease. Most people with ocular issues, or those over 65, should see
their eye doctor at least once a year to ensure that their sight hasn’t
changed at all. People between 40 and 55 should take an eye exam every 2
to 4 years, while those between 55 and 65 should take one every 1 to 3
years.
4. Smoking now can cause eye issues later
“Get off tobacco in any form,” Taylor says.
Smoking causes cyanide to enter into your bloodstream, which is known
to kill the eye’s cells. Smoking puts you at an increased risk of
cataract development and will make your eyes dry out. What's more, it
also increases your risk of developing macular degeneration, which is an
incurable condition that harms center eye vision, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
5. Working on a computer all day could give you dry eyes
According to Steven Loomis, OD, of
Roxborough Park, Colorado, president of the American Optometric
Association, one of the most common symptoms of dry eyes is an eye that
waters. This is due to the deterioration of the oily and mucous layers,
which prevents the evaporation of tears, thereby causing the eye to
compensate by producing more water. Dry eyes might also be caused by
certain medications, such as antidepressants, inflammation, or even
hormonal changes.
To treat dry eyes, try the 20-20-20 rule, which is recommended by the
Mayo Clinic - Every 20 minutes, spend 20 seconds looking at something
that's at least 20 feet away. A warm compress could also help, as can
artificial tears that help deal with tired eyes.
6. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the USA
Preventing diabetes is the most effective
way to avoid diabetic retinopathy, which has been found to be the most
common cause of blindness in the United States. In fact, 60% of patients
with Type II diabetes will end up developing it, while almost all
people with Type I diabetes end up developing it.
Even though no symptoms appear during its early stages, it is very
important to catch retinopathy as early as can be. With time, your
vision may blur and you could even end up completely blind. Controlling
blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure can prevent it from getting
worse. This condition can be treated through laser surgery, which can
lessen the chances of further blindness.
7. After 60, macular degeneration is a major cause of blindness
Macular degeneration takes place when eye
tissue begins to degenerate, leading to blurriness or loss of vision in
the center of the eye. There are two distinct types of macular
degeneration: dry and wet. If vision loss is caused by retinal fluid,
then eye injections can treat it.
Unfortunately, most cases are dry, for which no treatment is available.
Risk factors for macular degeneration include smoking, a family history
of the condition, lutein and zeaxanthin deficiencies, and not wearing
sunglasses.
8. Cataracts are common but highly treatable
Cataracts are a typical part of aging and
usually appear around the age of sixty. Typical signs of a cataract
include seeing faded colors, blurred vision, glare, double vision, and
reduced night vision. Cataracts are linked to exposure to UV radiation
or certain types of radiation therapy, such as the ones used in cancer
treatment. Certain drugs such as prednisone may also increase the risk
of cataract development. Luckily, cataracts are often very easy to cure.
9. Damage to the optic nerve causes glaucoma
Glaucoma is renowned for being secretive
and insidious, and the only way to detect it is through an eye test. It
occurs when pressure builds up and starts to harm the optic nerve. The
condition progresses very slowly, Loomis says, and it can take years for
the nerve damage to become severe enough to cause vision problems.
The risk is higher for diabetics or those with a family history. In most
cases, treatment includes a daily eye drop to reduce eye pressure. If
the drops fail to provide any tangible improvement, then surgery may be
the only choice left.
10. Your eyes tell a lot about your health
Your eyes actually act as an indicator of
your overall health condition. Dry eyes can be symptomatic of lupus,
rheumatoid arthritis, or even thyroid disease. Blurred vision could be
indicative of diabetes or a tumor, and itchy eyes may be caused by an
allergic reaction to contact lenses.