The human eye, responsible for one of our most vital senses, is one of the most important organs of the human body. However, it is also true that most of us take our eyesight for granted. Though new methods of curing eye problems are being discovered on regular basis, the old adage- ‘prevention is better than cure’ fits aptly in this regard. Every year, more than two million Americans suffer from age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and roughly 24 million individuals over forty have been diagnosed with cataracts. While genetics may play an instrumental role in eye health, one must also take a cue from the following tips to guide your way to glory in maintaining good eyesight.
Practice Preventive Medicine
Most people go through some eye problem at one point in their lives. These problems can range from dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration etc. Most of the times, the problems accrue at an advanced stage and could be prevented if corrective steps are taken at an initial stage. For instance, the wet form of ARMD can be precluded if remedial steps are taken at an early stage of its inception. Eye problems, like any other disease, may often be difficult to remove completely once they develop completely. Hence, getting your eye checked up at regular intervals is important to maintain sharp and healthy eyes.
The following guidelines should be followed
Duration | Recommendation |
Below age of 16 | Annual |
Above age of 16 but below 65 | Two- yearly |
Above age of 65 | Annual |
Pregnant | Before birth of child |
Diseased | Bi-annual or as recommended by doctor |
Recognize your ancestral eye health history
A majority of eye problems are a result of genetic legacies carried out through your family or ancestral generations. Hence, it is important to keep a tab on your hereditary legacy. One simple way is to talk to your family members regarding any eye defects that they may have in the past. The data can prove to be beneficial in anticipating any probable risk of developing eye disease or condition.
Eat Right
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is one of the most crucial factors in eye health. The retinal and macular portions of the eye contain various nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin which deplete over a course of time due to ageing and poor nutrition. Hence, consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and C and other nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids, copper and zinc will help a lot in maintaining sharp eyesight.
Limit screen time
The amount of time spent on computer screens have grown dramatically in the past few decades, leading to an array of problems, including dry and sore eyesight. This ‘computer vision syndrome’ may often lead to a long-term damage to the eyes. On a global average, we spend approximately seven hours a day staring at the screens (418 minutes). This may include viewing smartphones, using the internet, watching television etc. The blue light emitted by these devices have been known to cause severe damage to retinal cells. Further, using screens before bedtime can also disrupt the ‘sleep-wake cycle’, since blue light leads to inhibits release of sleep hormones (also called melatonin). Long-term effects may also include ‘myopia’ or short-sightedness, loss of productivity etc. Thus, limiting your screen time is an important factor.
Quit Smoking
Apart from known problems of smoking such as lung cancer and heart diseases, it is less known that it could be a major cause of blindness and a range of other diseases including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, dry eye syndrome etc. In cases of pregnant women, smoking can lead to premature birth and increased risk of retinopathy in new-born babies. This is because cigarette smoke comprises of formaldehyde, nicotine and carbon monoxide which can decrease the response of the immune system to fight ocular symptoms and renders it incapable of preparing for it.
Physical Health
Our body is an interactive platform for various organs to function together. If any single organ becomes incompetent to function, it impacts the functions of other organs too. For instance, the presence of diabetes in an individual may also increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, you may become vulnerable to blockage of blood vessels in the eye and consequently partial loss of vision. It is therefore recommended to maintain physical health through daily exercises, consumption of a balanced diet, frequent eye exams, etc.
Eye protection
While going outdoors, ensure that you have sufficient protection from ultraviolet rays of the sun. Since the area surrounding the eye is very delicate, proper safety measures are recommended to avoid damage. Also, make sure that you wear sunglasses to avoid any risk of vision loss.
Author’s bio:
Dr. Babak Shabatian, MD, is an ophthalmologist and founder and director of Cali Eye and Laser Institute. He has performed thousands of procedures with excellent and predictable results. He is frequently invited to lecture on topics of refractive and advance cataract surgery.