The eyes are vital organs, contributing significantly to our daily life and overall experiences. Their ability to work in unison, creating a single, coherent image through intricate optical processes and neural connections, underscores their importance. Maintaining the health of our eyes is paramount for ensuring clear vision and a high quality of life.
Ways to care for the eyes
1.Nutrition Matters: Opt for a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E found in foods like leafy greens, salmon, eggs, and citrus fruits. These nutrients protect against age-related vision problems.
2. Kick the Habit: Smoking harms your eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. Don't give up on quitting smoking, and seek your doctor's support.
3. Shield Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses that block 99%-100% of UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound lenses add extra protection. If you wear contact lenses, don't skip sunglasses – they provide an additional layer of defense.
4. Protect Your Eyes: If you work with things that could hurt your eyes or play sports like hockey or racquetball, wear safety glasses or sports goggles with strong lenses. They keep your eyes safe.
5. Reduce Screen Stress: Staring at screens too long can tire your eyes and make them uncomfortable. Make sure your glasses or contacts are right for screens. Use a good chair, position your screen correctly, and avoid bright lights. Blink more if your eyes feel dry, and every 20 minutes, look at something far away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break.
6. Regular Eye Checkups: Everyone, including children, should have regular eye exams. These checkups protect your vision and can catch eye diseases like glaucoma early when they're easier to treat.
There are two types of eye doctors:
- Ophthalmologists: They're medical doctors specialized in eye care, treating diseases, and performing surgery.
- Optometrists: They have 4 years of special training, offering general eye care and diagnosing and treating most eye issues, except surgery.
A comprehensive eye exam includes:
- Discussing your medical history
- Vision tests for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and age-related changes
- Assessing how well your eyes work together
- Checking eye pressure and the optic nerve for glaucoma
- Detailed examination before and after pupil dilation.
By Andrew Anongu, DailyHealth
0 Comments