6 Simple Tips To Help Prevent Vision Loss
If you #LoveYourEyes, follow these simple and crucial eye care tips to prevent vision loss. Here’s why. The first time I went for a comprehensive eye test, I was already apprehensive about all the things that could go wrong. So I prepared for my eye check up in advance. The day arrived, I reached the hospital, the doctor asked me if I was facing any specific eye problem and took my health history. He then proceeded by applying eye drops in both my eyes. Little did I know, the drops dilated my pupil in a few minutes and I was escorted inside a dark room. The doctor arrived after 10 minutes to flash a torch in my eyes and make his deductions. But in that brief window of 10 minutes, I realized how vulnerable you feel without your eyesight. This experience was intended for everyone who ignores their eye health.
What is Vision Loss?
Vision loss is the inability to see clearly without vision correction aids like eyeglasses. It could be blurry vision, loss of peripheral vision, double vision, poor eyesight at night. Vision loss can affect one or both eyes and can occur gradually or overnight.
What are the causes of Vision Loss?
There are many causes of vision loss, some due to eye problems and others due to underlying diseases, trauma or injury. The most common cause of vision loss is aging. As is the case with the rest of our body, our eyes age too, weakening the muscles that provide us with flawless vision.
Common causes of vision loss include:
- Cataracts
- Age-related Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Eye Infection
- Ocular Trauma
- Stroke
- Hypertension
Know Your Family Eye Health History
Ask your family members if they have been diagnosed with any eye condition in the past. In fact, my doctor’s first question was whether I have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. Family history helps determine if you’re at a higher risk of developing certain eye diseases or conditions.
Annual Eye Exams For Early Detection Of Eye Problems
Many eye problems like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration hit us without a warning sign. A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages. When the pupils dilate, they let in more light, enabling your eye care professional to thoroughly examine your eyes for any signs of damage or disease.
Maintain Your Blood Sugar Level
Don’t be under the notion that diabetes can’t plague your body. Did you know, India ranks 2nd in diabetic population? Currently, one person in every third household sufferers from diabetes. Diabetes has often been linked with many conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and several other eye health issues you need to watch out for if your blood sugar fluctuates and is not under control. An adult’s normal blood sugar level should be between 90 to 110 mg/dl.
Never Ignore The Seriousness Of UV Protection
UV exposure catalyzes the development of age-related eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Long-term sun exposure also damages the retinal tissue or the macula—an area near the center of the retina that provides our central vision. This results in losing our central vision, leading to blurred vision and eventually complete vision loss. Evidence suggests that sun exposure from a very early age shows its repercussions as you start to grow old. So, UV-protection sunglasses for kids are as essential as they are for adults. The simplest yet best way to protect your eyes from UV rays is to wear a hat or cap when outdoors. For added protection, shield your eyes with the following 100% UV-protected sunglasses that come with side coverage:
Eat Mindfully
Do you have a sweet tooth? Remember, eating everything, even sweets, in moderation is the key to a healthy body including the eyes. This includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein like paneer, non-fat dairy, legumes, and lean meat. Steer clear of junk food as they bring lots of sugar, starch, and carbs that ultimately harm your eyes. Learn about these six foods to improve eyesight .
Limit Your Screen Time
Long hours spent on a digital screen means longer exposure to harmful blue light. Blue light has both long-term and short-term deteriorating effects on your eyes. Make sure that you take breaks and rest your eyes with a few easy-to-do eye exercises like blinking and palming. When you do use your laptop for work or other digital devices, use eye protection glasses such as blue-light blocking glasses
