Let’s talk about the incredible human eye. It’s a remarkable sensory organ that responds to light, enabling us to see the world around us.
Could you imagine how the world would feel if you did not have your vision?
Yet, thousands of people live being vision impaired. If you do not pay attention to your eye health, you, too, may lose your 20/20 vision.
Think of what you make our eyes go through. We surf the internet all day, watching mindless videos. We keep using mobile, tablets, and other screens all day long.
Some people have to stare at a computer screen for 8 hours daily. It can’t be good for your eyes. Right?
However, like any part of the body, the eyes can face their fair share of troubles. Some eye issues are minor and can be resolved on their own or with simple treatment, while others are more severe and can potentially lead to vision loss or even blindness.
Our eyes are incredibly intricate, composed of various tissues and structures that collaborate to provide us with vision. A wide range of eye disorders and diseases can impact our ability to see, some of which are quite common.
In this article, we’ll explore these eye conditions and discuss strategies to prevent them.
DID YOU KNOW?
24 million Americans are affected by cataracts; an estimated 38.7 million will be affected by cataracts by 2030.
Cataracts:
It is a common eye condition. But when a cataract clouds that lens, your vision blurs, and you might start seeing halos around lights.
- Safeguard your eyes by wearing lenses that block both UVA and UVB light.
- Kick the smoking habit, as it can increase your risk of developing cataracts.
- Keep an eye on your blood pressure, manage your weight goals meal plans, and control diabetes, as these factors can also influence cataract formation.
Diabetic Retinopathy:
It is a condition that can affect the eyes of individuals with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to swelling in the retina, causing blood vessels to leak or grow abnormally. It can result in symptoms like blurred vision, flashes of light, floaters, and even sensations of pain or pressure in the eye.
- Schedule annual dilated eye exams to catch diabetes-related eye problems early, as early detection can prevent or slow down vision loss.
- Keep a close watch on your blood glucose levels and blood pressure, as controlling these factors is crucial in managing diabetic retinopathy risk.
Macular Degeneration:
This condition affects central vision. It can make performing tasks like recognizing faces, reading, and driving challenging. To prevent Macular Degeneration, you must get rid of the smoking habit, as smoking can double your risk of developing macular degeneration as you age.
Stay physically active through regular exercise, and check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Boost your diet with plenty of leafy greens and fish, as these foods can be beneficial in supporting eye health.
Glaucoma:
It is related to eye pressure. Here’s the deal: Your eye has a specific space that should be filled with just the right amount of fluid. However, when there’s too much fluid, it can lead to increased pressure within the eye.
This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, gradually stealing your peripheral vision and, if left unchecked, eventually affecting your central vision.
Partner with your eye doctors to ensure your eye pressure is well-controlled, as this can help you avoid vision loss associated with glaucoma. Regular check-ups and early intervention are crucial in managing this condition.
Amblyopia:
It is also known as the lazy eye syndrome and is also the most common cause of vision impairment in children.
Amblyopia is the medical term used when the vision in one of the eyes is reduced because the eye and the brain are not working together properly. The eye itself may look normal, but it is not being used normally because the brain is favoring the other eye.
Conditions leading to amblyopia include strabismus, an imbalance in the positioning of the two eyes; more nearsighted, farsighted, or astigmatic in one eye than the other eye, and rarely other eye conditions such as cataract.
Unless it has been successfully treated in early childhood amblyopia usually persists into adulthood and is the most common cause of permanent one-eye vision impairment among children and young and middle-aged adults.
An estimated 2%–3% of the population suffer from amblyopia.
Strabismus
Strabismus involves an imbalance in the positioning of the two eyes. Strabismus can cause the eyes to cross in (esotropia) or turn out (exotropia). Strabismus is caused by a lack of coordination between the eyes.
As a result, the eyes look in different directions and do not focus simultaneously on a single point. In most cases of strabismus in children, the cause is unknown. In more than half of these cases, the problem is present at or shortly after birth (congenital strabismus).
When the two eyes fail to focus on the same image, there is reduced or absent depth perception and the brain may learn to ignore the input from one eye, causing permanent vision loss in that eye (one type of amblyopia).
Prevention and Risk Management
Your eyes are an important part of your health. You can do many things to keep them healthy and make sure you’re seeing your best. Follow these simple guidelines for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years.
- Have a comprehensive eye exam.
- Maintain your blood sugar levels.
- Know your family’s eye health history.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Perform Eye Exercises.
- Wear protective eyewear.
- Quit smoking or never start.
- Be cool and wear your shades.
- Give your eyes a rest.
- Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly.
- Practice workplace eye safety.
- Eat right to protect your sight.
