Eye Health: All the tips, tricks and benefits

Overview

The eye is an organ for seeing. Many parts of the eye work together to focus on objects and send visual information to the brain. Some illnesses and injuries can cause vision problems. Some conditions can cause permanent vision loss. To keep your eyes healthy, get regular check-ups to maintain your overall eye health.

Your eyes are irreplaceable. They are windows to your world. But they are fragile and need to be taken care of carefully. There are many reasons for poor vision, including ageing, pollution, stress, and an unhealthy diet. You can’t actually stop the ageing process, but you can slow it down. However, many other problems can be avoided by taking some measures.

Conditions that affects eyes

There are hundreds of conditions, disorders, illnesses, and injuries that affect the eyes. Some conditions, such as uveitis, cause eye pain. Some can cause vision loss or blindness.

1.Age related factors

2.Eye cancer

3.Other Diseases

4.Injuries and infections

5.Inherited disorders

6.Problems in the muscles of eyes

7.Vision problems

Some conditions affect the eyes directly. Other disorders begin in different parts of your body and lead to problems in your eyes.

Conditions that affect eyes indirectly include:

1.Autoimmune disorders

2.Diabetes

3.Genetic disorders

4.Cardiovascular diseases

Tests to check your eye health

In a comprehensive eye exam, your healthcare provider will use multiple tests to check for eye diseases and other problems. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend tests to assess your visual field, visual acuity (sharpness), or your ability to see colours. Your doctor may also check your eye pressure and do imaging tests to get a closer look at your retina and optic nerve.

Tips to maintain your eye health

1.Regular Check-ups

You should visit your ophthalmologist/ophthalmologist at least once a year. They will run some tests to determine how good your vision is or the health of your eyes. Based on the test results, you will be offered new lenses or medications if needed.

Myopia is prevalent, especially among children. Scheduling regular eye exams is the best way to stay safe from myopia.

2.Eat Well

Eye health starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E help prevent age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Make sure you include these foods in your diet:

1.Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collards

2.Salmon, tuna and other fatty fish

3.Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources

4.Oranges and other citrus fruits or juice

3.Quit Smoking

Smoking not only destroys the lungs, it also causes cataracts. It can damage the optic nerve and cause macular degeneration. If you’re chained and can’t quit, talk to your therapist.

4. Take a Break

Look away from the screen every 30 minutes and wait 15 seconds with your eyes closed. Then open them and blink quickly. This will coat your eyes with a layer of moisture.

Constantly working in front of a screen and not scrolling your eyes for long periods of time can lead to computer vision syndrome. It causes eye strain, blurred vision, and discomfort.

5.Eye Exercise

Do simple eye exercises regularly. Stare at a distant object for 15 seconds, switch your gaze to a near object, and gaze for another 15 seconds. Repeat this cycle 4-5 times.

Get into the habit of doing this consistently to protect your eyes from unnecessary strain and discomfort.

6.Adjust Lighting

Avoid overly bright lighting in your office space. Turn off some if possible. Do not sit with your back to an open window. Computer screens reflect light coming through windows. You can also adjust the brightness of your computer to match the lighting in your room.

7.Stay hydrated

Adequate hydration is essential for the health of your entire body, including your eyes. Proper hydration can help prevent dry and irritated eyes.

To know more about the benefits of staying hydrated read this.

Best foods to keep your eyes healthy

1.Fish

2.Nuts and Legumes

3.Seeds

4.Citrus Fruits

5.Green Leafy Vegetables

6.Carrots

7.Sweet Potato

8.Beef

9.Eggs

10.Water

Conclusion

Don’t take your eyes for granted. you are precious. Get a good night’s sleep as this is essential for promoting eye health. The rest is very important for your eyes. Keep your hands clean if you have a habit of touching your eyes frequently. A few simple tips can help you stay healthy.

Eye health is also age related. The older you get, the more you should pay attention to age-related eye diseases. Your doctor will advise you to get tested frequently and tell you about symptoms to look out for (such as poor vision or blurred vision).