Sundaymail Editor
EYESIGHT can deteriorate as people get older or due to certain health conditions. However, there are some natural ways and lifestyle interventions that can help a person improve and protect their eyesight without the need for corrective glasses.
Protective eyewear
Eye injuries can result from a range of everyday activities — including household chores, playing sports, working with certain types of equipment or in potentially hazardous environments.
Protective eyewear can help prevent injury, damage and irritation to eyes from impacts, debris and chemicals. Depending on the activity, appropriate protection can include safety glasses, goggles, face masks, shields and helmet visors. Regular eyeglasses do not generally provide adequate protection from hazards and can shatter if they become damaged.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory, as they also help protect the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light. Excessive UV exposure can damage the eyes. UV light can also increase a person’s risk of cataracts, eye cancer and growths on the eyes such as pterygium. When purchasing sunglasses, it is essential to choose a pair with adequate UV protection. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is another way to protect the eyes from UV light.
Regular eye exams
Having a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way for people to be sure their eyes are fully healthy. During this examination, an eye care professional uses special drops to widen the person’s pupils, which allows them to see into the back of the eyes and look for problems. A dilated eye exam can help detect eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration in their early stages.
Screen breaks
Working on computers or focusing on one thing for extended periods can cause eyestrain or fatigue. People who spend a lot of time in front of computers or mobile devices may wish to try the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen at something around 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This exercise can help to reduce eyestrain.
Controlling diabetes
A potential complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is an eye condition that doctors refer to as diabetic retinopathy. High levels of sugar in the blood can gradually damage the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to become swollen, leaky or blocked. This can also result in the growth of scar tissue and new, abnormal blood vessels. Without treatment, diabetic retinopathy can lead to impaired vision and eventually blindness. People with poor blood sugar control are at higher risk of developing this condition.
Sudden changes in blood sugar can also cause blurry vision that resolves when levels become steadier.
Managing chronic conditions
There are other health conditions besides diabetes that can contribute to vision problems. People aged 65 years or older who have vision impairment are more likely to have a chronic condition.
These conditions include high blood pressure, heart disease, high blood cholesterol, cancer, kidney disease, stroke, arthritis, hepatitis, asthma and depression. Getting appropriate treatment for chronic conditions can help reduce a person’s risk of developing complications such as eye problems.
Vitamins
Research shows that vitamins A, C and E are good for eye health. These vitamins have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may decrease the risk of macular degeneration.
Quitting smoking
Many people may not realise that there is a link between smoking and a number of eye diseases. Smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and uveitis. It can also increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Tobacco smoke is also irritating to the eye, which can make dry eye worse.
Good hygiene
Practising good hygiene can help prevent eye infections. It is important for people to wash their hands thoroughly before touching their eyes or handling contact lenses. Also, always follow the manufacturer’s or doctor’s instructions for disinfecting and replacing contacts.
Know your family history
Some eye diseases can run in families. People may wish to talk to their close relatives to find out about their eye health history. It is also necessary for people to inform healthcare professionals and eye doctors about their family history. — MedicalNewsToday
Online Reporter