News& Information

How can I protect my vision?

Healthy vision is something we often take for granted until it starts to slip away.

The importance of eyesight towards our overall well-being and quality of life as an individual is too important to be ignored. National Eye Care Day is designed to remind people of healthy vision and how to reduce risk of eye diseases and blindness in the world.

Globally, it is estimated that approximately 1.3 billion people live with some form of distance or near vision impairment. With regarding to distance vision, 188.5 million have a mild vision impairment, 217 million have moderate to severe impairment and 36 million people are blind. With regards to near vision, 826 million people live with near vision impairment. Approximately 80% of vision impairment globally is considered avoidable.

There are effective interventions available to prevent and treat eye diseases. Did you know that most vision problems are preventable? The good news is also that you can help protect your eyes from eye diseases by using everyday tips to help set yourself up for a lifetime of seeing well:

- Get regular eye examinations. The recommended eye exam interval is about two years no glasses or not before. However do it earlier if you feel the need.

- Learn of any your family history of eye diseases

- Use cosmetics safely. Pay attention to the purity of eye makeup and other cosmetics.

- Use contact lenses safely. Remember the rules of contacts wearing time and clean them properly. Replace the lenses only by your optometrist/ophthalmologist description.

 

Wear Sunglasses!

 

Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is responsible for summer tans and sunburns. However, too much UV can lead to macular degeneration and cataract (clauding of the eye’s natural lens) and may cause vision loss. 

The thinning of the earth zone layer has reduced its function as a UV filter, so it is now more dangerous than ever for eyes (and skin!) to spend unprotected hours in sun.

 

Wear high quality sunglasses that blocks out at least 99% of both UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label. If you don’t know a quality of your sunglasses ask your optometrist to check that for you.

Eye protection is especially important at the beach or in snow! Water and sand reflect the light and this increases the intensity of UV from 10 to 20 %, and for snow even up to 80%; 40 % UV rays can be detective even at two feets below the surface of the water.

Children and teens should wear sunglasses too, especially since they may spend more time in the sun. Did you know?

- Mirror lenses don’t necessarily block UV light, so make sure only use those that are marked as UV protective.

- Clouds don’t block UV, so wear your sunglasses even on cloudy or overcast days.

 

The healthier you are the better chance you have avoiding risk of your eyes

 

Eat eye-healthy foods - It’s true that carrots are good for your eyes! In fact, a diet rich in vitamin C, E, beta carotene, zinc and variety of fruits land vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, like spinach or kale and blueberries have health benefits for eyes.

Regular exercise protects your eyes - Anything that gets your heart beating faster can help keep your eyes healthy.

 

Give your eyes a rest!

The heavy use of a smart phone and a computer, the close eye load is a big problem. The muscles that regulate the intraocular lens may get stuck.  Then, far-sightedness becomes inaccurate when the musculature is stuck in close-up vision. A spam can be released by an exercise or special purpose lenses for computer or other nearsightedness purpose needs.

Try using the 20–20–20 rule throughout the day: every 20 minutes, look away from the screens and focus about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This reduces eye strain and helps your eyes (and you!) feeling better at the end of the day.