John Myers
About 253 million people in the world suffer from visual impairment, and 36 million of them are affected by blindness, according to WHO data.
The most common causes of visual impairment are myopia, farsightedness or astigmatism, unoperated cataracts, and glaucoma.
And while myopia or hyperopia have genetic backgrounds, the development of cataracts and glaucoma is influenced by various factors, such as
chronic diseases;
diabetes;
cardiovascular diseases;
exposure to ultraviolet light;
smoking;
overweight;
malnutrition;
lack of physical activity.
To diagnose vision problems as early as possible, an ophthalmologic screening is performed. The doctor assesses visual acuity (visiometry) and measures intraocular pressure (tonometry): for patients over 40 years of age, this procedure is indicated at least once every three years, and for people at risk of glaucoma – every year from the age of 35.
To keep your eyes healthy for as long as possible, follow our simple tips.
If your job involves sitting at a computer for long periods of time, take breaks and give your eyes a rest.
Gadgets keep our eyes under constant strain, which contributes to Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which manifests itself in generalized vision loss, dryness, and redness of the eyes. To protect your eyes, take regular breaks and exercise. We recommend the 20-20-20 exercise: every 20 minutes, look 20 meters into the distance for 20 seconds. This quick exercise will help reduce eye strain.
Protect your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses.
UV exposure can cause burning and damage to the eyes and increases the risk of cataracts. Properly fitted eyewear with the appropriate level of UV protection will help preserve your vision.
Include greens (especially spinach), cabbage, fish (a source of omega-3 fatty acids), plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your diet. Control your weight, as being overweight or obese increases the risk of diabetes or other chronic diseases that can lead to poor vision or even blindness.
Have your eyes checked regularly?
Your doctor will help you determine the number of visits you need, depending on your family history of eye disease and your body and lifestyle. In general, this should be done every one to two years.
Exercise, maintain a healthy lifestyle, quit smoking, follow personal hygiene rules when using contact lenses and glasses, and undergo regular medical examinations.
Remember: preventing a disease is always easier than treating it. Take care of yourself and your eyes.
