The importance of eye health is essential for your overall quality of life. Too many people take their eyesight for granted and might not be aware of how much we use our eyes until a problem develops. They are a complex organ that needs to be taken care of by having them routinely examined and checked for abnormalities. As we get older, many common issues can be attributed to our lifestyle, activities, and other external factors. There are multiple ways individuals can maintain their vision or possibly slow down the process of deterioration of it if they follow certain guidelines.
Eye Health Challenges
Genetic as well as environmental elements can affect the eyes, resulting in eye diseases and injury. These issues include:
Cataracts: Cataracts are a common disorder of the eye that can cause clouding of the lens, which reduces or eliminates light entering the eye. This malady is usually caused by aging, but it can also be genetic or the result of trauma.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause loss of vision by damaging the optic nerve. This disease manifests when fluid pressure in the eye becomes too high and leads to deterioration in the optic disk and vision.
Cornea Damage: The cornea is a clear layer of tissue located at the front of the eye which refracts light so it can pass through to be focused on the lens. When this delicate tissue becomes damaged, it can severely impact your vision. Cornea damage can be caused by multiple factors including injuries to the eye, excessive rubbing, wearing contact lenses too long, and exposure to ultraviolet light.
Steps You Can Take For Good Eye Health
Wear Sunglasses and Protective Goggles
Sun exposure is a risk factor for cataract development because it increases the risk of UV-A and UV-B radiation exposure to eye tissues. This can damage cells in these tissues and lead to genetic changes that cause cataract formation. Also, wearing proper protective eyewear is crucial to prevent mishaps while doing hazardous work or when playing high-spirited sports.
Downtime From Devices
Electronic screens emit blue light. Exposure to this type of lumination can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, and even vision loss. To preserve eye health, folks need to take a break every 20 minutes from their devices, including cell phones, tablets, and computer screens.
Eat a Well-Rounded Diet
A healthy diet can help keep your eyes strong and maintain good vision. It’s important to get all the nutrition you need to maintain healthy eyesight to protect against common age-related eye diseases. Some of the powerhouse nutrients include Vitamin A, C, and E, along with lutein, omega-3, and beta-carotene. It is also important to be in the range of your ideal weight. Severely obese people have an increased risk for a number of eye conditions, such as cataracts and impaired vision.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can damage your vision in a variety of ways. One way is that it can impair the ciliary body - the muscle that helps to adjust the lens inside the eyes. It increases a smoker’s risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment. Even second-hand smoke can lead to the irritation and infection of the delicate tissues around the eye.
Get a Yearly Eye Exam
It would be a good idea to get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year from a reputable Optometrist. If you suffer from an illness, such as diabetes or you are over a certain age, the health of your eyes can change throughout the years. Checking the need for glasses or contact lenses before you become visually limited can save you from having to deal with major problems later on.
Let us Help!
To safeguard against conditions that can affect your eye health or for treatment, please contact Gems State Family Eyecare or call (208) 322-8439 to request an appointment. Our friendly staff will be able to help with your inquiries.