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Eye health & prevention of blindness

Your eye health is as important as your general health. With this month being Sight Saving month, here are some tips on how to maintain great eye health and prevent blindness.

There exists a common misconception that blindness is only limited to those who are born with it and due to eye health deterioration due to old age but in reality, it also can affect the average person without proper eye care. There are many preventive and precautionary measures to prevent blindness and boost eye health at the same time.

Changing your lifestyle

Eating right, maintaining a healthy weight, and stopping vices are preventive measures that one can do to avoid blindness.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), being on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to keeping your eyes healthy. Vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamins supporting eye health are carrots (rich in Vitamin A); kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, broccoli and peas (rich in Lutein); avocados (rich in Vitamin E), and citrus fruits (rich in Vitamin C). Consuming cold-water fish (ex: salmon, tuna, sardines, trout) rich in Omega-3 fatty acids also supplement eye health as it reduces the risk of developing eye disease.

Diabetes is said to be one of the major causes of blindness. This can be prevented by keeping your weight within normal as obesity predisposes one to develop Diabetes. In addition, for those known to be Diabetic, keeping your blood sugar within normal limits should be done to prevent the development of Diabetes complications.

In addition to taking the proper food and maintaining one’s physical health, stopping smoking is advised. While it is widely known that smoking mainly affects your lungs, it is also one of the main causes of blindness. According to a study conducted by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group, smoking brings an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.

Avoid overexerting your eyes

With most people facing computer screens for long periods of time, it is essential to remember that your eyes can get fatigued. To avoid and reduce eye strain, you can practice the 20-20-20 rule/routine, where every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.

Use protective eyewear

Eye safety is critical when doing outdoor activities or work. To protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, get your hands on a pair of sunglasses. When purchasing sunglasses, look for the ones approved to block 99 to 100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation. It is also essential to wear protective eyewear and practice workplace eye safety when doing outdoor activities to provide a safe work environment.

While it is important to observe these precautionary and preventive measures for blindness, you should always find the time to consult your Ophthalmologist for the status of your eye health and to take an eye examination. When facing concerns, do not hesitate to call Medgate for consultation from our medical experts.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/risk/tips.htm

https://www.essilor.co.uk/blog/your-life-and-eyes/what-are-the-leading-causes-of-blindness#:%7E:text=What%20are%20the%20main%20causes,)%2C%20glaucoma%20and%20diabetic%20retinopathy.