Life’s Good When Your Vision Is Good!

Having good vision certainly adds to the quality of life. Being able to see clearly allows us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, navigate our environment safely, and engage in various activities with ease. It’s easy to take good eyesight for granted, but it’s a precious gift that enhances many aspects of daily living.

In fact, thousands of people in India function with compromised eyesight, some due to callousness and others due to lack of access to proper eye care.

Just like any other organ in the body, our eyes require attention and care to function optimally throughout our lives.

Let’s deep dive into eye care with a detailed conversation with Dr. Umang Mathur, CEO, Dr Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital.

Why Prioritise Eye Care?

Vision loss can have a significant impact on our daily lives, hindering our ability to work, read, drive, and participate in activities we enjoy. Many eye diseases, if left undetected or untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. However, the good news is that many eye conditions can be prevented, managed, or treated effectively with early detection and proper care. Regular eye assessments allow your doctor to identify potential problems early on, when treatment is most effective.

Some of the common eye diseases prevalent in our modern era:

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): This leading cause of vision loss in older adults affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss if left untreated.
• Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often caused by increased pressure in the eye.
• Cataracts: A clouding of the lens of the eye, leading to blurry vision and difficulty seeing at night.
• Dry Eye: A condition where the eyes cannot produce enough tears to lubricate the eye properly, causing irritation and discomfort.

Daily Habits to Avoid for Healthy Eyes

Certain lifestyle choices can significantly increase your risk of developing eye problems. Here are some key things to avoid:

• Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for cataracts, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy. Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your overall health, including your eyes.
• Excessive Screen Time: Constant use of computers, smartphones, and tablets can contribute to digital eye strain, causing dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches.
• Unprotected Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays whenever outdoors.
• Poor Diet: A diet lacking essential nutrients can impact eye health. Limit processed foods and sugary drinks, and focus on consuming fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats for optimal eye health.
• Poor Sleep: Chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to dry eyes and blurry vision. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

Ways to Prevent Eye Diseases

By incorporating healthy lifestyle habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing eye diseases and promote healthy vision:

• Regular Eye Exams: Schedule comprehensive eye exams as recommended by your doctor, typically every one to two years.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a risk factor for several eye diseases. Managing your weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens like kale and spinach, rich in lutein and zeaxanthin (main dietary carotenoids found in the human retina which protect the macula from damage by blue light). Fatty fish like salmon and tuna are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps keep your eyes hydrated and reduces the risk of dry eye.
• Practice Good Eye Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands. This helps prevent the spread of germs and eye infections. If you wear contact lenses, clean and store them properly according to your eye doctor’s instructions.
• Eye Exercises: While not a cure-all, specific eye exercises can strengthen the muscles around your eyes and improve focusing ability. Consult your doctor for recommended exercises.
• Manage Chronic Conditions: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, working with your doctor to manage them effectively can reduce the risk of eye complications.
• Reduce Screen Time: Take frequent breaks from screens and practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds and focus on something 20 feet away.
• Protect Your Eyes from Injuries: Wear protective eyewear when participating in sports or activities with a high risk of eye injury.

Conclusion

Caring for your eyes isn’t just about maintaining vision; it’s about preserving your window to life’s wonders. By prioritizing regular eye exams, embracing healthy lifestyle habits, and steering clear of harmful practices, you can safeguard your vision and keep life’s beauty in focus for years to come. Remember, early detection is crucial. If you notice any changes in your vision—blurriness, flashes of light, or persistent eye discomfort—don’t delay; schedule an appointment with your eye doctor promptly. Don’t wait until your vision dims to appreciate the gift of sight. Start investing in your eye health today and you will see that life’s good with clarity and vibrancy, always.

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio.