Taking good care of your eyes is vital if you want to protect your vision from being impaired in the future. Occasional eye problems are not a rare thing, but they tend to become more frequent as time goes by. As we age, our vision becomes less clear, and problems like dry eyes, glaucoma, and allergic conjunctivitis tend to develop. However, with a couple of helpful suggestions, you’ll be able to protect your eyesight by preventing some of the serious eye problems.
Dry eyes
Blurry vision, watery eyes, light sensitivity, eye redness and eye fatigue are some of the most common symptoms of dry eyes. The condition can cause a great discomfort to the eye, which can ultimately lead to impaired vision. According to ophthalmologists, lack of tears is the main cause of dry eyes. Tears keep the eye moist and free from infections, so when there’s not enough of them, the eye becomes irritated. The main cause of lack of tears in the eyes is evaporation, and if you know this, you can prevent it. Try not to be exposed to smoke often, and avoid exposure to strong wind or dry air. However, if you can’t completely avoid windy weather, use sunglasses to protect your eyes. Furthermore, try to blink more often. You may not be blinking enough while you’re reading, working on computer or driving, which can eventually cause dry eyes. What’s more, eye drops can be of great help as well, so make sure you get some for your sensitive eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Pollen, dander, and mold are some of the substances that trigger allergies. Once you notice the outer part of the eye is irritated or swollen due to contact with pollen or other substances, it means you have allergic conjunctivitis. Due to histamine ‒ a chemical released by dander, pollen and other allergy-causing substances ‒ that is released into the eye, the blood vessels in the outer part of our eye become swollen. That’s why the eyes tend to become watery, itchy and red. Furthermore, puffy eyelids, burning eyes, and stringy discharge are other common symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. If you’re prone to allergies, make sure to avoid substances that trigger them. Also, eye drops can be of great help.
Glaucoma
The optic nerve is one of the most important parts of the eye that keeps the vision clear. Once this nerve is damaged, our vision becomes impaired. Glaucoma is a damage usually caused by high pressure in one or both eyes. If not treated properly, it can eventually lead to permanent blindness. While it is usually hereditary, glaucoma can also be caused by lack of exercise, diabetes and eye injuries. Eye pain, bad headaches, tunnel vision, vomiting, nausea, eye redness, blurry vision and patchy blind spots in the peripheral side are the most common symptoms of glaucoma. While you can’t prevent glaucoma, you can still stop the condition from worsening. The earlier you are diagnosed with the problem, the lesser are the chances it’ll become worse. Frequent eye care and eye screening are the best possible prevention. Therefore, it’s vital that you visit a good optometrist in Broadway and check your eyes regularly. What’s more, make sure you exercise regularly, to reduce eye pressure. Wear protective eye gear if you’re working in a dangerous environment, as well as if you’re swimming, to prevent any eye irritation.
Age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is the most common eye problem among people in their 50s or older. This condition affects the back of the eye, which consequently prevents you from seeing objects that are very close to the eye clearly. As the condition progresses, vision is lost in both eyes. Age-related macular degeneration won’t cause complete blindness, but it can, however, prevent you from seeing well. You’ll have trouble recognizing faces, writing, driving, reading and doing chores around the house. Age-related changes in the eye are the cause of this condition, but some people are more prone to it than others. Research shows that if you stop smoking, exercise regularly, lead a healthy life, avoid second-hand smoking and maintain a normal blood pressure, you’ll be less prone to developing age-related macular degeneration.
Vision is one of the five senses you need functioning properly in order to lead a normal and healthy life. Therefore, it’s necessary for you to take all the possible precautions to prevent eye problems. Dry eyes, glaucoma, and allergic conjunctivitis are some of the most common and serious eye problems, but luckily, there are plenty of ways to either prevent them from happening or keep them from getting worse. While some of them you cannot control and stop from developing. A healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups can greatly help you keep your eyes healthy and damage free.
