Why Are We Downplaying Eye Health? The Silent Threats That Can Cost Us Our Sight
Introduction: Are We Taking Care of Our Eyes the Way They Deserve?
When was the last time you visited an eye doctor? If you don't have visual impairment, perhaps never. And if you wear glasses or lenses, you probably visit a specialist once every few years, when glasses need to be replaced. Unfortunately, eyesight is one of the most underestimated senses until we start losing it.
Many people regularly check their cholesterol, blood pressure or the condition of their teeth. However, we treat eye examinations as something optional - until serious problems develop. Meanwhile, many eye diseases develop asymptomatically and only make themselves known when it's too late for effective treatment.
Today we'll take a look at the most frequently underestimated threats to the eyesight and suggest how to effectively take care of it before problems arise.
1. The silent killer of sight - glaucoma
Glaucoma is one of the most insidious eye diseases, as it produces no symptoms in its early stages. It gradually destroys the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss. Unfortunately, many patients see an ophthalmologist only when the field of vision is already significantly narrowed.
How to protect yourself?
✔️ Regular eye examinations, especially after the age of 40
✔️ Measure intraocular pressure when visiting a specialist
✔️ If there is a family history of glaucoma, more frequent check-ups are necessary
2. Dry Eye Syndrome - a 21st century problem.
Our eyes are not adapted to staring at computer and smartphone screens for hours on end. The result is the increasingly frequently diagnosed Dry Eye Syndrome (DSO).
Symptoms:
???? Sensation of sand under the eyelids.
???? Itching, burning and redness of the eyes
???? Excessive tearing (paradoxically, this is a reaction to dryness)
How to prevent?
✔️ Blink more often! On average we do it 15 times per minute, but when working at a screen only 5-7 times.
✔️ Use moisturizing drops without preservatives.
✔️ Take breaks while working at the computer - use the 20-20-20 rule.
✔️ Humidify the air in the room, especially in winter.
3. Why does diet matter for eye health?
We don't realize how much of an impact our diet has on our eyesight. Certain nutrients are key to maintaining proper vision and protecting against macular degeneration.
What should you eat for healthy eyes?
???? Beta-carotene (vitamin A) - carrots, yams, pumpkin
???? Omega-3 fatty acids - oily fish, walnuts, flaxseed
???? Lutein and zeaxanthin - kale, spinach, egg yolks
???? Vitamin C and E - citrus, peppers, almonds
⚡ Zinc - pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lean meat
A varied diet can help prevent many eye conditions, especially those related to aging.
4. Not just glasses - how to protect eyes from blue light?
Blue light emitted by computer, smartphone and TV screens is not a direct cause of eye disease, but it can contribute to visual fatigue and impaired sleep quality.
How to reduce the negative impact of blue light?
✔️ Use night mode on mobile devices and computers.
✔️ Wear glasses with a blue light filter if you work at a screen for many hours a day.
✔️ Avoid screens at least an hour before bedtime to improve the quality of your rest.
5. sunglasses are not fashion - they are protection against cataracts and macular degeneration
Most of us treat sunglasses as a style accessory, but UV radiation is one of the main causes of serious eye diseases.
How to choose the right sunglasses?
????️ They must have 100% UVA and UVB protection.
????️ Don't buy cheap fakes - dark glasses without UV filter are more harmful than no glasses at all!
????️ If you wear corrective glasses, consider glasses with UV protection coating.
Summary: Do Your Eyes Have Priority?
We live in an age where eyesight is under more stress than ever before - screens, artificial light, fast-paced lifestyles. That's why regular visits to the eye doctor and taking conscious care of your eye health is an investment in your future.
????️ When was the last time you had your eyesight examined?
????️ Do you follow any eye protection rules on a daily basis?
