Tips for healthy eyes

Tips for healthy eyes

Eyes are organs that detect light and convert it into electro-chemical impulses in neurons. he simplest photoreceptors in conscious vision connect light to movement. In higher organisms the eye is a complex optical system which collects light from the surrounding environment, regulates its intensity through a diaphragm, focuses it through an adjustable assembly of lenses to form an image, converts this image into a set of electrical signals, and transmits these signals to the brain through complex neural pathways that connect the eye via the optic nerve to the visual cortex and other areas of the brain. 

#1. EAT WELL :Dark green, leafy vegetables packed full of vital micronutrients like vitamin C and E, and oily fish that contain Omega-3 fatty acids, can have a protective effect against eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration - the deterioration of vision. A healthy diet can also slow down the growth of age-related cataracts, while poor nutrition can increase the risk of them developing. While certain nutrients are important, Dr Chris Canning, medical director of Moorfields Eye Hospital, says taking them as supplements is not. "The retina needs various vitamins and minerals but your body was designed to extract these nutrients from your diet, not to take pills," he explains.

#2. BOOK AN EYE TEST: If you need glasses, wear them - there is no gain in struggling to see without them. All eyes age, and almost everyone eventually needs reading glasses, so visit an optician today. here are a number of alternatives to glasses such as contact lenses or laser surgery, but speak to an expert for advice. Dr Canning says, "he belief that wearing glasses makes your eyes lazy is probably true as your eyes will prefer the glasses, but if you can see what you are doing then it's a pragmatic decision you have to make."

#3. TAKE A BREAK: Staring at a computer screen all day won't cause lasting damage but working for long periods without a rest can strain the eye or cause headaches, dry and itchy eyes and problems focusing. Dr Huda, specialist ophthalmologist at Atlanta Vision Clinic, Dubai, says: "Most people who use a computer do so for more than six hours a day and this can lead to a premature need for glasses. It's important to relax the eye, so take regular screen by looking out of the window or closing your eyes for a few seconds to rest them. And remember to blink to refresh your eyes."

#4. STAY SAFE :Working or playing sport can be hazardous activities for eyes, so any work in proximity to spinning machines, hammering or where foreign bodies may hit the eyes should be done wearing protective goggles. This also applies to those working with hazardous substances or even cleaning products in the home. Some sports, such as squash, are more likely to result in injury as squash balls are a similar size to the eyeball and can actually dislodge the eye from the socket. And swap contact lenses for prescription glasses while swimming to avoid irritation or infections.

#5. AVOID THE SUN :There is increasing evidence that excessive exposure to sunlight can promote cataracts and is associated with macular degeneration. And the really important people to protect are children. heir pupils are bigger so more light gets in and they tend to run around outside more than adults do. Dr Canning says, "It's estimated that 70 per cent of your total exposure to light occurs during childhood so you must encourage your children to wear a cap or a pair of sunglasses." When choosing sunglasses, make sure they offer the correct protection.

#6. SLEEP WELL :Someone who is sleep-deprived has a weakened immune system making them more susceptible to illnesses such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes, which all have implications for the eyes. And if you're sleep deprived, your eyes will announce it to the world thanks to sagging eyelids, puffiness and dark circles. hey will also feel sore and irritated so tired eyes are a signal to go to bed early. Before hitting the sack, treat tired eyes with the tried and tested home remedy - cucumber. Place cool, thin slices over the eyes for 15 minutes and the area around the eye will feel soothed and refreshed.

#7. DON' SHARE YOUR MAKEUP :Sharing mascara or eyeliner with a friend may seem harmless, but it's a big no-no when it comes to eye health. Dr Huda says, "I have patients who share makeup or even contact lenses and then get an infection. We all have bacteria around our eyes and while our own is harmless, when it is transferred to someone else, it becomes pathogenic." Storing your cosmetics at room temperature and keeping applicators clean is also important as a hygienic and bacteria-free makeup bag will help you avoid eye disorders.

#8. QUIT SMOKING :Smoking is the second most important risk factor after age, associated with macular degeneration, with some studies claiming it actually causes the condition. here is evidence that lighting up also increases the risk of developing cataracts. Passive smoking does you no favours either, causing allergic conjunctivitis where the eyes become red, itchy and irritated. And don't forget that smoking increases the number of wrinkles around the eyes as it ages the skin. he more cigarettes you smoke and the longer you smoke, the worse the wrinkles.

#9. HAVE A HEALTH CHECK :Many conditions that affect the body also affect the eyes, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and thyroid problems. If left untreated, these can have serious implications, so an annual health check with your family doctor is important. Remember eye diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease are also hereditary. Dr Huda says, "Diabetes can lead to serious complications such as blindness, so you need to look at your family health history, and have regular check-ups." Anyone over 40 with a family history of glaucoma is advised to have five-yearly eye checks.

#10. START EARLY :All pre-school children should be checked for eye problems, as up to 20 per cent will have problems that need attention. Some may be long or short-sighted; others may have astigmatism, a lazy eye or other diseases that could interfere with their ability to be educated. "Children won't be aware of an eye problem, but if it is left undiagnosed, they could turn into disruptive children because they can't see what they are doing," says Dr Canning. "If diagnosed later in the child's life, there is less chance of treating it successfully and by then the child is set in his or her ways."