HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR EYESIGHT

How your eyes is important to you?, have you been taking good care of your eyes?.People believe and “say our eyes are our windows to the world”. We all believe that without sight we can not see this beautiful world. Therefore, since you know how important is your eyes, it your responsibility to take good care of them health-wise.  

Many people do not know that untreated age –related eye can impair and eventually, their entire quality of life. A delay of even a few years in attending to an eye problem, can have adverse effects on your eyes (difference between normal vision and going blind). While some eye conditions can be pretty obvious, others may catch you unaware when there is no proper health care.

It is a plain truth that our eyes are the most important of all the organs of perception. It is therefore, important to keep our eyes as healthy as possible and these are some of the steps we can take.

·         GET YOUR EYES EXAMINE

            Get your eyes checked regularly no matter your age. A thorough eye examination, according to Dr. Gboyega Ajayi, an eye specialist in Ibadan Nigeria can help to detect early major eye diseases such as glaucoma, which have no warning signs or symptoms. For instance, a regular physical examination to check for diabetes and high blood pressure, these two problems when left untreated can later lead to eye problems. Regular eye examinations are very important because an early diagnosis can limit the risk of vision loss and help preserve your eyesight. Get your eyes examine frequently so as to keep your eyes healthy.

·         EAT PLENTY OF COLORFUL FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

              Plenty of green vegetables and fruits may help prevent certain eye diseases and other health problems. Carrot and pawpaw for instance are very helpful for the eyes because of their vitamin C content according to Dr. Ayotunde Ajayeoba, an eye expert at the University College Hospital (U.C.H) Ibadan. Dark green or highly colored fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which protect the eyes by reducing damages related to oxidizing agents (free radicals) that can cause age-related eye diseases such as cataract. Similarly, Omega3 essential fatty acids found in fish, flax walnut and canola oil help to prevent dry eyes and cataract too. Therefore for healthy eyes take plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables.

·         WEAR SUNGLASSES

              Wearing sunglasses is also an excellent way of protecting your eyes from the ultraviolent light. Many tints are available and the lightness or darkness and the color of the tint are largely a matter of personal choice.

Studies have shown that repeated exposure of the eyes to sunlight could increase incidence of cataract, which cause cloudy vision as well as macular degeneration, a condition that reduces vision in the central part of the retina. The most appropriate sunglasses are those that offer UV protection, explained Dr. Ajayi. Use sunglasses for protection of your eyes health-wise.

·         MANAGE DIABETES

Diabetes is a condition where high blood sugar damages blood vessels behind the retina. Blood then can leak out into the retina, causing vision problems. Anyone with type 1 or type2 diabetes should have eye examination from time to time because a poorly controlled blood sugar level increases the leak of blood leak into the eye. For healthy eyes get your eyes examine regularly.

·         LOOK FOR WORMING SIGNS OR CHANGES IN YOUR VISION

Changes in your vision such as double vision, hazy vision and difficulty seeing in low light conditions are signs of impending eye problem. Other signs to look for are frequent flashes of light, floaters and eye pain and swelling All of these symptoms indicate a potential eye health problem that demand immediate attention, explained Dr. Ajayi. Health information when used will improve your health.

·         EXERCISE MORE FREQUENTLY

These are instances when your eyes get strained and stressed, like when you spend long hours in front of your computer, not only your body but your eyes feel the stress.

The natural state of the body is to be at peace. When we read to understand and learn new information the mind becomes tense and tries to catch hold. This agitation stream the entire body, including the eyes. This is precisely the reason why people often feel drained after studying or working even though they have exercises goes a long way in strengthening eye muscles and provides relaxation. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some studies suggest that regular exercise (such as walking) can reduce the risk of muscular degeneration by up to 70%.

·         STOP SMOKING

 Smoking has been strongly linked to the development age-related macular degeneration and the development of cataract in later life. Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop age related macular degeneration (AMD) than non smokers. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50 and so the campaign to include a specific warning on cigarette packets to alert smokers to the dangers to their eyes

Studies have shown that smokers develop AMD 10 years earlier than people who have never smoked. While smoking is the one cause of AMD that people can do something about most people are not aware of the link between tobacco and sight loss.

·         CHECK YOUR MEDICATION

Some medications have some side effects directly on the eyes. Chloroquine, a medication for the treatment of malaria, after a prolong usage affects the sight. The chemical substance gets deposited in the eyes and at a stage if its continuous usage is not stopped, can cause blindness Dr. Ajayi stated. Some medication for male urinary symptoms can complicate cataract surgery and as such good and detailed information by these men should consider whether they are going to need cataract surgery before beginning this medication.

It is best to tell your orphitalmologist about any medication you are taking at each visit.

DO NOT WAIT TO GET CATARACT SURGERY

Cataracts are considered an age-related eye disease; they are so common among elderly people that they can also be classified as normal aging change. Dr. Ajayi said there is really no point waiting after an initial diagnosis to get surgery because you are waiting for the cataract to be” ripe”. “The longer you wait the higher the risk to get it out” he said.

Cataract surgery are extremely safe and so effective 100 per cent of vision lost to cataract formation usually is restored. If you are noticing vision changes due to cataract do not hesitate to discuss symptoms with your eye doctor. It is often better to have cataract removed before they advance too far. Also you do have option now for trying multifocal lens implants that potentially can   restore all ranges of vision, thus reducing your need for reading glasses

EYE PROTECTION AT WORKPLACE

Eye injuries in the workplace are very common and of total amount of work-related injuries, between 10 and 20 per cent will cause temporary or permanent vision loss. Common cause of eye injuries include flying objects(bits of metal and glass), tool particles, chemicals and harmful radiation.

Experts believe that the right eye protection could have lessen the severity or even prevent 90 per cent of eye injuries in accidents. Many eye risk occupations, such as welding, require eye protection because the cornea can be severely burnt from a stray spark.