Nine Activities Ophthalmologists Urge You to Steer Clear Of
As we grow older, our eyes may require extra care to maintain optimal health. Here are some key points to consider to safeguard your vision.
Age-Related Eye Changes
Dr. Faktorovich highlights that presbyopia, a common age-related condition, might necessitate procedures like Monovision LASIK or PRK to improve near vision.
Contact Lens Care
Improper storage and use of contact lenses can lead to severe eye health issues, such as microbial keratitis. It's essential to follow the recommended guidelines for lens care, avoid rinsing lenses in tap water, and never sleep in lenses without FDA approval for extended wear, as advised by Dr. William McLaughlin.
Retinal Health
Dr. Mihalik stresses the importance of promptly addressing sudden onset of shower of floaters (spots in vision) and flashing lights, as these could be early warning signs of a retinal tear, break, or hole that could lead to retinal detachment. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes, but if retinal detachment occurs, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Diet and Exercise
A balanced diet, particularly a Mediterranean diet low in sugar and fat, and regular exercise can drastically reduce the chances of developing eye diseases. Conversely, a diet high in sugar and fat can disproportionately negatively affect eye health and increase the risk of irreversible blindness.
Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are crucial, especially for those diagnosed with diabetes, as they are at an increased risk of developing retinopathy. Early detection and intervention can prevent vision loss.
Screen Usage
Long-term screen use can lead to digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, causing symptoms such as dry eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, headaches, and difficulty focusing. To prevent and relieve digital eye strain, follow the "20-20-20 Rule": take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.
Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping contribute to eye damage through oxidative stress and inflammation. These habits are strongly linked to increased risks of cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage.
Proper Makeup Removal
Leaving makeup on overnight can under-lubricate the eyes, particularly in people who use contact lenses or makeup, which can lead to eye infections. Always remove makeup before bedtime.
In conclusion, maintaining good eye health as we age involves careful consideration of factors such as screen usage, contact lens care, diet, exercise, regular eye exams, and avoidance of smoking and vaping. Neglecting these factors can lead to a variety of eye health issues, including dry eye, retinal damage, infections, and chronic eye diseases that can result in permanent vision impairment.
Maintaining optimal eye health, especially in the realms of science and health-and-wellness, requires diligent screen usage habits and proper care when using contact lenses. Disregarding these factors can potentially lead to conditions like digital eye strain, microbial keratitis, and even retinal detachment.
