Healthy eyes!
What defines “healthy eyes”?? When one has
a good eyesight and a proper ocular health all at their best, giving one a
“visually” satisfying and fulfilling life.
Our eyes are an important organ in our
body, and it is extremely sensitive. Having sharp eyesight is a gift that
allows you to engage with the world around you and appreciate all its vibrant colors.
But in recent years, many people have been found to have low vision because of pollution,
stress, unhealthy diet, and aging and so. As it is not possible to stop your
eyes from aging completely, you can slow down the process with the right care.
Here are six tips to keep your eyes
healthy and your vision sharp!
1. Healthy Diet
A healthy diet equals a healthy lifestyle.
Fruits and vegetables, especially dark green and yellow leafy ones, should make
up a generous portion of your diet. Eating fish that are high in omega-3 fatty
acids, like salmon, tuna, and halibut can also be beneficial to your eyes.
Poor dietary choices lead to weight gain
and raise the possibility of diseases like diabetes. Diabetics are at a higher
risk for developing diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma and it is a leading cause
of blindness in adults.
2. Give Up Smoking
The risk of developing age-related eye
diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts is increased by smoking,
which can also damage the optic nerve. So, if you trying to stop smoking, do
not give up. Ask your doctor for help.
3. Use sunglasses
Exposure to the sun can cause eye damage
and increase the risk of cataracts and age-related vision problems. Protect
your eyes with sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B
rays.
Some varieties of contact lenses provide
security from the sun's rays. Wearing sunglasses is still recommended for
protection against the sun.
4. Use protective eyewear
You need eye protection to keep your eyes
from getting hurt when you play certain sports, work in jobs like factories and
construction, or do repairs or projects at home.
5. Reduce Screen Time
Using a computer or smartphone for extended
periods of time can cause eye strain, blurred vision, dryness, and irritation,
as well as a loss of flexibility and focus.
After 30 minutes of screen time, take a
15-second break away from the device and close your eyes to avoid damage to
your vision. Then, by opening your eyes wide and blinking quickly, you can coat
your eyes with moisture.
The blue light that is emitted from
computer screens is known to cause eye strain and other health problems. You
can reduce the effects of blue light by putting an anti-glare cover on your
computer screen or by wearing anti-glare glasses.
6. Regular check-ups
You should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist once a year. They will conduct several tests to evaluate the condition and quality of your vision. Based on your test result, you will receive new glasses or, if necessary, medication.
Recent years have seen a fast increase in
the prevalence of myopia, particularly among young people. Myopia can be avoided
by getting regular eye exams. Cataracts, retinal detachment, and glaucoma are
all diseases of the eye that can cause blindness and can be avoided with
regular eye exams.
Lastly, it's a helpful piece of advice for maintaining good eye health. Age also has something to do with it; the older you get, the more you need to be mindful of the eye conditions that are common as people grow older. Your doctor can suggest routine exams and warn you about possible symptoms (such as poor vision and blurry sight). Those who wear contact lenses or glasses with a prescription are another important element to keep in mind, regardless of age. Whether putting on your contacts or interacting with your eyes, always use clean hands and practice good hygiene.
Every aspect concerning children is undeniably significant and demands immediate attention. All our perspectives about life change when something happens to the health of small children. Every human being, no matter how evil, has a soft corner deep inside their heart the moment they see a child. We just inherently want to do good things for them, no matter what.
With that in mind, this blog will explore key insights related to children's eye health.
The Epidemics!
Two major epidemics are looming quietly, without many people noticing: myopia (nearsightedness, or minus number in spectacles) and dry eyes, affecting children as young as four.
The common link between these two issues is excessive screen time. Recently, we’ve seen kids glued to phones and tablets—not eating without their screens, not going to sleep without watching their favorite cartoons—leading to long-term psychological effects as well.
Ways to Keep Your Kids Away from Screen Time
Regarding children's eye health, there are only two ways to tackle this growing problem. One is eliminating screens from their lives, which is nearly impossible given that education has moved online to a large extent. The second option is strengthening their eyes in such a way that the effects of screen exposure on their eye health are minimized. The second option seems more practical for most parents today, for a variety of reasons, including:
- Parents working
- Nuclear families
- The caretaker dilemma
- Helicopter parenting, etc.
Parents are now searching for solutions that will shield their children’s eyes from the harmful effects of the blue light emitted by screens. In simple terms, as a caring parent, you would want a supplement that:
- Is easy for the child to chew or swallow
- Tastes good enough for the child to take regularly
- Contains the recommended amount of nutrients needed to maintain eye health
- May reduce the child’s spectacle number
- Prevents damage to the retina from artificial rays emitted by screens
- Has no side effects
Does Such a Supplement Exist?
Whether or not such supplements exist, parents need to take certain steps to diagnose and protect their child’s eye health.
So, What Can Be Done?
Provide newborns and toddlers with high-contrast toys or anything that promotes hand-eye coordination.
Ensure they follow a balanced diet regularly.
Make sure they wear appropriate eye protection, such as sunglasses, when playing outdoors or in dusty environments.
Limit screen time – studies show that more than 4 hours of daily screen time directly increases the risk of myopia and causes dryness in the eyes, leading to irritation, discomfort, and a burning sensation.
Watch for any abnormal behavior, such as: sitting too close to the TV, repeatedly falling, or getting hit by a ball while playing, squinting, preferring to use only one eye, or inability to see the blackboard at school.
Get your child an in-clinic eye check-up with an ophthalmologist nearby before the age of 3, and do follow-ups as recommended.
Conclusion
Nowadays, eye problems are becoming increasingly common in children due to several factors, especially excessive screen time. To address this, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions and measures. If you notice your child experiencing any eye issues, don’t hesitate to visit an ophthalmologist and seek treatment at an early stage.
Healthy vision, vibrant life!
15th Oct, 2024
Digital devices have become an integral aspect of our everyday lives in this digital age. From young adults to all aged people are glued to digital devices. However, constant exposure to electronic devices affects your eyesight and most desk job professionals experience symptoms such as eye strain, dry eyes, and headaches. Studies show that the blue rays from devices like laptops, TVs, and mobile phones can disturb sleep patterns and cause blurry vision. To overcome these effects, having regular breaks and incorporating eye exercises into your daily routine is important. Therefore, this blog provides you with a simple eye exercise to reduce eye strain and improve overall eye health, especially for desk professionals. Without any delay let us get started!
7 Simple Eye Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk
Incorporating the following eye exercises into your daily routine can make a significant difference in preventing eye strain and enhancing your vision.
1. The 20-20-20 Rule
Staring at the screen for extended periods can lead to eye fatigue. To alleviate this, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and focus on something 20 feet away. This is an easy and effective exercise that helps prevent digital eye strain. This will not only keep you active but also help relax your eyes, so try to incorporate it into your routine.
2. Palming
Whenever you feel fatigued and your eyes are strained, consider using the palming technique. It is helpful and provides immediate relief for your eyes. Warm your hands by rubbing them together, then cup them over your closed eyes and gently give pressure for 20 to 30 seconds. This allows you to relax and lubricate your eyes.
3. Eye Rolling
Strengthen your eye muscles and increase flexibility, roll your eyes gently clockwise for five seconds, then anticlockwise for another five seconds. This offers relief from the tension resulting from prolonged screen time. Research shows this exercise aids in preventing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and supports optimal eye health.
4. Focus Shifts
Focus Shifts is an easy exercise that requires you to concentrate on the movement of the pen. Extend your arm and hold a pen at a distance, then slowly move it toward your nostril, then return to its original position. Concentrate on the movement with your gaze, refraining from turning your head. This exercise improves visual tracking by strengthening the eye muscles and improving eye coordination.
5. Blinking
Extended period of time spent in front of a TV screen or computer screen can dry your eyes, which can lead to headaches, eye pain, and blurry vision. Always blink your eyes every 20 seconds, especially when you are working on a computer. This simple action keeps the eyes moist, which lowers the risk of strain and pain.
6. Near and Far Focusing
The near and far focusing eye exercises help strengthen your eye muscles. Position your thumb approximately 10 inches away from your face and concentrate on it. Next, direct your attention to an object located 10-20 feet in the distance. Switch your attention between the nearby object and the distant one for several minutes. By doing it regularly, you can improve your eye coordination and reduce eye strain caused by prolonged screen time.
7. Figure of Eight
This exercise involves imagining an infinity sign or figure of eight in front of you and following it with your eyes. It helps to improve eye coordination and focus, reducing strain and fatigue from prolonged screen time. Incorporating this exercise into your daily routine can help maintain good eye health and prevent long-term damage from excessive screen exposure.
Conclusion
People who spend more time staring at screens, whether they are working professionals or school-going children, are suffering from eye strain and other issues related to the eyes. Doing these eye exercises for a few minutes each day will naturally strengthen your eye muscles and enhance your vision. However, consult an ophthalmologist if you experience persistent eye discomfort or vision problems.
17th Sep, 2024
An Overview about Dry Eyes:
Ever felt
that irritating, burning, or stinging feel in your eyes? You might be dealing with
dry eyes
. Whether you are looking at screen continuously for
few hours or just biking, or when you are in an air-conditioned room, or when
using contact lenses, dry eyes can cause inflammation and can make you feel
uncomfortable.
Though dry
eyes are common among many people, there are certain treatments available to
alleviate this condition. In this article, let us get to know about the
symptoms of dry eyes, its causes, and how to treat them.
What are Dry Eyes?
Dry eye is
a common condition in which your eyes do not produce enough tears to lubricate
the eyes, or the tears evaporate quickly. Tears in the eye provide lubrication,
which helps to lower the risk of eye infection and keep the surface of the eye
clean and clear. The dry eye affects the layers of tears that protect the
cornea.
Dry Eyes Symptoms
People with
dry eyes may most commonly experience burning, scratching and irritable feelings
in their eyes. Other signs and symptoms of Dry eyes include:
- Stinging or
burning feel in the eyes
- Sensitivity
to light
- Red eyes
- Blurry
vision
- Watery eyes
- String
mucus around the eyes
- Difficulty
while driving
- Difficulty
wearing contact lenses
Causes of Dry Eyes
Dry eyes
can be caused by a variety of situations. Generally, the glands above your eyes
are responsible for producing tears that keep your eyes moist. Dry eyes occur
when no tears are produced in the eyes. Major causes for dry eyes include eyes
not producing enough tears, eyes evaporating quickly, contact lenses, looking
at screen for long hours
A few other
causes for Dry eyes are:
Ageing: People over the age of 65
are more likely to get the symptoms of dry eyes.
Medications: Certain medicines like
antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, and blood pressure medications,
can reduce tear production in the eyes.
Environmental Conditions: Dry eyes
can most probably be caused due to the environmental factors such as more
exposure to wind, dry climate, poor blinking habits, smoking, or allergies etc.,
Hormonal Changes: Dry eyes are more
prevalent in women because of hormonal fluctuations induced by menopause, oral
contraceptive use, and pregnancy.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical
conditions including allergic eye disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus,
scleroderma, sarcoidosis, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and blepharitis can lead
to dry eyes.
Surgeries: LASIK, cataract
surgery, and corneal surgery are among the eye surgeries that can raise your
chance of developing dry eye.
Diagnosis of Dry Eyes
Ophthalmologists
may use a variety of tests and procedures to determine and diagnose the cause
of red eyes. These include:
Eye Exam: An eye exam that
involves a thorough medical history of both your eyes and general health will
assist your eye doctor in determining the reason behind your dry eyes.
Medical History: Your provider
might ask for your information such as your history of eye diseases, history of
other medical conditions, including allergies and chronic viral infections, history
of surgeries, allergies, whether you smoke, etc.,
Tests: Your ophthalmologist may use
several tests like Schirmer’s test (to check your tear production), Tear
breakup time test (to check how quickly your tears evaporate), slit lamp exam
(to check the amount of tears).
Treatment of Dry Eyes
Typically,
dry eye treatment is based on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Several
therapy options are available to help manage your symptoms and maintain your eyes healthy.
Eye Drops: Artificial tears
are the most often used treatment for mild cases of dry eye. These eye drops
are available without a prescription. Moreover, there are over-the-counter
moisturizing ointments and gels that might improve the condition of your eyes.
Medications: Your healthcare provider
might prescribe some medicines to reduce eyelid inflammation, to control cornea
inflammation, tear-stimulating medicines, and nasal sprays to increase tear
production.
Contact Lenses: Dry eyes can be treated
by therapeutic lenses, which come in forms like soft bandage lenses, and rigid
scleral lenses that help to protect and lubricate the eyes.
It is
recommended that you consult with your ophthalmologist or your healthcare
provider before you use any of the eye drops, medicines, or contact lenses
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Dry Eyes
- Set screen
time limits and take breaks from prolonged screen timing
- Make sure
you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
- Try to get
eight or ten glasses of water each day.
- Avoid
smoking.
- Add a
humidifier to your bedrooms.
6th May, 2024
Eyesight, also known as the window to the
world, is a complex marvel of human anatomy. While most people are aware of
common vision disorders like near-sightedness and farsightedness, cylindrical
eyesight is a lesser known but no less significant issue. Cylindrical eyesight is a very common eye condition, where the shape of the cornea or lens of the eye becomes irregular. In this article, we
will look into cylindrical eyesight's causes,
symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment choices.
What is Cylindrical Power in Eyes?
Cylindrical eyesight is a refractive error
that affects the eye's ability to focus light accurately. The vision may become
distorted or blurred, making it difficult to read or see objects in distance.
Experiencing cylindrical eyesight can lead to symptoms such as headaches, eye
strain, and fatigue.
This condition occurs when the cornea or
lens inside your eye has different curves. Instead of a circular ball-shaped
curve, the surface is egg-shaped, resulting in hazy vision at any distance. Cylindrical
Eyesight or Astigmatism is typically present from birth and can sometimes be
accompanied by farsightedness or near-sightedness.
Symptoms of Cylindrical Eyesight
The cylindrical power symptoms can range
in severity and may include:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Eye strain or discomfort
- Headaches
- Squinting
- Difficulty driving at night.
Cylindrical Eye Power Causes
The irregular shape of the cornea or lens
of the eye is what causes astigmatism. This irregular shape is typically
present at birth, although it can also develop later in life due to injury or
disease. In addition to being hereditary, astigmatism can deteriorate with time
due to keratoconus and other disorders.
Cylindrical Eye Power Diagnosis
To diagnose astigmatism, an optometrist or
ophthalmologist must perform a thorough examination of the eyes. You can now
book an in-clinic appointment with an ophthalmologist through reputable
platforms like HealthSy. The examination usually includes:
Visual acuity testing: Measuring your
ability to distinguish letters on a chart at different distances.
Refraction test: To find out how
much refractive error is there and if corrective lenses are necessary.
Keratometry: The measurement
of the cornea's curvature to detect abnormalities.
Corneal topography: Charting the
cornea's surface to identify any anomalies.
Cylindrical Eyesight Treatment
There are various treatment options for
cylindrical eyesight, such as corrective lenses and refractive surgery.
1. Corrective Lenses: Glasses or contact
lenses can be prescribed to correct the refractive error caused by cylindrical
eyesight. This lens design effectively corrects the irregular shape of the eye,
leading to improved clarity of vision.
2. Refractive Surgery: Refractive surgery
is an alternative treatment for individuals with cylindrical eyesight. The
procedure focuses on reshaping either the cornea or lens of the eye to address
the refractive error, promoting healthy eyes.
Who is at risk for Cylindrical Eyesight?
Cylindrical eyesight can occur in both
adults and children. If you have any of the following, the risk of developing
this condition may be higher:
- extreme near-sightedness, resulting in
fuzzy distant vision.
- a family history of cylindrical vision or
other eye conditions such as keratoconus, excessive farsightedness, resulting
in impaired close-up vision, corneal thinning, or corneal scarring.
- a history of many eye surgeries, such as
cataract surgery
12th Feb, 2024
We always keep an eye out for sneaky infections lurking around but often forget the most delicate sentinels: our eyes. It is time to show some love and attention to these peepers, least immune to the whims of seasons. With the ever-shifting hues of seasons gatecrashes, the mischief that blunts our visual experience - conjunctivitis. Whether it is blossoming spring or scorching summers, challenges posed by the conjunctivitis pink eye are truly alarming. But worry not; this blog will walk you through the seasonal maze, unraveling how different seasons affect your eye health, essentially equipping you with some handy hacks to keep the pesky conjunctivitis eye under check!
The Pink Trouble!
So here is a lowdown on conjunctivitis or the famous pink eye. It occurs when the conjunctiva, a transparent membrane that lines the inside of your eyelid and covers the eyeball, decides to throw a fit. Your eyes change from looking normal to appearing as though you spent the entire night tearing up because those tiny blood vessels in there start acting up, getting all puffy and red. Now, who is the culprit? Bacterias, viruses, or merely an allergen in the air can cause conjunctivitis pink eye. Thankfully, it does not hamper vision, but trust me, it is real trouble!
Seasonal Conjunctivitis Unveiled
Allergic conjunctivitis, or the seasonal troublemaker, comes in when your eyes are exposed to airborne allergens. Mold spores and pollen chaperons the spring, causing some eyes to go all red and puffy. Summertime cranks up the heat and increases humidity, leading to conjunctivitis madras eye. Not to be outdone, Winter gives a few poor individuals an extra dose of pink-eye drama.
Know the Red Flags!
How can you tell if it is your eyes? Be watchful! The symptoms of conjunctivitis include red, watery eyes, and sudden itching. Oh, and the enlarged puffy eyelids! The light turns into your enemy, and just to make things worse, your eyes may give you a burning and gritted feeling. The tip is to be on the lookout for these signs so that you have less trouble to deal with. A few tricks up your sleeve, and the pink eyes will stay out of your way throughout the seasons!
Outsmart the Allergens
Let us talk about how to survive this seasonal conjunctivitis and treat the eye with conjunctivitis. Start by expertly dodging the triggers. Look at the pollen forecasts. The best move is to stay indoors when those counts are high, especially on windy days. Here's a game-changer: swap that cool breeze from opened windows with some air conditioning. It is essential to keep those bothersome allergens outside where they belong!
The Seasonal Shield!
Talking about shades, they are not just fashion statements; they act as your eye's bodyguard when you enter allergens in the air and the scorching sun. Consider eyeglasses or sunglasses that can cover your eyes entirely during the allergy seasons. It can block the intense light and heat and the pollens, danders, and spores, especially when you are naturally inclined to pink eyes.
The Cleanse They Deserve
Stick on to refreshing splashes of clean and cold water in a timely interval to keep your peepers cool and wash away the bothersome allergens. And yes, a few drops of artificial tears are a perfect sidekick to help the eyes stay moist and drain out the irritants. And most importantly, keep your fingers away from the eyes. An eye rub might feel very satisfactory, but remember the irritants that can make their way to your eyes through your not-so-clean fingers! Use a clean cloth to dab away the trouble. And lastly, give your eyeglasses a good clean too. Infections from allergens stuck on your glasses are the last thing you want!
Seeking the Pros
It is time to call in the pros if the red, itchy, watery eyes won't go away. They will recommend some upscale conjunctivitis eye drops to relieve discomfort, either prescription-only or over-the-counter. Do not allow your eyes to suffer in quiet. If the redness and irritation refuse to go away, it is your cue to call up the eye doctor and get some professional help. You ought to treat your eyes like royalty!
Conjunctivitis Combat!
Now, dodging away seasonal conjunctivitis is not as simple as it sounds. The goal is prevention, but let us face it: that's easier said than done. Here are some strategies you may use to make those allergens stay away. Start using scent-free detergents and soaps. Your eyes will appreciate the reprieve. Next, consider investing in an air purifier for your house; it will show allergens their way out and bring in fresh air. Vacuum and dust the space as though it is your side hustle. And consider reducing the amount of soft furnishings, curtains, carpets, and other comfy items in your home. It is like taking away the places for allergens to hide and cause havoc.
Remember this as we navigate through the changing tapestry of seasons, our delicate eyes must be cared for all year round. Staying wary and keeping away from allergies is not a walk in the park. Embrace safety precautions, check into various conjunctivitis treatments, prioritize prevention, and nourish your eyes to revel in the beauty of each season!
14th Dec, 2023
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