EYESIGHT

It is the ability by which we can see our surrounding environment. Our eyes are designed in a way to show us a clear image of the object in our field of vision. But due to many conditions, our eyesight can become less than normal.

EYE POWER-

Normal eye power for the human being is 6/6.

CAUSES OF DECREASE IN EYESIGHT:

1) AGE – With the increase in age the lens in the eyes and muscles around the eye go under many changes and this can lead to improper image formation of the image from the eye lens and hence blurred image. A cataract is also common in old age groups.

2) Vitamin A deficiency: its deficiency can lead to blindness.

3) Pollution- Air pollutants can damage the eye slowly over a period of time.

4) Diabetes- If sugar levels are not kept under control then it can damage eyesight.

5) Hypertension and atherosclerosis can also damage eyesight.

6) Smoking is also linked to weak eyesight.

7) Occupational causes like people working with welding machines, and irritant chemicals.

8) Excess screen time on laptops, television, or mobile phones can damage eyesight.

9) Use of medicine or eye drops without doctor’s advice can lead to eye problems and diminished vision.

10) Washing eyes by splashing water directly on the eye can damage the cornea which can lead to the weakening of eyesight.

SYMPTOMS OF DECREASE IN EYE SIGHTS:

1) Blurring of objects in our field of vision is the most common complaint.

2) Constant headache especially while reading small words or looking at a distant object.

3) A person can feel strain in the eyes while reading or while looking at objects that are a little far away.

DIAGNOSIS:

1) Proper history taking is important to find the cause of weakening of eyesight like any occupational or chronic disease.

2) Doctors use a Snellen chart, phoropter, and various other instruments to check for visual impairment.

3) Blood sugar levels like fasting blood sugar, postprandial, and HbA1c levels are checked to see if diabetes is causing eyesight problems.

4) Serum vitamin A levels are checked too.

PREVENTION OF WEAKENING OF EYESIGHT:

1) Ageing can not be stopped but a regular visit to your eye doctor is important as with increasing age eye problems start increasing but early diagnosis by a doctor can help improve eyesight.

2) Vitamin-A rich diets like liver, fish, carrot, spinach, cheese, milk, curd, and sweet potato.

3) Always use glasses while going out in dusty or air-polluted areas to prevent the entry of dust particles into the eyes.

4) If suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis then it is important to get proper medical treatment and keep these diseases under control as worsening of these diseases can affect the eyesight of the person.

5) Smoking can augment atherosclerosis and also in various other ways can affect the vision of the person. So it is important to motivate a person to stop smoking.

6) Some people who are indulged in occupations like welding or working around irritant chemicals should use proper eye protection equipment to prevent eyesight damage.

7) Today’s world is getting more and more technology-driven and so for work, study and entertainment we rely on our laptops, television, and mobile. But these gadgets’ screen rays can slowly damage our eyesight. To prevent this we should try to minimize our screen time as much as possible and spend more time outside.

8) Don’t use a mobile, laptop, or television in a dark room as they can damage your eyesight more.

9) Cucumber eye patch- cut thin slices of cucumber and place them on the closed eye for 10 -15 min. This can help to relieve dry eyes and also reduce strain from the eyes.

10) Don’t use medicine or eye drops without your doctor’s approval as many medicines if not used properly can have a negative impact on the eyes and can cause a reduction in vision or complete loss of eyesight.

11) The cornea and eye lens are very sensitive parts of the eyes and they can be damaged very easily. Some people have the habit of washing their eyes by splashing water on them. To protect eyes we should wipe them slowly and gently with a wet towel or wipes.

12) Use ultraviolet ray protection sunglasses on hot and sunny days.

13) Give proper rest to the eyes by sleeping seven to eight hours.

14) If the doctor has prescribed power glasses then it’s important to wear them otherwise eyesight will start deteriorating more and more.

15) Don’t use eye lenses too often as they can cause eye infections and can reduce eyesight more if lenses are not of the correct fit and power.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE-

OUR EYES ARE WINDOWS TO SEE THE OUTSIDE WORLD. WE MUST TAKE CARE OF THEM PROPERLY AND FOLLOW THE DOCTOR’S ADVICE TO IMPROVE OUR EYESIGHT AND SEE THE OBJECTS CLEARLY.

DON’T USE ANY EYE CARE PRODUCTS WITHOUT PROPER INFORMATION AND DOCTOR APPROVAL.