The importance of caring for your eyes

The importance of caring for your  eyes Eye is one of the most sensitive organs in our body that needs extreme care to prevent any problems or abnormalities. Problems in vision arise due to a variety of factors. One of the most common reasons is the age. Vision problems are more common once we grow older and older. Hence, preventive measures should be taken right from the young age to maintain healthy eyes. In case any symptoms of problems are recognized, they need to be treated immediately. The most common eye problems that are diagnosed during old age are: • Blind spots – Areas in the field of our vision where we are not able to see anything. • Blurred vision – People experience problems in seeing the sharpness of objects and also viewing small details. • Glaucoma – Poor vision in the dark, difficulties in peripheral vision. If ignored can result in sudden or gradual blindness. • Cataract – Cloudiness above the eye lens which is indicated by the presence of halos around lights. People become very sensitive to glare. Poor vision both during the day and also the night. • Macular degeneration – Blurred, distorted and poor central vision causing blindness in people who are above 60 years of age. • Diabetic retinopathy – It can result in blindness due to bleeding in the eye retina. • Temporal arteritis – This is caused due to the inflammation of arteries that supply blood to the optic nerve. • Migraines – This causes severe headaches. Some people visualize zigzag patterns or halos. Other factors causing visual problems could be any injury to the eye, an accident that has caused serious impact on the visual capabilities, serious eye infections, diseases that result in affecting the eye and vision like diabetes. There are various specialists in eye care. Some of the most important types are listed below: • Optician. He can prescribe eye glasses but may not be an expert to diagnose problems in vision. • Optometrist. Examines the eye, performs certain tests and diagnoses based on the examinations. He may be able to even treat any diseases related to the eye.

--> • Ophthalmologist. Physician who is an eye specialist and can both diagnose vision problems and treat the same.

Some of the simple lifestyle tips can help to enhance the eye care:

• Avoid smoking completely
• Limit consumption of alcohol
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes in extreme glares
• Control the level of antihistamines and blood pressure pills
• Keep the cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar under control
• Consume nutritious food items rich in vitamin A. Some raw vegetables are very rich sources of vitamin A that helps in eye care