Eye Care Tips

Tags: Eye Care | Eye Surgery |

The most common form of glaucoma develops slowly and usually without any symptoms. Many people are not aware they have the condition until they experience vision loss.

Myopia (Near-sightedness)

This is a refractive error in which the individual sees objects at a near distance clearly, but unable to see objects at a distance clearly. This occurs if the eyeball is too long, or the part of the eye called the cornea is too curved thus making light entering the eyes to stop in front of the retina rather than hitting the retina.

The individual would experience difficulty looking at a TV screen, a projector or a board when in school. Some individuals experience blurred vision while viewing distant objects at night. Other symptoms include squinting while viewing distant images.

A comprehensive eye examination will detect this visual condition. Treatment of myopia ranges from spectacle lenses, contact lenses, orthokeratology and laser procedures. The use of each treatment varies depending on the degree of the refractive error.

Hyperopia (Long-sightedness)

This is a refractive error that presents with the ability to see distant objects clearly but with difficulty viewing objects at a close distance. This occurs when the eyeball is too short, or the cornea has little curvature thus light entering the eyes is focused behind the retina.

The individual would experience difficulty maintaining a clear focus when looking at close objects and it may appear blurry, frontal headaches, eyestrain, watering eyes and aches in the eyes after work. In some cases of high hyperopia, vision is blurry for both distant and near images.

This condition is diagnosed by a comprehensive eye examination. In mild cases of hyperopia, the eyes may able to compensate without corrective lenses. Treatment options vary and it includes spectacle lenses, contact lenses and laser procedures.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs as result of the cornea being irregularly shaped, or sometimes due to the curvature of the lens inside the eye.

The individual experiences blurred vision at any distance, because the eye is unable to focus light rays to a single point. Common symptoms experienced include blurry vision, eye discomfort, headaches. It typically occurs with other vision conditions such as myopia or hyperopia. 

A visit to the eye doctor for a comprehensive eye examination can diagnose this vision condition. Treatment options vary from eyeglasses, contact lenses, orthokeratology and laser procedures. 

Computer Vision Syndrome

It is also known as digital eye strain. It is a series of vision related problems that occurs in individuals who spend a lot of time in front of a digital device, such as personal computers (P.C), mobile phones, or tablets.

It typically presents as a feeling of heaviness in both eyes, dry eyes, tearing, headaches, eyestrain and blurred vision. The extent to which one experiences these symptoms depends on the level of their visual abilities, presence of preexisting eye conditions, and the length of time spent looking at the screen.

Diagnosis of computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain is by a comprehensive eye examination. The treatments vary depending on the individual’s concern. However, a general rule is to take a break after 20 minutes of computer use by looking at a distance of 20 feet for 20 seconds (20-20-20 rule).

Dry Eyes

Dry Eyes is a condition in which an individual does not have sufficient quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. It occurs when tear production and drainage are not in balance. Tears are responsible for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and to provide clear vision. 

People with dry eyes may experience gritty, sandy, irritated or burning sensation in their eyes, feeling of something in their eyes, excess watering and blurred vision. Other symptoms include: redness, watery eyes, blurry vision, photophobia.

Dry eyes can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Treatment options available include: supplementing tears using artificial tear solutions, increasing tear production, conserving tears and treating any contributing eyelid or ocular surface condition.

Presbyopia

This is a vision condition in which there is a gradual loss of the eyes’ ability to focus on close objects or see it clearly. This occurs due to a change in shape of the crystalline lens inside the eyes. This typically occurs from the early to mid-40s of a person’s life. It is not a disease, but a part of the natural aging process of the eye.

The individual would experience symptoms such as holding reading materials at arm’s length to make the letters clearer, blurred vision at the normal reading distance, eye fatigue and strain and/or headaches when doing close work.

A comprehensive eye examination will diagnose this condition. The treatment options include prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Glaucoma

This is a group of eye disorders that leads to progressive damage to the optic nerve. There is loss of optic nerve tissue resulting in vision loss. It is usually referred to as ‘the silent thief of sight’. It is usually associated with an increase in fluid pressure inside the eyes.

The most common form of glaucoma develops slowly and usually without any symptoms. Many people are not aware they have the condition until they experience vision loss. Glaucoma affects peripheral or side vision at the initial stage, but can advance to significant vision loss if left untreated.

Diagnosis of glaucoma is by a comprehensive eye examination. Treatment options include a number of medications, surgery. There is no cure for glaucoma. Individuals diagnosed with glaucoma need to continue treatment for the rest of their lives.

Diet and the eyes

 The eye needs a wide range of elements derived from food for excellent vision. An individual’s diet can support and impact their eye health. A healthy and nutrient rich diet will support These elements include Vitamin A, C, D, E, Zinc, Selenium, beta carotene, omega 3 fatty acids.

Certain nutrients and vitamins — like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and zinc — can lower the risk of prevalent eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.

A diet that includes whole foods containing eye-enhancing nutrients can help to ensure an individual is getting the nutrients they need to maintain proper vision and eye health. These foods include antioxidant-rich citrus fruits, leafy greens containing phytochemicals, oily fish that provides omega-3s, eggs, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, avocados. 

No matter your age, it is not too late to start eating healthy!

If you or anyone you know are experiencing any of the above symtoms, see an eye doctor.