Our eyes are one of our most precious senses, allowing us to experience the world around us. Healthy vision is essential to fully participating in daily activities, from reading and driving to enjoying hobbies and socializing. Vision loss can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to social isolation, decreased productivity, and even loss of independence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.2 billion people globally suffer from some form of vision loss, with uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts being the most common causes. In India, a large section of the population is at risk of developing vision problems, especially due to the increase in lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes.
Also read: World Sight Day: 5 common Indian foods that can boost eye health
World Sight Day 2024:
World Sight Day, observed every year on the second Thursday of October, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of eye health and vision. This year’s theme, “Children, Love Your Eyes” emphasizes the need for accessible and affordable eye care services for all children. The World Health Organization (WHO) writes on its official website, “Research shows that reducing screen time and spending time outside can protect children from developing nearsightedness (myopia), meaning that “Parents, carers and teachers have a central role in safeguarding.” The vision of our future generations. “Regular eye and vision checkups can help identify problems at an early stage.”
We asked Dr. Varsha, Senior Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, about the importance of recognizing the early symptoms of eye problems and diseases.
Read also: Ayurveda for Eyes: Home Remedies and Diet Tips to Follow
It is good to detect early symptoms of eye diseases.
Importance of early detection of eye problems:
Early detection of eye diseases is important to prevent vision loss. Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, progress silently until significant damage is done. Regular eye exams can help identify these conditions early, allowing timely treatment and potentially preventing vision loss.
Common Eye Diseases to Beware of
- Cataracts: Clouding on the lens of the eye, which can cause blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, causing peripheral vision loss.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): A condition that affects central vision, making it difficult to read or drive.
- Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss or blindness.
- Dry eye syndrome: A condition caused by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, causing discomfort, redness, and blurred vision.
How to protect your vision through diet:
Apart from regular eye exams, a healthy diet can play an important role in protecting your eyesight. Dr Varsha suggests some essential nutrients to include in your diet:
- Vitamin A: Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and kale, vitamin A is important for maintaining good vision, especially night vision.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant helps protect the eyes from oxidative damage. Citrus fruits, berries and tomatoes are excellent sources of vitamin C.
- Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, vitamin E helps prevent the formation of free radicals, which can damage the eyes.
- Zinc: This mineral is essential for eye health and is found in oysters, meat, and fortified cereals.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats are found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna. These are essential for brain and eye health.
Additional diet tips for maintaining eye health and preventing diseases:
- Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is essential for overall health, including eye health.
- Limit processed foods: Highly processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars and sodium, which can contribute to a variety of health problems, including eye diseases.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, including eye health. Dehydration can cause dry eyes and other vision problems.
- Consider supplements: If you’re concerned about your nutrient intake, you may want to consider taking a multivitamin or supplement specifically formulated for eye health. However, it is always best to consult a health care professional before starting any new supplements.
Lifestyle Tips for Eye Health
- Protect your eyes from the sun: Wear sunglasses with UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Take breaks from screens: Limit screen time and make sure to look away from the screen every 20 minutes.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for many eye diseases.
- Manage underlying health conditions: Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your vision.
- Get regular exercise: Physical activity can help improve overall health, including eye health.
Remember, early detection and prevention is important to protect your and your child’s vision.
