Nine Actions Ophthalmologists Warn Against Perpetually
In the ever-evolving world we live in, it's essential to prioritise our health, and this includes our eyes. Eye doctors across the globe have issued a call to action, highlighting habits that can potentially harm our vision as we age.
Dr. Ella Faktorovich, the founder of Pacific Vision Institute, warns against prolonged close-up screen viewing, which can increase the risk of myopia in young people and cause eyestrain for people of all ages. To combat this, she recommends following the "20-20-20 Rule," a simple practice that involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away.
Another crucial aspect of maintaining eye health is diet. Dr. Faktorovich also stresses the importance of adopting a Mediterranean Diet, which is low in sugar and fat, to help maintain eye health. Conversely, an unbalanced diet high in sugar and fat increases the risk of experiencing certain diseases like diabetes, which are responsible for the most common forms of irreversible blindness.
Contact lens wearers should be particularly vigilant. Dr. Faktorovich warns that sleeping in contacts allows for microbes and bacteria from the contact lens to multiply overnight, potentially leading to corneal ulcers, a vision-threatening condition that may require a corneal transplant. This advice is echoed by Dr. William McLaughlin, an optometrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, who advises against sleeping in contact lenses unless they have FDA approval for extended wear due to the risk of painful eye infections and cornea damage.
Rinsing contact lenses with tap water is another risky practice, increasing the risk of developing corneal ulcers, which can lead to permanent blindness and in some cases corneal transplant. Instead, using preservative-free artificial tears is recommended for lubricating the eyes and preventing under-lubrication-related issues, to be used three to four times a day.
Staring directly at the sun without proper eye protection can permanently damage the retina. This underscores the importance of wearing sunglasses that block 100% UV-A and UV-B rays, as not doing so increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, photokeratitis, and other eye diseases.
Contact lenses should be discarded in the prescribed time period to avoid eye health issues. Regular eye exams are crucial to detect problems early, as many are initially symptomless.
Experts also advise against habits such as excessive exposure to UV rays without protection, smoking, high sugar diets, prolonged unbroken screen time, dehydration, and poor nutrition to maintain eye health as we age.
Dr. Barbara Mihalik, an optometrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, emphasises the importance of regular eye exams, especially for those with conditions that put eye health at risk, such as diabetes. She notes that those diagnosed with diabetes are at increased risk of developing retinopathy, a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Dr. Mihalik also advises not ignoring a sudden onset of floaters, spots in the vision, and flashing lights, as these can be a warning sign of a retinal tear, break, or hole that can lead to retinal detachment.
In summary, eye doctors recommend avoiding UV overexposure without protection, smoking, poor diet (high sugar, low nutrients), dehydration, excessive unbroken screen time, and neglecting regular eye check-ups for healthy aging eyes. Additionally, maintaining good contact lens hygiene and overall physical health through exercise are recommended preventive habits.
In the pursuit of maintaining health-and-wellness, it's imperative to adopt a Mediterranean Diet low in sugar and fat to promote eye health, as an unbalanced diet high in these elements increases the risk of certain diseases like diabetes, which can lead to irreversible blindness. Moreover, science reveals that prolonged close-up screen viewing can potentially harm vision, making it essential to adhere to the "20-20-20 Rule" for eye care.
