Your Vision Is Precious – Know How to Protect It. World Sight Day – 8 October: Vision is one of our most valuable senses, yet eye health is often ignored until blurred vision, pain or other problems appear. From childhood to old age, simple preventive measures and timely eye examinations can help protect the gift of sight.
See Clearly, Live Confidently
Our eyes help us read, learn, work, move safely and connect with the people around us. Good vision contributes significantly to independence and quality of life. However, several eye conditions can develop gradually without obvious symptoms in the early stages. Refractive errors, cataract, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration are among the conditions that can affect vision. Early detection and appropriate treatment can help prevent or reduce vision-related complications in many cases.
Regular Eye Examinations Matter
One of the simplest ways to protect your vision is to have your eyes examined regularly. An eye examination is not only about checking whether you need spectacles. Depending on your age and risk factors, an eye-care professional may also look for signs of eye disease. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of eye disease or previous eye problems may need more frequent examinations as advised by their doctor.
Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens
Digital devices have become an essential part of modern life. Spending long periods looking at screens may contribute to eye strain, dryness, headaches and temporary blurred vision. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something around 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Blink regularly, maintain an appropriate viewing distance and adjust screen brightness and room lighting to minimise glare.
Nutrition Supports Eye Health
Healthy eyes also depend on overall nutrition. Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds in your daily diet. Dark green leafy vegetables and colourful fruits and vegetables provide important nutrients. Fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids can also form part of a balanced diet. Supplements should not be taken routinely without medical advice. A balanced diet is generally the foundation of good nutrition.
Protect Your Eyes from Injury
Eye injuries can occur at home, at work or during sports. Use appropriate protective eyewear when working with chemicals, machinery, dust or flying particles. Children should also use suitable eye protection during activities where eye injuries are possible. Never look directly at the sun without appropriate certified solar viewing protection.
Control Diseases That Can Affect Vision
Diabetes and high blood pressure can affect eye health. Keeping these conditions under control through regular medical care, prescribed treatment, healthy eating and physical activity is important. Smoking can also increase the risk of several eye conditions. Avoiding tobacco is an important step towards protecting long-term eye health.
Know the Warning Signs
• Sudden loss or major reduction of vision
• Sudden flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters
• A curtain-like shadow over part of your vision
• Severe or persistent eye pain
• Sudden double vision
• New or persistent blurred vision
• Distortion of straight lines
Sudden changes in vision should never be ignored.
Eye Care at Every Age
• Children: Vision problems can affect learning and development. Watch for squinting, difficulty reading, frequent headaches or difficulty seeing distant objects.
• Adults: Regular examinations, responsible screen use and protection from workplace hazards can help maintain healthy vision.
• Older adults: The risk of cataract, glaucoma and other age-related eye conditions increases with age, making regular eye examinations particularly important.
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Dr Hareesh K V
Medical director
Abhishek Nethradhama
Krupa Bindu, No.971/37, Mig 15Th A Cross, A Sector
Khb High Rise Apartment
Ambedkar Colony, Yelahanka New town
Bengaluru -64
Ph: 080-4093 3219/77957 15203
Eye Hospital in Yelahanka new town – Abhishek Nethradhama
