10 tips to prevent eye problems
We have accepted that it is normal to lose vision with age, but it is essential to take special care with your eyes if we want to keep it healthy for as long as possible because not all eye diseases can be prevented or all are reversible.
For this reason, we must follow some habits and attend certain tips so that our eyes remain in good condition and reduce the chances of vision loss in the future.
The importance of ocular health
To get an idea of the importance that Spaniards give to visual health, we are going to attend to these three data collected by Multiópticas and the White Paper of Vision in Spain:
1. In the last 12 months, only 44% of the Spanish population has undergone an ophthalmological examination.
2. About 83% of the population fears losing sight before other senses.
3. 40% of Spanish children use ophthalmological correction systems, figure that exceeds the European average, around 35%.
10 tips to avoid eye problems
The American Academy of Ophthalmology gives us ten tips for maintaining healthy vision:
1) Use sunglasses. Thus, with this ocular care, you will delay the development of cataracts, since direct sunlight can contribute to their formation. The ones that slow down 100% ultraviolet rays should be used.
2) Do not smoke. Cigarette smoking is associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In addition, smokers have more risks of cataracts.
3) Eat well. The lack of vitamins can alter the functioning of the retina. It has been found that people who follow diets with high levels of vitamins C, E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to develop early and advanced AMD.
4) Check your vision. Adults with lower risk of presenting eye diseases should go through a basic test at age 40.
5) Protect your eyes. It is key to use adequate eye protection to avoid eye injuries when doing sports or activities at home that involve a risk.
6) Know your family history. Many eye diseases are genetic, which increases the risk of suffering them.
7) Look for an early intervention. Most serious eye diseases can be treated more easily if they are diagnosed and treated early.
8) Meet your specialist. There are ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians with different levels of training and specialization.
9) Take care of your use of contact lenses. Abuse or misuse can lead to ulcers in the cornea, severe pain and even loss of vision.
10) Be alert to presbyopia or eyestrain. If you feel eye fatigue, your eye rests every so often, and if you persist, visit an ophthalmologist.
Sara Pérez
