EAR & EYE PROTECTION HEALTHY EYES Zachary Smith, Optometrist at Midland Eye, looks at some common eye conditions and how to prevent them.
Our eyes are wonderful, complex structures but we often take for granted until a problem arises. Fortunately, many eye issues can be prevented with proper care, while others can be treated or managed effectively – especially when caught early.
UV DAMAGE Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage your eyes over time, potentially leading to early-onset cataracts (clouding of your eye’s natural lens), macular degeneration (deterioration of your central vision), and even cancers affecting the eyelids and surrounding tissues. You might also develop pinguecula or pterygium – conditions that lead to growths on the white part of your eye.
Unsurprisingly, sunglasses are the best preventative measure for UV damage to your eyes. Look for pairs with 100% UV protection and the CE mark as these should cover all three types of UV radiation. Wear them with a wide-brimmed hat, especially when you’re in the mountains or near water, where reflections can amplify UV exposure.
DIGITAL EYE STRAIN AND MYOPIA
Constant near-focus work is contributing to a global surge in myopia. Most of us spend our days looking at things less than a metre away – and our eyes are paying the price.
Many people are concerned about the blue light from screens, with most smartphones and other devices now having an eye-care mode to reduce blue light. Yet, the evidence suggests it doesn’t cause permanent eye damage and its impact on sleep is minimal.
A much bigger problem is that we often forget to blink when staring at screens. Your normal blink rate can drop by half during intense screen use, leaving your eyes dry and irritated. To prevent this give your eyes regular screen breaks using the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 metres away for 20 seconds.
DRY EYE SYNDROME
For many, dry eye syndrome is far more than just a minor annoyance, it’s a chronic condition affecting quality of life.
For mild cases, simple adjustments can help: increase your intake of vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc; stay well- hydrated; and avoid air conditioning blasting directly at your face. Sodium hyaluronate lubricating drops, which you can purchase at a pharmacy, can provide significant relief.
More severe cases might require prescription medications like cyclosporin or steroids. Specialised dry eye clinics, such as those at Midland Eye, offer advanced diagnostics and treatments for patients with persistent symptoms.
SMOKING-RELATED EYE DAMAGE
Smoking ranks among the most significant modifiable risk factors for several sight-threatening conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – an incurable condition that is the leading cause of blindness in the UK. Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop AMD in their lifetimes. Smokers also develop cataracts earlier and more severely than non-smokers, leading to vision problems and often requiring surgery.
30
While e-cigarette vapes contain fewer toxins than traditional cigarettes, emerging research suggests vaping can still harm retinal cells. The safest option for your eyes remains quitting entirely, using patches or other nicotine replacement to help with cravings.
NUTRITION FOR EYE HEALTH While good nutrition won’t stop hereditary eye conditions or offset the damage from UV or cigarette smoke, it can help prevent and delay other conditions from developing.
Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E are particularly important for neutralising damaging free radicals before they can harm delicate tissues. Fill your plate with colourful fruits and vegetables.
Two particularly powerful eye protectors – lutein and zeaxanthin – are abundant in dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale. These carotenoids actually accumulate in your retina, helping to filter harmful blue light and protect the macula from damage.
Oily fish and/or flaxseeds deliver omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and support tear production which is particularly helpful if you suffer from dry eyes.
PHYSICAL PROTECTION Most eye injuries happen in everyday situations – gardening, DIY projects, playing sport. The best prevention is eye protection in the form of glasses or specialist eyewear, flying debris can create immediate physical damage and also embed bacteria.
If an eye injury does occur, seek immediate professional care. Severe injuries might require corneal grafts – complex procedures with limited availability on the NHS. As with many aspects of eye health, prevention is infinitely preferable to treatment.
CONTACT LENS HYGIENE
Your contact lens routine should be as automatic as brushing your teeth: wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses, use the correct solution and case (cleaning them regularly), and never, ever expose lenses to water. Even filtered – can harbour dangerous microorganisms like Acanthamoeba which can cause a rare but severe infection that’s difficult to treat and potentially sight-threatening. Hygiene is also important to avoid painful conditions like microbial keratitis, which can leave lasting visual impairment.
REGULAR EYE EXAMINATIONS Many eye conditions develop silently, with no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Regular check-ups can catch these issues before they threaten your vision, at least every two years, and every year for anyone over 40 and those with diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. Also be sure to report any issues or changes to your vision immediately.
By understanding common eye conditions and taking preventative measures now, the risk of vision loss later in life can be significantly reduced. Early intervention typically offers the best outcomes. Less invasive treatments, shorter recovery times, and better visual results.
https://midlandeye.com
WWW.TOMORROWSHS.COM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42
