Eyes and their health: support and strengthening of vision

Sight is the most important of the 5 senses because we perceive up to 80% of information from the environment through the eyes.

However, vision problems can be a concern at any age. The World Health Organization predicts that every person will encounter an eye disease no less than once in their lifetime.

At least 2.2 billion people already suffer from visual impairment, according to WHO data.

A logical question arises: how can sight be preserved? Read on.

More about modern methods of vision restoration and its laser correction, in particular, in the video with ophthalmologist Oleksandr Teslenko

In total, there are more than 1,500 different eye illnesses. The vast majority of them have a genetic origin, meaning they are inherited from parents.

Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding eye diseases. We often hear about the deterioration of sight from working at the computer or from the phone screen. In fact, the screens themselves do not affect the eyes and vision in any way. Even dry eye disease does not occur because a person spends a lot of time in front of a monitor. The cause of dry and tired eyes is improper nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged stay in a dry room and not blinking often enough.

How to avoid excessive strain and dryness?

Oleksandr Teslenko

ophthalmologist

• Head of the Ophthalmology Clinic

Doctor Oleksandr Teslenko recommends providing comfortable conditions for work, namely:

• monitor uniform lighting — do not work in the dark while looking at a bright screen;
• install a humidifier near the workplace to maintain the humidity in the room at the level of 60%;
• ventilate the premises several times a day;
• work on a regular schedule.

Is it possible to “train” the eyes? How to strengthen eye muscles and improve vision?

Ophthalmologist Oleksandr Teslenko claims that it is impossible to train vision with the help of exercises.

These exercises can be effective in maintaining the flexibility of the muscles and improving blood circulation. Simple movements, such as frequent blinking, changing the focus from a close to a distant object and “drawing” a figure of eight in the air, can help relieve the tension of working at the computer. Unfortunately, they are not effective in improving sight.

Why does almost every person have sight impairment after 40?

Age-related changes in the organs of vision begin already at the age of 30. It is part of the natural process. Therefore, it becomes difficult for people after the age of 40 to focus their sight on close objects, especially in the evening.

Nowadays, there are already drops for farsightedness, which allow you not to wear reading glasses for a while.

But more often than not, the doctor may recommend wearing glasses for reading and working at the computer. An alternative is multifocal contact lenses, but after 40 years it will be difficult to put on lenses for the first time.

How to check vision at home?

There are simple methods, such as visual acuity charts, that can be downloaded from the Internet and printed. However, the best way is regular consultations with an ophthalmologist because only a specialist can identify risks and prescribe adequate sight correction.

We recommend to undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist at least once a year.

If you experience symptoms that indicate a vision problem, such as blurriness, double vision, problems with seeing at night, or sudden loss of ability to see, you should consult your doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment.

Restoring vision can involve various methods, from the use of contact lenses and glasses to surgery, depending on the cause and extent of the concern. In addition to medical methods, there are many everyday habits that will help preserve sight. For example, limiting the time spent in front of screens, sufficient lighting when reading and regular breaks when working at the computer.

Equally important for visual acuity is a balanced diet. Make sure that your diet contains all the necessary macronutrients: proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Eat 400 grams (3-4 servings) of fruits, vegetables, and berries per day: this ensures the body receives vitamins and minerals. In addition, studies have proven that walking in the fresh air has a positive effect on the eyes and vision condition. Therefore, do not forget about daily walks in daylight to strengthen your health.

Regular visits to the ophthalmologist, paying attention to your symptoms, and living a healthy lifestyle can help you to keep your sight for a long time.