5 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Eyes

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There are over 40 different types of eye disorders ranging from a simple eye infection to conditions which, if left untreated, can cause blindness.

Common Eye Complaints

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the most common cause of sight loss amongst those of working age. It’s a condition caused by a build up of pressure in your eye which effects the optic nerve and it’s ability to communicate visual messages to the brain.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. This can be caused by a number of things including; viruses, bacteria, irritants such as pollution and allergies including dust and pollen.

Dry eyes

Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended period of time, and it can decrease tolerance for dry environments, such as the air inside an airplane.

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and is the principal cause of blindness in the world.

Top 5 Tips for Healthy Eyes

1. Regular Eye Exams

This is a great opportunity to check the general health of your eyes and detect any problems before they worsen.

2. Know Your Family History

As certain conditions like Glaucoma are heredity it’s important to tell your optician so your eyes can be monitored more carefully and given appropriate treatment should problems occur.

3. Wear protective eyewear

Whether you’re working in a laboratory handling chemicals or enjoying a weekend away in the sun, it’s important to ensure that your eyes are protected from future damage.

4. Eat Right

Ensure you're eating a good variety of fruits and vegetables. You could also include eye related supplements in your diet to ensure your eyes are getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals they need.