How to prevent the appearance of eye conditions?

15/05/2024

Good eye health is essential for carrying out most of our daily activities and contributes significantly to our development and quality of life. We must also keep in mind that vision loss can significantly affect our emotional well-being and self-esteem.

Additionally, the condition of our eyes can also be an indicator of other health problems, which is why eye exams play such an important role. Preventing eye conditions is of vital importance to maintaining good visual health throughout our lives, which is why we offer you a series of recommendations to keep our eyes healthy:

Regular eye exams

Performing regular vision checks, even when you are not experiencing visual problems, is vital for early detection of conditions, reducing their progression and obtaining appropriate treatment.

Eye breaks

If you use electronic screens for long periods, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This technique is very useful for taking short breaks and relaxing the eye muscles.

Eye hygiene

Hygiene is crucial preserving good eye health and preventing the development of certain conditions. Remember to wash your hands before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses,  and follow the cleaning and replacement recommendations. It is also important to use makeup properly and avoid sharing it with others. If you apply eyeliner, ensure it outside  the lash line on both the upper and lower eyelids.

Eye protection

It is important to wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors, especially during prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, as it can increase the risk of developing cataracts or other eye problems.

Many eye accidents and injuries occur while we work. The most common eye injuries are keratitis and conjunctivitis, with trauma and chemical burns also being frequent. In this other article, we offer a series of tips to avoid these injuries.

Healthy habits

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, especially those that benefit the eyes, such as vitamin A, C and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, is very beneficial for our eye health. It is also important to stay well hydrated, avoid smoking, and maintain adequate rest to reduce the risk of developing eye diseases such as macular degeneration or cataracts.

Control of underlying health problems

Ensuring good control of chronic diseases such as diabetes can significantly impact our visual health. Inadequate management of this condition can lead to ocular complications, including diabetic retinopathy, macular enema, glaucoma or cataracts.

Know your family history

Knowing your family history is essential for maintaining good eye health, as it can aid in the early detection, prevention, and management of inherited eye diseases.

These recommendations are general in nature, and it is important to consult an ophthalmologist for personalized guidance based on your particular case.