SAEDNEWS: The eyes are the most sensitive organs of the body, and following simple daily habits can help prevent vision deterioration and eye diseases.
According to Saed News, citing Behdasht News, vision weakness may begin with blurred vision, eye fatigue, headaches, or the appearance of spots and floaters. Factors such as prolonged computer use, improper eye drops or medications, dry eyes, dirty contact lenses, smoking, and lack of daily eye care can worsen the condition. Additionally, diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and glaucoma pose serious risks to eye health. Maintaining eye health and delaying vision weakness can be achieved by wearing proper glasses, scheduling regular eye exams, consuming a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and avoiding harmful substances.
1. Not Wearing Sunglasses
To prevent sun damage, always wear a hat and standard UV-protective sunglasses. Ultraviolet rays can damage the retina and increase the risk of cataracts. During activities like skiing or sunbathing, harmful UV rays can cause corneal sunburn, leading to pain, blurred vision, and watery eyes.
2. Overuse of Eye Drops
Some eye drops relieve redness temporarily but can cause eye swelling over time. They may constrict blood vessels, making eyes appear even redder after a few hours.
3. Headaches
Frequent headaches can indicate vision weakness. People with farsightedness or astigmatism often experience headaches during tasks such as reading, watching TV, using a computer, sewing, driving, or engaging in detailed work. Vision-related headaches differ from migraines and typically occur in the forehead, are mild, and improve with rest.
4. Eye Trauma
Any impact that alters the structure of the eye can weaken vision and cause visual defects.
5. Dry Eyes
In the U.S., approximately 3.5 million women and 1.5 million men suffer from mild to severe dry eyes. Preservative-containing oily drops used frequently can damage the eyes. Artificial tears stored in the refrigerator provide a soothing, itch-free experience. Using a humidifier at home can also help maintain eye moisture.
6. Prolonged Computer Use
Staring at screens reduces blink rate, causing the eyes to dry, become irritated, and water. Reading small text on a screen for extended periods can strain the eyes and lead to nearsightedness.
7. Neglecting Contact Lens Care
Lenses should be cleaned with lens solution, never water. Remove them before swimming, showering, or sleeping. Many specialists recommend daily disposable lenses for safety. Poor lens hygiene increases the risk of infection and corneal damage.
8. Extended Lens Wear
Long-term use of contact lenses allows dirt, dust, protein, and minerals to accumulate on the eye, causing dryness and irritation. Daily cleaning or timely replacement is essential. Daily replacement lenses are safest.
9. Expired Cosmetics or Sleeping with Makeup
Avoid using makeup older than three months, and always remove eye makeup before sleeping.
10. Corneal Scratches
Scratches on the cornea can cause blurred vision, redness, or a gritty sensation. Minor scratches usually heal in a few days but may require antibiotic or steroid drops to prevent infection. Contact lens wear should be avoided until fully healed.
11. Certain Medications
Antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can reduce tear production or alter tear composition, causing dry eyes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, contraceptive use, and hormone replacement therapy also increase susceptibility. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes further raise the risk.
12. Not Wearing Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are essential during activities like gardening, carpentry, or home repairs to prevent debris from scratching the cornea.
13. Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of cataracts and retinal damage by impairing oxygen and nutrient delivery to eye tissues.
14. Skipping Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are crucial, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure, as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness.
15. Glaucoma
Although more common in older adults, glaucoma can affect individuals of any age. Excess fluid in the eye increases intraocular pressure, damaging the optic nerve and creating blind spots. Adults 18–60 should have eye exams at least every two years; after 60, annually. Early detection allows management with pressure-lowering eye drops.
16. Ignoring Symptoms
Blurred vision, pain, reduced vision, redness, or irritation should not be ignored. Delays in diagnosis can complicate treatment and may require surgery.
17. Thyroid-Related Eye Disorders
Thyroid disease can weaken the eyes and induce astigmatism.
18. Diabetes-Related Vision Issues
Diabetics face serious eye risks such as gradual blindness or cataracts, primarily due to impaired ocular blood circulation.
19. Pterygium (Growth on Eye)
Small pterygium may not need treatment unless inflamed or visually obstructive. Severe inflammation may require steroid or anti-inflammatory drops. Large pterygium can cause astigmatism and blurred vision.
20. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS often affects the optic nerve, causing blurred vision. In young adults, MS can rapidly reduce visual acuity within weeks.
Blurred Vision: The most common early sign; greater blurriness indicates weaker eyes.
Eye Fatigue: Often caused by prolonged use, common in students, drivers, and tailors. Fatigue may cause headaches and blurred vision.
Headaches: Usually in the forehead, mild, and linked to farsightedness or astigmatism.
Pain after Focusing: Persistent pain during or after focusing indicates vision strain.
Spots or Floaters: Even occasional spots should prompt an eye exam.
Flashes of Light: Sudden flashes require immediate attention.
Seeing Threads or Spider Webs: Indicates potential vision issues.
Floaters: Small shadowy particles drifting across vision are a warning sign.
Hormonal changes, metabolism, fluid retention, and blood circulation during pregnancy can temporarily affect vision. Fluid retention may slightly thicken the cornea, altering visual correction needs. Progesterone may soften corneal tissue, contributing to blurred vision. These changes are usually temporary and resolve a few months postpartum.
Infants:
Pupils unresponsive to light after 3–4 months
Eye misalignment
No reaction to light stimuli
Bright spots in the pupil
Children:
Poor visual response to objects or surroundings
Inability to focus or track objects
Genetic predispositions
Abnormal pupil size or imbalance
Eye tremors or unusual reflexes
Beneficial Foods:
Garlic: Improves circulation, supports antioxidants, protects the lens
Eggs: Nutrient-rich, especially the yolk
Leafy Greens (Spinach, Broccoli): High in vitamins A, B12, C, calcium, and lutein
Salmon: Rich in vitamins A, D, and omega-3 fatty acids
Dark Chocolate: Provides flavonoids that protect ocular blood vessels
Carrots & Yellow-Orange Produce: Contain beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, E, and lutein
Avocado: High in lutein, reduces cataract risk
Vitamins and Sources:
Vitamin A: Carrots, kale, spinach, dairy, egg yolk, citrus, green peppers
Vitamin C: Broccoli, potatoes
Vitamin E: Eggs, grains, vegetable oils, sunflower seeds
Lutein: Spinach, corn, kale, broccoli
Fatty Acids: Cold-water fish (salmon), sunflower oil, corn oil
Zinc: Red meat, shrimp, fish, whole grains, dairy
Hydration and Amino Acids:
Eyes require proper hydration; dehydration leads to dryness, fatigue, and blurred vision. Amino acids protect against free radical damage and maintain eye tissue health.
Avoid excess mango or fig consumption.
Grape leaf compresses can reduce eye swelling.
Almond oil mixed with burnt tree branches can be applied as eyeliner for itching, tearing, and eyelash issues.
Raspberry leaf compresses help heal wounds and reduce swelling.
Mulberry leaf tea can relieve eye inflammation.
Strawberries, melon, dates, persimmons, blueberries, and olive oil (sterilized) are recommended for strengthening vision.
Walnut leaf decoctions, pear blossom compresses, and lemon juice (with care) can also improve vision or reduce eye irritation.
For night blindness, consume lemon with parsley, plums, or cooked dates with carrots.
Burnt hazelnuts mixed with castor or coconut oil applied nightly can strengthen eyebrows and eyelashes.
