SAEDNEWS: Eyes Are the Body’s Most Sensitive Organ: Simple Daily Habits Can Help Prevent Vision Loss and Eye Diseases
According to Saed News and citing Behdasht News, vision weakness may begin with symptoms such as blurred vision, eye fatigue, headaches, or the appearance of spots and floaters. Factors such as prolonged computer use, inappropriate eye drops or medications, dry eyes, dirty contact lenses, smoking, and lack of daily eye care can worsen the condition. In addition, diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and glaucoma pose serious risks to eye health. Following measures such as wearing standard glasses, regular eye examinations, consuming a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and avoiding harmful substances can help maintain eye health and delay vision deterioration.
To prevent sun damage, it is essential to always use a hat and standard sunglasses. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the retina and increase the risk of cataracts. According to Professor Vinay Aakalu, UV exposure also increases the risk of eyelid skin cancer. During activities such as skiing or sunbathing, harmful rays may cause sunburn of the corneal surface, leading to pain, blurred vision, and watery eyes.
Some eye drops temporarily reduce redness, but prolonged use may lead to rebound redness and swelling. After a few hours, they may become less effective and cause blood vessels to constrict, making the eyes appear even redder.
Headaches can indicate weakening eyesight, especially in people with farsightedness or astigmatism. These individuals often experience headaches during reading, watching TV, computer use, sewing, driving, or detailed work. Such headaches usually occur in the forehead, are mild, and improve with rest.
Any trauma that changes the structure of the eye can lead to vision impairment or refractive errors.
Millions of people suffer from dry eyes. Eye drops containing preservatives used frequently may harm the eyes. Preservative-free artificial tears are safer and can be used multiple times daily. Humidifiers at home may also help reduce dryness.
When focusing on screens, people blink less than normal, leading to tear evaporation, dryness, irritation, and watery eyes. Long-term screen use or reading small fonts may contribute to eye strain and vision problems.
Contact lenses should be cleaned only with proper solutions and never with water. They should be removed during swimming or showering. Sleeping with lenses increases the risk of infection and corneal damage. Disposable lenses are safer when replaced regularly.
Eye makeup should be replaced regularly, and all makeup must be removed before sleeping to prevent eye irritation and infection.
Scratching the cornea can cause blurred vision, redness, and a sensation of sand in the eye. It often heals within a few days but may require antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops.
Antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can reduce tear production. Hormonal changes in women (pregnancy, contraceptives, hormone therapy) and diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes also increase dry eye risk.
Protective eyewear should be used not only for swimming but also during activities such as gardening, woodworking, or home repairs to prevent injury.
Smoking increases the risk of cataracts and retinal degeneration by reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to eye tissues.
Regular eye checkups are essential, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure, as uncontrolled conditions may lead to vision loss.
Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in the eye, increasing pressure and damaging the optic nerve, leading to blind spots. Regular screening is important, especially after age 40. Early detection helps control the disease with medication.
Symptoms such as blurred vision, pain, redness, or vision loss should not be ignored and require immediate medical attention.
Thyroid disorders and diabetes can cause astigmatism, blurred vision, and serious complications including blindness due to poor blood circulation in the eyes.
Pterygium (conjunctival growth): May cause redness and irritation; severe cases require medication or surgery.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Can affect the optic nerve and lead to sudden vision loss.
Blurred vision
Eye fatigue
Headaches during visual tasks
Pain after focusing on objects
Seeing spots or floaters
Flashing lights or lightning-like vision
Seeing threads or cobweb-like shadows
Sensation of moving specks (floaters)
Foods that help improve vision include:
Garlic: Improves blood flow and antioxidant production
Eggs: Rich in nutrients for eye health
Leafy greens (spinach, broccoli): Contain vitamins A, C, B12 and lutein
Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Dark chocolate: Protects blood vessels in the eyes
Carrots: Contain beta-carotene for retinal health
Avocado: High in lutein, reduces cataract risk
Essential vitamins:
Vitamin A: carrots, spinach, eggs
Vitamin C: broccoli, potatoes
Vitamin E: seeds, oils
Lutein: spinach, corn
Omega-3: fish
Zinc: meat, seafood
Adequate water intake is also essential for preventing dry and tired eyes.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause fluid retention and temporary vision changes such as mild nearsightedness, dryness, or blurred vision. These changes are usually temporary and return to normal after delivery.
Signs of vision problems in infants and children include:
Lack of response to light
Abnormal eye movement or alignment
Poor focusing on objects
Unequal pupil size
Family history of vision problems
Traditional recommendations include various herbal foods and oils believed to support eye health, such as olive oil, walnuts, dates, and certain fruits and herbs. Some remedies are used externally or as dietary supplements; however, medical consultation is recommended before use.
