Keep an eye on your vision, tips to take care of it for all ages
Over 3000 years ago, in Ancient Egypt, the first writings about ophthalmology emerged. The Ebers Papyrus contains 877 sections detailing how to care for eye health and which remedies are most effective against various eye conditions.
In the 5th century BC, Hippocrates of Cos discussed conjunctivitis, the hereditary nature of strabismus, and gathered insights on corneal ulcers and the progression of cataracts. All of this was documented in the earliest recognized medical treatise in history.
Throughout the ages, eyes, their functions, and their care have captivated humanity. Poets have referred to them as the mirrors of the soul, magicians consider them allies due to their susceptibility to deception, ancient justice spoke of an "eye for an eye," and through extensive research, science has strived repeatedly to mimic the intricacies of vision in ever-more precise cameras and lenses.
Arguably, one of the most cherished and delicate senses, requiring meticulous attention to maintain optimal health.
Tips for maintaining vision at all ages.
The foremost advice from our ophthalmologists and optometrists is to schedule an annual visit to their clinics. This step is crucial to ensuring both vision and eye health are in optimal condition.
This recommendation holds particular significance for individuals with myopia, hypermetropia, or strabismus, and for their children if applicable. Most of eye conditions are hereditary, and early detection can spare youngsters from potential academic struggles or unnecessary headaches.
Other advice from experts includes:
- Wearing sunglasses year-round, even on cloudy days. The impact of light on clear surfaces such as building walls, beach sand, snow, or water can be harmful to the eyes.
- While it may sound clichéd, a well-balanced diet is fundamental, especially rich in vitamin C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and lutein. These substances aid in preventing eye diseases.
- Another piece of advice applicable to everyone is to avoid smoking and monitor alcohol consumption, as they can lead to dryness and macular degeneration.
- Hygiene is crucial, yet in moments of frustration caused by an intrusive particle, we often forget to wash our hands and rub our eyes vigorously to rid ourselves of the unwelcome guest. This is a mistake. It's important to remain calm, thoroughly wash hands, and carefully locate the foreign body, removing it without resorting to force.
- Adequate sleep hours are essential, but if upon waking in the morning you feel eye dryness, you may need saline solution, or the eye drops recommended by your ophthalmologist.
- Naturally, taking breaks from screens is necessary, and if possible, using blue light-blocking glasses for computers, tablets, and phones is advised, as prolonged exposure can be detrimental to vision.
In addition to these recommendations, there are eye exercises that can be regularly practiced relaxing the eyes and alleviate common conditions like presbyopia. Our ophthalmologists will be delighted to guide you on the most suitable exercises for you and your family.
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