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1.Wear sunglasses – UV blocking sunglasses delay the development of cataracts, since direct sunlight hastens their formation. Sunglasses prevent retinal damage; they also protect the delicate eyelid skin to prevent both wrinkles and skin cancer around the eye.

2.Don’t smoke – Tobacco smoking is directly linked to many adverse health effects, including age-related macular degeneration . Studies show that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than people who have never smoked. Smokers are also at increased risk for developing cataracts.

3.Eat right – Vitamin deficiency can impair retinal function. The belief that eating carrots improves vision has some truth, but a variety of vegetables, especially leafy green ones, should be an important part of your diet. Researchers have found people on diets with higher levels of vitamins C and E, zinc are less likely to develop early and advanced AMD. (Age-related macular degeneration)

4.Baseline eye exam – Adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should get a baseline eye disease screening from an ophthalmologist at age 40–the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, the ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. Anyone with symptoms or a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure should see an ophthalmologist to determine how frequently your eyes should be examined.

5.Eye protection – An estimated 2.5 million eye injuries occur in Asia only each year, so it is advised to wear proper eye protection to avoid eye injuries during sports such as hockey and baseball and home projects such as home repairs, gardening, and cleaning. Sports eye protection should meet the specific requirements of that sport; these requirements are usually established and certified by the sport’s governing body.

6.Know your family history – Many eye diseases cluster in families, so you should know your family’s history of eye disease because you may be at increased risk.

7.Early intervention – Most serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma and AMD, are more easily and successfully treated if diagnosed and treated early. Left untreated, these diseases can cause serious vision loss and blindness. Early intervention now will prevent vision loss later.

8.Know your eye care provider – When you go to get your eyes checked, there are a variety of eye care providers you might see ophthalmologist or opticians, all play an important role in providing eye care services. However, each has a different level of training and expertise. Make sure you are seeing the right provider for your condition or treatment. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery.

9.Contact lens care – Follow your eye doctor’s instructions regarding the care and use of contact lenses. Abuse, such as sleeping in contacts that are not approved for overnight wear, using saliva or water as a wetting solution, using expired solutions, and using disposable contact lenses beyond their wear can result in corneal ulcers, severe pain and even vision loss.

10.Be aware of eye fatigue – If your eyes are tired from working at a computer or doing close work, you can follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look up from your work every 20 minutes at an object 20 feet away for twenty seconds. If eye fatigue persists, it can be a sign of several different conditions, such as dry eye, or spectacles with lenses that are not properly centered. See an ophthalmologist to determine why you are having eye fatigue and to receive proper treatment.

Tips By: Dr. HIRDESH SAXENA

Contact E-mail: drhirdeshsaxena@gmail.com