Health

There are a number of factors that can cause vision problems.

SHOULD I ALWAYS PROTECT MY EYES FROM THE SUN?

Exposure to sunlight is associated with a higher risk of developing certain eye diseases, such as:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which irreversibly impairs central vision.
Cataracts, which also cause vision loss due to clouding of the lens, but which are reversible if operated on.
It is therefore recommended to protect your eyes from the sun by wearing glasses with a UVA and UVB filter and/or by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Children should also wear glasses purchased from an optician (there are four filter gradations) and adapted as well as a hat or cap. Be careful, the tint has no relation to the effectiveness of the filter.

IS SMOKING DANGEROUS FOR MY EYES?

There is a proven relationship between certain vision disorders and tobacco consumption. This is particularly true for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is up to seven times more common in smokers. Quitting smoking is all the more recommended because it helps normalize this risk: an ex-smoker does not, in fact, present a greater risk than a non-smoker. In addition, tobacco could also reduce the effectiveness of certain treatments used to treat eye conditions. Stopping your smoking therefore also helps protect your eyes!

CAN MY DIET IMPROVE MY VISION?

Consuming a large amount of vegetables and fruits, sources of antioxidants, is good for your eyes. Dark leafy vegetables (spinach, lettuce, romaine, etc.) and citrus fruits, rich in vitamins C, E, beta-carotene and zinc, are to be favored. The consumption of omega-3 fats, found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, etc.) and in rapeseed oil, is good for your eyes. It is said to reduce the risk of AMD by half and also help combat dry eyes.

SHOULD I AVOID CERTAIN FOODS?

Since the eye is irrigated by a multitude of micro-blood vessels, vision is impaired when these are blocked or damaged. As a result, any diet that is harmful to the heart and blood vessels is also harmful to the eye. Excessive consumption of saturated fats, found in meat, cold cuts or butter, is harmful to the eyes. This type of diet is said to double the risk of AMD.

CAN CERTAIN DISEASES CAUSE VISION PROBLEMS?

Diseases that can disrupt blood circulation, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, being overweight or high blood pressure, can directly affect the eye by causing vision problems. By treating these diseases effectively, you are also taking care of your eyes.

ARE CERTAIN MEDICATIONS DANGEROUS FOR MY EYES?

There are medications that can impair vision and cause falls or accidents. This is why it is always important to read the instructions inside a box of medication carefully.
Protecting your eyes from the sun, eating fruits and vegetables, reducing your consumption of animal fats, and quitting smoking are measures that can reduce the risk of certain serious visual problems appearing.

Author: DR Robert BRAMI