Are your eyes red, dry, and itchy? Do you see spots or flashes of light? If you’ve answered yes to these clues, it’s time to give your eyes some serious attention. It’s time for an eye test!
Your eyesight is one of the most important senses. Having healthy eyes is a must. A good vision contributes to improved learning and comprehension.
It is estimated that 80% of what we perceive comes through our sense of sight. Protecting your eyes will reduce the odds of blindness and loss of vision. Joburg-based optometrist Lungile Sithole says a regular comprehensive eye examination is recommended every two years, to diagnose any vision impairments.
“An eye test is able to pick up not only your vision problems but other eye-related issues,” she mentions that since the Covid-19 outbreak, general global health has declined and there’s an increase in people experiencing digital eye strain, which is caused by the time spent in front of screens.
“Most importantly getting prescription computer spectacles can reduce visual and digital eyestrain. You can also take breaks to relax your eye muscles and reduce tension.”
Some eye problems may be caused by poor health or could be symptoms of a condition such as diabetic retinopathy (a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye), cataract (cloudy area in the lens of your eye) and glaucoma (an eye disease that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve).
Sight loss is preventable. Getting your eyes tested can help prevent and limit damage: Signs your eyes need some serious attention:
- You hold books or newspapers further away from your face and squint or close one eye to read them.
- You experience eye strain, headaches, and/or blurred vision after spending an extended amount of time in front of a screen.
- You get motion sick, have dizziness, or trouble following a moving object.
- You notice any changes in your vision, especially after a head incident.
Healthy brain function needs healthy eyesight. Remember that the brain is our most vital organ, allowing us to live complex lives. Considering that your optic nerve connects your eyes to the brain, a healthy co-dependent relationship is necessary. When you keep your eyes healthy, you make your brain functional and ultimately improve your overall quality of life! Below are ways to protect your eyes:
- Stop smoking. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that smokers stand to develop age-related macular degeneration up to five years earlier than non-smokers. This blurs a person’s central vision, making it difficult to read or drive.
- Protect your eyes from bright sunlight. Wear prescribed sunglasses.
- Always have a healthy and balanced diet, including regular exercise.
- Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes while doing DIY and/ or sporting activities, or when necessary, in the workplace.
- If you spend most of the time working in front of a computer, take regular breaks from the screen.
Sithole adds that if you notice a change to your sight, do not dismiss it – contact an optometrist immediately. “Don’t wait until you experience any of these signs before you schedule an eye exam. Keep in mind that an eye exam benefits more than just your eyes.” Get your eyes tested!
Story by Mahudi Molapo.
