Our eyes are literally are our windows to the world. Combined together with sound, smell, taste and touch, the human senses are our most powerful contact to the environment, but our sight that dominates.
Humans perceive about 80 per cent of all impressions by means of sight, but since the explosion of the digital age, our eyes have taken quite a battering.
In the 90’s and 00’s, TV and video consoles were noted as the arch enemy of one’s eyesight and it even saw the introduction of ‘square-eyes’ into the Oxford dictionary meaning someone who watches too much TV.
But in those days you could monitor the usage.
With today’s mobile technology-obsessed society, smart phones and tablets are practically within reach anytime, anywhere.
As a result, this increase in access has seen a big decrease in the health of our ocular organs so it’s no surprise that children, as well as adults, are more susceptible to eye strain.
However, this is just one risk factor of today’s modern society adding to the deterioration of eye health.
Sedentary lifestyles and bad eating habits have a lot to answer for too. “There is strong evidence linking food, eye health and good vision. Protecting your eyes starts with the food you eat,” Dr. Osama Giledi, Consultant
Ophthalmologist at one of the leading hospitals in the UAE, told AD FeelGood.
Nutrients such as omega 3 rich in DHA, which can be found in fish and flaxseed oil, helps to improve dry eye – a common symptom of prolonged screen staring.
But eating a well-balanced diet also helps prevent obesity-related diseases such as Diabetes, which is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults, he said.
Here, Dr. Giledi gives AD FeelGood readers his recommendations for maintaining a better sense of our sight.
Eyeing the precautions
Quit smoking – Smoking makes you more likely to get cataracts, optic nerve damage and muscular degeneration. So quit smoking.
Wear sunglasses – Overexposure to ultraviolet rays makes you more likely to get cataracts and macular degeneration. Sunglasses should block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, and polarised lenses reduce glare when driving.
Protect your eyes – If you work with hazardous or airborne materials on the job or at home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles every time. The same goes for sports, such as ice hockey and racquetball. Goggles help prevent injury
Cut down screen time – Staring at a computer screen or any digital screen for that matter – for too long can cause a range of problems such as eyestrain, blurry vision, trouble focusing at a distance, dry eyes, and headaches. Every 20 minutes, rest your eyes by looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds. At least every 2 hours, get up and take a break for a few minutes and blink more frequently.
Position is important – Position your computer screen so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. Make sure you are looking slightly down at the screen. Anti-glare screens can be useful and remember to blink more if your eyes are dry.
Air flow
Dry eye is very common in the UAE and is caused by air conditioning with very low humidity. Dust and hot weather are also contributing factors. Try using a humidifier indoors and reducing air flow from fans and air conditioning. Drinking more water helps avoid dehydration and wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop the wind drying out your eyes can also help. Use artificial tear drops, as needed.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye describes a variety of eye conditions in which there is either insufficient production of tears or excessive loss of tears from evaporation; it is usually a combination of both. Dry eyes is one of the most common complaints presented by patients at local hospitals, with more than 25% of patients complaining of dry eyes.
TOP TIP
Everyone, even young children should get their eyes examined regularly (once a year). It helps protect your eyesight and makes sure you are seeing properly. Eye examinations can also help detect some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, that have no symptoms. It’s important to diagnose these diseases early, when they’re easier to treat.
Symptoms of eye strain
• Dry, sore eyes
• Blurry vision
• Double vision
• Headaches
What to introduce
Note: Foods which contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin are great for eye health, and a good source of Omega 3, Vitamin C & E and a small amount of zinc is beneficial too.
You can get these from
• Green leafy vegetables including spinach, kale, and collards
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Mackerel
• Other oily fish
• Nuts
• Beans
• Oranges
• Lemons
• Limes Other citrus fruits or juices
