Eye conditions are a very common ailment in many. Here are some common eye conditions to be aware of and tips on how to protect your eyes from them, according to opticians in Sri Lanka:
- Refractive Errors: This includes near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. To protect your eyes, get regular eye exams to monitor any changes in your vision and to update your eyeglass or contact lens prescription if necessary.
- Cataracts: Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision. Protect your eyes from cataracts by wearing sunglasses that block UV rays, quitting smoking, and eating a diet rich in antioxidants. Generally, surgery is the only solution for cataracts, and you may also need to use spectacles or contact lenses in Sri Lanka if you have this condition.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye. To protect against glaucoma, get regular eye exams to monitor your eye pressure, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment if you are at risk.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): AMD is a condition that causes loss of central vision, usually in older adults. To protect against AMD, eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish, quit smoking, and wear sunglasses to protect against UV rays. Once you are of a certain age, it is best to get regular eye testing in Sri Lanka, in order to ensure you do not have this condition.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: This occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and irritation. To protect against dry eyes, take frequent breaks from screens, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and consider using artificial tears.
- Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS): CVS is a temporary condition caused by prolonged computer use, leading to symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. Protect your eyes from CVS by taking regular breaks from screens, adjusting your screen's brightness and contrast settings, and using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds).
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear layer covering the white part of the eye. To protect against pink eye, practise good hygiene by washing your hands frequently, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and avoid sharing towels, pillows, or makeup with others.
- Retinal Detachment: This occurs when the retina pulls away from the tissue around it, leading to vision loss. Protect your eyes from retinal detachment by wearing protective eyewear during sports or activities that could cause eye injury, and seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden flashes of light, floaters, or a curtain-like shadow in your vision.
Maintaining good eye hygiene, getting regular eye exams, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help protect your eyes from various conditions and preserve your vision, according to experts in eye care in Sri Lanka.