Introduction
Good eye health is essential to overall wellbeing, since vision is one of the major ways we interact with the world. Maintaining good eye health requires regular care, lifestyle changes, and precautions against disease and injury. This article provides an overview of important eye care practices and safety precautions based on medical research and guidelines.
Regular Eye Examinations
Adults should have regular comprehensive eye examinations every two years, with the suggested regularity of these eye examinations being annual for individuals over the age of 60 or with existing eye conditions or other related conditions like Diabetes (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2015; American Optometric Association, 2019; Sloan et al., 2005). For children, the recommendation is a first eye examination at six months old, then at three years old, and before starting school, with regular eye examinations afterward (Ibid., 2015; American Optometric Association, 2017). These eye examinations include refraction assessment, visual acuity tests, and ocular health assessment, including tests for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration (Ibid, 2015; Ibid., 2017; Ibid., 2019).
Diet and Lifestyle
Maintaining good eye health can be facilitated by eating a balanced diet that is high in antioxidants; vitamins A,C, and E; and minerals like zinc. Key foods include almonds, citrus fruits, leafy greens, carrots, and omega-3-rich fish (Mares et al., 2017). Adequate water intake is also essential for preserving the proper moisture balance in the eyes, guarding against dryness and discomfort (Nguyen et al., 2022). Smoking has also been associated with an increased risk of optic nerve damage, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration; quitting smoking can have a major positive impact on eye health (Lawrenson & Evans, 2013).
Digital Eye Strain
To reduce digital eye strain, it is pertinent to follow the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes (Kaur et al., 2022). Additionally, using anti-glare screens and proper lighting help to reduce eye strain caused by reflections and glare (Middendorf, 2005).
Protective Eyewear
Sun damage can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration, however, this damage can be mitigated by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when out in the sun (Good, 2014). When engaging in activities that increase the risk of eye injury, such as home improvement projects or handling hazardous products, it is essential to use safety glasses or goggles (Ta et al., 2024).
First Aid for Eye Injury
In the event of a chemical exposure, it is advised that the eye be rinsed with water for at least 15 minutes and immediate medical attention sought (Gudgel, 2021; World Health Organization, 2022). For physical injuries, such as cuts or blunt trauma, pressure should not be applied to the eye and emergency care should be promptly sought (Ibid.).
Conclusion
In summary, maintaining good eye health requires a combination of routine medical examinations, a healthy lifestyle, protective measures, and eye care knowledge.
References
American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2015). Frequency of Ocular Examinations - 2015. American Academy of Ophthalmology.
American Optometric Association. (2017). New Release of Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Comprehensive Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination. Current Advances in Ophthalmology, 5–6.
American Optometric Association. (2019). Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Eye Care of the Patient with Diabetes Mellitus. Second Edition.
Good, G. (2014). Light and Eye Damage. American Optometric Association.
Gudgel, D. (2021). Recognizing and Treating Eye Injuries. American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Kaur, K., Gurnani, B., Nayak, S., Deori, N., Kaur, S., Jethani, J., Singh, D., Agarkar, S., Hussaindeen, J. R., Sukhija, J., & Mishra, D. (2022). Digital Eye Strain- A Comprehensive Review. Ophthalmology and Therapy, 11(5), 1655–1680.
Lawrenson, J. G., & Evans, J. R. (2013). Advice about diet and smoking for people with or at risk of age-related macular degeneration: a cross-sectional survey of eye care professionals in the UK. BMC Public Health, 13(1).
Mares, J. A., Millen, A. E., Lawler, T. P., & Blomme, C. K. (2017). Diet and Supplements in the Prevention and Treatment of Eye Diseases. In A. M. Coulston, C. J. Boushey, M. G. Ferruzzi, & L. M. Delahanty (Eds.), Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease (Fourth Edition) (pp. 393–434). Academic Press.
Middendorf, S. (2005). Addendum: The Case for Anti-Glare Computer Filters. In J. Anshel (Ed.), Visual Ergonomics Handbook (pp. 54–62). CRC Press.
Nguyen, L., Magno, M. S., Utheim, T. P., Jansonius, N. M., Hammond, C. J., & Vehof, J. (2022). The Relationship Between Habitual Water Intake and Dry Eye Disease. Acta Ophthalmologica.
Sloan, F. A., Picone, G., Brown, D. S., & Lee, P. P. (2005). Longitudinal Analysis of the Relationship Between Regular Eye Examinations and Changes in Visual and Functional Status. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 53(11), 1867–1874.
Ta, J., Manade, V. V., Kotecha, M. R., & Chodvadiya, S. A. (2024). Incidents of Occupational Ocular Injuries in Industrial Settings: Highlighting the Critical Significance of Protective Eye Gear. Indian Journal of Public Health, 68(1), 140.
World Health Organization. (2022). Package of Eye Care Interventions (pp. 28–40). Geneva: World Health Organization.
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