You may not realize it, but every day, your eyes face a world of challenges. From the moment you wake up to the time you go to bed, they are your windows to the world, constantly at work. But are you ensuring its proper care?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that nearly 12 million Americans, aged 40 and above, suffer from vision issues. This is a striking statistic that emphasizes the significance of maintaining proper eye care. After all, when it comes to eye health, prevention is key.
In this blog, we’re going to shed light on four common culprits that can threaten the well-being of your precious peepers.
Consuming Medications With Potential Side Effects
When it comes to maintaining your eye health, the medications you take can play a significant role. Some drugs, while designed to treat various ailments, may come with unintended consequences for your eyes.
A few medications can lead to elevated intraocular pressure. Others might cause dry eyes, making your vision uncomfortable and blurry. That’s not to say you should avoid the necessary medications. However, you should be cautious and consult your healthcare provider to make informed choices.
Along with eye conditions, certain medications can also render individuals susceptible to hearing-related issues. For instance, Tepezza is a medication utilized in the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). Recent scientific studies, as reported by TorHoerman Law, have raised concerns regarding its potential side effects, which may include potentially permanent hearing loss or tinnitus.
In fact, there have been instances in which a number of individuals developed severe hearing loss or other hearing-related issues after consuming this medication. In response to these unwanted health consequences, the affected individuals have chosen to file a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit. These lawsuits are intended to safeguard the rights of the victims while ensuring they receive rightful compensation.
To protect your eyes from medications with potential side effects, you must maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. Always disclose your medical history and any pre-existing eye conditions before starting a new medication. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits of the medication against the potential risks. Then, he may suggest alternative treatments to minimize any adverse effects on your eye health.
Harmful UV Rays
The sun, a constant presence in human life, offers warmth and light, but it also emits something less friendly: ultraviolet (UV) rays. These invisible rays, while mostly harmless, can pose a significant threat to your eyes when you’re exposed to them excessively. Over a period of time, the accumulated impact of UV radiation can result in severe eye problems.
As per information from MaineDOT, exposure to UV rays from the Sun has been associated with the development of various eye conditions. Common UV-related eye problems include cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, keratitis, and skin cancers affecting the eyelid, among others.
These conditions can cause gradual vision loss and impact your quality of life. The effects of UV exposure might not be immediate. However, they are like a silent danger that can catch up with you later in life.
You can adopt simple yet effective habits to overcome this problem. Most importantly, wearing sunglasses can block both UVA and UVB rays. Seek out sunglasses that are marked as offering full UV protection. Think about wearing a hat with a broad brim to enhance the amount of shade you receive.
Excessive Screen Time
In today’s tech-savvy world, it’s hard to escape screens. You’re reading this very sentence right now. In reality, screens are now deeply ingrained in our daily existence, spanning from smartphones and tablets to computers and TVs. While they offer convenience and entertainment, they also come with a downside – they can harm your eyes.
Continuously looking at screens for extended periods can cause a condition called digital eye strain. It’s a fancy term for the discomfort you might feel after a long day of scrolling, typing, or binge-watching. The symptoms are familiar to many: dry, irritated eyes, blurred vision, trouble focusing, etc.
You might not realize it, but every moment you spend glued to your screen, you’re putting your eyes through the wringer. Recent research has associated excessive use of computers and smartphones with eye problems like dry eye disease and myopia. These conditions are now occurring more frequently and cannot be reversed.
To shield your eyes from the harm of excessive screen time, consider these simple steps:
- Follow the 20-20-20 concept: Every 20 minutes, stop what you’re doing for about 20 seconds, and look at something that’s about 20 feet away. This helps prevent eye strain.
- Adjust screen settings: Reduce the screen brightness and employ blue light filters whenever feasible.
- Blink often: Make a conscious effort to blink regularly while using screens.
Neglecting Regular Eye Exams
Routine eye examinations might not be at the top of your list, but they should be. The CDC reports that nearly 93 million adults in the United States face a significant risk of severe vision loss. Shockingly, only half of them have consulted an ophthalmologist in the last year. Neglecting regular eye exams is a common mistake that can potentially harm your eyes in the long run.
You should understand that eye examinations are not solely for those who already have vision issues. They are a proactive way to detect issues early on. These exams can uncover conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or even high blood pressure that can affect your eyes.
So, how can you overcome this problem? It’s simple: prioritize your eye health. Schedule routine eye check-ups, either annually or as per the instructions of your eye care specialist. Consider it a routine check-up, just like you would for your teeth or general health. If you have difficulty remembering appointments, set reminders on your phone or calendar.
Summing Up
In the fast-paced lifestyle, it’s easy to overlook the well-being of your eyes. However, you can take a few effective steps to protect your vision from potential harm.
Along with serving as the window to the world, your eyes also tell a story about your health. Neglecting them can have far-reaching consequences. Thus, take a moment to reflect on your daily habits and make necessary adjustments to ensure your eyes receive the care they deserve.