Eye care and eye health are not always given due importance which is unfortunate and potentially dangerous. As it is, age-related diseases and disorders develop in all individuals so it’s crucial that eyes are cared for accordingly. A saying goes that the eyes are the windows to the soul. How true that is is anyone’s guess but one thing’s for sure: they can indicate what health problems people suffer from. Certain conditions like diabetes mellitus, some cancers, HIV and cardiovascular disease show up in and around the eyes much before symptoms in other parts of the body appear. Catching them before they develop into life-threatening conditions is, therefore, important. According to ophthalmologists, everyone should undergo comprehensive eye exams by the time they hit 40 where conditions not usually experienced by younger people crop up. Those with family histories of eye conditions are at particular risk. If you’ve been experiencing problems that don’t resolve within two or three days visit the doctor at once. It’s important to note that many eye diseases present no symptoms so even if you don’t experience anything out of the ordinary, it doesn’t mean you’re home free. Regular exams and tests can, however, detect conditions early on to make them cheaper and easier to treat. Here’s a short list of health conditions which show symptoms in the eyes. Yellow eyes: A sign of jaundice which is itself an indication of a liver problem, yellow eyes are caused by too much bilirubin being produced which occurs due to diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis. Corneal rings: Rings around the cornea can indicate Wilson’s disease, a potentially life-threatening condition where copper accumulates in the liver, red blood cells and the brain. If not addressed, the condition can worsen to become fatal. Drooping eyelid: Not always a sign of something serious, a drooping eyelid can nevertheless indicate myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that weakens muscles in the body. It can also indicate other conditions like astigmatism – where the eye can’t bring an object into sharp focus – and amblyopia – where central vision in one or both eyes is compromised. With our eyes constantly at work it’s no wonder they’re subject to strain. Aging only serves to weaken them. However, there are numerous things one can do without spending a lot to ensure they remain healthy. • Eating right: There’s nothing like it. We are what we eat and foods such as dark leafy greens, carrots and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can keep peepers bright and healthy. • Staying far away from tobacco: Whether in smoking or smokeless form, tobacco is poison for the eyes and overall health. Over time, the damage it does to the eyes can even lead to blindness which is tough and usually impossible to reverse. • De-stressing the eyes: The nature of the work we do today is largely computer-based. While efficient, these marvel machines can cause huge strain on the eyes which in time can lead to eye problems. Practicing workplace eye safety is, therefore, extremely important and saves money on having to wear eyeglasses or undergo expensive treatment. • Having regular eye exams: A quick stop to the doctor can throw up conditions early on so treatment is cheaper and more effective. The ophthalmologist will also give invaluable insights into how to maintain eye health. Choosing a good optometrist goes a long way in keeping your eyes healthy and eyesight correct. Look for a professional optometrist in Dallas which can offer everything from eye examinations to contact lenses and spectacles. Click here to know more about optometrists.
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