Visual health is essential for enjoying a good quality of life. More than 1 billion people worldwide are affected by some degree of visual impairment. However, with appropriate care, more than 90% of cases could be prevented, treated or improved to achieve functional vision.
Adopting healthy habits, protecting your eyes from risk factors and having regular eye check-ups all play an important role in maintaining a good vision and preventing common eye conditions.
Preventing common eye conditions
Myopia is one of the most common vision problems, and its prevalence continues to rise. Current projections suggest that, by 2050, around half of the world’s population could be affected by myopia.
Other common eye conditions include cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Identifying these conditions at an early stage can help prevent or treat them.
For instance, the World Health Organization estimates that around 10% of blindness caused by cataracts is associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Other factors, such as smoking and diabetes, can also increase the risk of eye conditions. Managing these risk factors can therefore help protect your vision.
Healthy habits that benefit your vision
To keep good eye health, specialists recommend a number of simple everyday habits that can help protect your vision:
- Responsible use of digital screens: Prolonged use of digital devices can contribute to eye strain. Taking regular breaks and ensuring adequate lighting can help to reduce visual discomfort.
- Regular outdoor activity: Spending time outdoors is particularly beneficial for children, as outdoor activity has been associated with a reduced risk of myopia. Studies suggest that around 40 minutes of outdoor activity each day could help to reduce its incidence.
- A healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet that includes fruit, vegetables and fish provide nutrients associated with good eye health, such as lutein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Eye protection: Wearing sunglasses with UV protection is particularly recommended to help reduce the risk of developing certain eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration and corneal injuries such as photokeratitis.
The importance of regular eye examinations
Regular ophthalmic examinations are important for the early detection of eye conditions that may initially develop without symptoms, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
The recommended frequency of eye examinations varies depending on your age and individual risk factors, and should be determined by a healthcare professional. Depending on your age and risk level, specialists may recommend having your eyes checked once or twice a year.
Regular check-ups allo potential problems to be identified and treated before they start causing symptoms. Scheduling regular appointments with your ophthalmologist and maintaining healthy habits can help to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
