Eye Health

There are numerous illnesses which can affect the eye, usually depending on circumstance. When people think of eye health, they will often think of diseases like conjunctivitis which can appear as either a bacterial or a viral infection. There are also other conditions where cataracts can form on the eye, hence affecting the patient's vision severely. There are also other disorders such as short-sightedness which can be corrected via contact lenses or spectacles. Sometimes people are born with these conditions, but other times they develop later on in life.

Lots of people also like to read before going to bed, but it is important that the person reads with the correct amount of light. Sometimes it is better to keep bedroom's main light on while reading, in order to avoid straining one's vision. Desk lamps are also going to work quite well with this. If one does start having problems with vision, it is best to go to an optician's as soon as possible. Some people are born with the need for glasses, but many more will develop this in later life. It is a good idea to get it sorted out as soon as possible especially if one drives a lot.

One of the simplest things to do which can help to protect the eyes is to wear sunglasses during the summer time. The UV rays contained in the sunlight can cause serious damage to the eyes, so make sure to get glasses that will block as much of the light as possible.

When comes to general health, there are several vitamins which are great for the eyes. These vitamins include A, C and E as well as zinc and folic acid. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables will also, surprisingly, help to slow down the progress of any specific conditions one may be suffering from especially if they affect the sight. 

Those who work in offices or with computers will frequently find that they suffer from eye dryness. Working at the computer all day can end up putting a lot of strain on the eyes. It is a good idea to "rest" them, so to speak, by closing them for a while every now and then. Usually a couple of seconds is fine.

Following these suggestions can lead to better eye health. Most people rely on their vision and therefore should protect it as much as possible. Eye health can be kept well into old age if certain advice is followed.

Read More in Depth Content below:

• Description of some Eye Diseases and the Various Eye Problems That May Affect Your Eyes
• Statistics
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Symptoms
• Conventional Treatment
• Natural Treatment
• Product Recommendations

Eyes and How to Prevent Eye Diseases and other Eye Problems

Unfortunately, our eyesight tends to deteriorate as we age. The eyes are also prone to a number of eye diseases, some age-related, and some not. Learning about these eye problems and other conditions that can affect your eyes and how you can treat them is crucial if you want to protect your eyesight.

Description of some Eye Diseases and the Various Eye Problems That May Affect Your Eyes

There are dozens of conditions that can affect your eyes and impair your vision. Some of the most common eye diseases and eye problems can be found below.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) is one of the more common age-related conditions. Fortunately, this condition may impair vision but will never cause complete blindness.

The condition occurs when the macula, the detail-oriented part of your eye, degenerates due to wear and tear. AMDaffects the central part of your vision, but leaves peripheral vision intact.

There are two types of AMD, dry and wet. Dry AMD affects a specific area of the retina and affects both eyes symmetrically. In wet AMD, blood vessels tend to grow abnormally as the macula degenerates. This causes a more severe and rapid progression.

Cataracts are a type of haziness that clouds your vision. This condition generally affects people who are over the age of 60. If left untreated, cataracts can eventually cause blindness. Some people with diabetes will also develop cataracts. In rare cases, a child might be born with this condition.

Corneal disease generally occurs as a result of allergies or an infection such as conjunctivitis (Pink Eye).

Although many allergies are related to pollen or environmental allergies, an increasing number of people suffer from allergies to contact lenses, makeup, and certain medications. Pink Eye refers to an extremely contagious group of diseases that can cause redness, irritation, and pain.

Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of diseases that affect people with diabetes. Those who have diabetes are at risk for several conditions, including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Some of these conditions can cause blindness, so if you have diabetes it is crucial that you take eye tests on a regular basis.

Retinopathy is a degenerative eye disease that is often caused by diabetes. Other causes include arterial hypertension, sickle cell disease, exposure to sunlight, and artery occlusion.

Some types of retinopathy can result in blindness. Scientists believe that a number of genetic disorders may also cause or be related to retinopathy.

Glaucoma refers to a disease in which increased fluid in the eye causes pressure, optic nerve damage, and eventual vision loss. There are two types of glaucoma, including open angle and closed angle glaucoma.

Although closed angle is more painful and progresses more quickly, patients who have closed angle glaucoma often seek treatment before suffering significant vision loss. Those who have open angle glaucoma often lose vision without realizing the severity of their condition.

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, the part of your eye that senses light, becomes torn or lifted from its proper position. If left untreated, a detached retina can cause vision loss.

Torn retinas can also lead to retinal detachment. There are three types of retinal detachment, including rhegmatogenous, tractional, and exudative. In rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, a torn retina creates fluid buildup that eventually leads to detachment.

Tractional retinal detachment refers to a condition in which the retina detaches as a result of scar tissue contraction. Finally, exudative retinal detachment is usually caused by some other type of retinal or inflammatory disease.

Vitreous detachment is a condition in which the liquid at the back of your eyes gradually shrinks. As the vitreous shrinks, fibers pull on the retina, causing it to break. You will be more likely to suffer from this condition if you are nearsighted or over the age of 50. Your risk will increase if you are 80 years of age or older.

Statistics

• 314 million people around the world have some sort of visual impairment.
• Of the 314 million people mentioned above, 124 million have low vision, 45 million suffer from blindness, and 145 million have refractive errors that are uncorrected.
• Cataracts are the number one cause of blindness worldwide.
• Every 5 seconds, someone around the world goes blind.
• Of all people with visual impairments, 90% live in low-income countries.
• 1.4 million children younger than 15 are blind.
• There are more than 66.8 million people with glaucoma.
• In the United States alone, 80 million people have eye disorders that could lead to blindness.
• 10 million people in the United States suffer vision impairment caused by AMD.
• 40-45% of all diabetics suffer from some type of retinopathy.
• Glaucoma is the number one cause of blindness in the United States.

Causes

There are hundreds of eye diseases, each with a different cause. There are some common factors, however. Many of these conditions are caused by age-related wear and tear.

Several types of diseases are caused by diabetes. Sunlight can also contribute to eye conditions such as AMD. Recent studies have shown that nutrition also plays a significant role. Those who eat a healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals are much less likely to develop eye disease.

Researchers speculate that antioxidants such as Vitamin C fight the free radicals that may cause some of these conditions.

Diagnosis

If you experience any signs of abnormal vision, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Many eye diseases can be diagnosed quickly and easily with a simply eye exam. If doctors suspect an underlying cause, such as diabetes, you might have to go through several other tests.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of eye disease will vary depending on the condition. In general, however, there are several symptoms that you should watch out for, including:

• Vision distortion
• Eye pain or redness
• Night blindness
• Blurred vision
• Visual field constriction
• Light sensitivity
• Red, swollen eyes
• Glare from fluorescent or other artificial forms of light
• Watery discharge
• Increased number of floaters
• Heaviness
• Light flashes
• Headaches
• Corneal crystals
• Tired eyes
• Mouth sores

Conventional Treatment Methods

Doctors usually prescribe some type of anti-inflammatory drug, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or a corticosteroid, before trying other treatment options.

NSAIDs include such well-known drugs as Ibuprofen, Advil, and Aleve. You should be aware that NSAIDs can actually cause eye damage if taken for long periods of time.

If you experience dry eyes, glaucoma, retinal hemorrhage, or cataracts, stop taking these drugs and contact your doctor. Some people also experience an increase in intraocular pressure.

Other commonly prescribed drugs include:

• Immune system suppressants.
• Steroid eye drops.
• Antifungal or antibacterial treatments.
• Antibiotics such as Erythromycin, Tobramycin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Gentamicin, and Sulfacetamide.
• Antihistaine decongestant eye drops.
• Beta blockers such as Metipranolol.
• Anti-allergy drugs such as Patonol, Alomide, and Livostin.
• Antivirals, including Adenine arabinoside, Triflurthymidine, and Idoxuridine.

Many of these medications have potentially serious side effects. Some may even cause your eye condition to worsen. For example, decongestant drops can cause glaucoma, anesthetics can damage your cornea, and beta blockers can slow your heart rate.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any of these medications. Depending on your situation and medical history, taking these drugs might not be worth the risk.

Natural Treatment Methods

If you wish to prevent eye disease, leading a healthy lifestyle is a good start. Try reducing your stress level, eating properly, and exercising regularly. Making these lifestyle changes will protect your overall health and make it easier to focus on your eyes.

Scientists have recently discovered that nutrition plays an extremely important role in eye health. Many conditions are caused or made worse by free radicals or inflammation.

Proper nutrition will give your body the ammo it needs to fight off these invaders and keep your eyes in good shape. If you are already eating a healthy diet, try adding some fish oil or antioxidants in the form of supplements.

Fish oil is one of the best supplements you can take if you would like to protect your eyes. The DHA contained in fish oil reduces inflammation and helps prevent many age-related eye conditions.

Also consider taking a supplement that contains vitamins B12 and B2. These B-complex vitamins slow aging and prevent eye problems. Deficiency can also cause light sensitivity and blurred vision; if you have these symptoms, try adding some Vitamin B to your diet.

Other supplements to consider include:

• L-Carnosine
• Glucosamine
• Beta-carotene
• Molybdenum
• Bilberry extract

Making significant lifestyle changes now may allow you to avoid some of the eye problems listed above.

Product Recommendations

MX Omega 3 contains pure fish oil rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Fish oil can reduce inflammation, support your immune system, improve heart health, boost memory, improve your mood, and fight aging.

Studies show that people who eat fish or take fish oil supplements regularly are less likely to develop AMD and other degenerative eye conditions. Research also shows that people who take fish oil recover from eye conditions more quickly than those who do not.

Our specialist supplement, Vision MX is specially formulated for helping support eye health and function as it contains ingredients associated with the eye and aspects of vision support.