How Much Do You Know About Eye Diseases?
Warning Signs of Eye Problems
Blurry vision, spots on the eyeball, night blindness -- these are frequently seen eye complaints. Each could be a harmless worry or an early sign of illness. It isn't always easy to tell them apart. Do visit your eye doctor immediately once you notice any differences in your vision.
Color Blindness Test
What is the number on the far left in the picture below? If you see "3", you probably have normal color vision. If you think it's a "5," then you might be color blind. The center panel shows a mild lack of color vision. You can see what complete color blindness, which rarely happens, looks like on the right panel, where no number is visible. Tinted glasses may help you see better if you are color blind.
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Nearsightedness refers to the situation where you find it difficult looking at the things in the distance clearly. In medical terms, it is also called myopia. Nearsightedness is most likely caused by either genetic reasons or bad reading habits which lead to overuse and fatigue of eyes.If you are nearsighted, daily activities like driving, playing sports, or seeing any objects will all become inconvenient for you. There are symptoms like blurred vision, squinting, and fatigue. To deal with it, you can either wear glasses, contacts, or get laser surgery.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Most of the time, farsightedness come along the birth of a child and get outgrown during childhood. For those who are farsighted, they may be able to see distant objects clearly, but reading books, knitting, and seeing other close objects are blurry. It's a problem that runs in families. Solutions include wearing glasses or contacts or receiving surgery for it.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism in one or both eyes means that your vision may lose focus at any distance. It occurs if the cornea, the crystal "window" that covers the front of the eye, is shaped in a wrong way. It can be corrected by wearing glasses or receiving surgery. People who have astigmatism may experience blurred vision, headaches and eye strain.
Glaucoma: View
It's hard for you to feel or notice this disease, but it will slowly damage your optic nerve. It's highly possible that you won't notice any symptoms until you finally lose your central vision. Therefore regular eye exams are recommended every 1-2 years, especially middle-aged people. Glaucoma could be cured with medications or surgery.
Cataracts: View
Most of us will have a cataract by the time when we turn 80. Your vision slowly becomes foggy, and you will find it hard to see things clearly with ease. Diabetes, cigarettes or too much exposure to the sunlight raise your chances. It might be cured through receiving a surgery that replaces the clouded lens with an artificial one.
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
This is a disease that runs in the family. It usually starts with night vision problems and then a slow loss of side vision, finally, in some cases, blindness. High-dose vitamin A supplements can relieve vision loss, but we still recommend that you see your doctor before taking supplements since too much vitamin A can be toxic.
Floaters and Specks
Have you ever seen moving blurry spots or specks? They're probably debris in your eye's vitreous gel which do not affect your vision and are visible under bright light. Although they are common and harmless, you should see a doctor immediately if:They appear or multiply all of a sudden.You also see flashes of light.You see white or black specks all the time. You notice a sudden shadow or loss of side vision.
Foods for Eye Health
Carrots will benefit your eyes. Other foods that are good for eyes include spinach, nuts, oranges, beef, seafood, whole grains, many other foods that make up a healthy diet. Look for foods with antioxidants such as omega-3 fatty acids; beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, and also lutein, zinc, and zeaxanthin.
