• Dry eyes

It is due to the inadequate tears and lack of lubrication. Symptoms are the constant burning sensation, itchy eyes, and blurred vision. The cause may be over usage of computers, aging, medication or smoking.

• Ocular allergies

Ocular allergies may be indoor as well as outdoor. Symptoms are watering of the eyes, itching, and swelling. Cool compressions can reduce such allergies to an extent.

• Cataract

Usually found in elderly above 60 years of age. These are cloudy areas that develop in the eye lens.A healthy lens is clear like the cameras. Light passes through it to your retina- the back of your eye where the images are processed. When you have a cataract, light can’t get through as easily. The result! You can’t see as well as may notice glare or halo around lights at night. Cataracts often form slowly and when progressed if they cause vision problems that affect your activities and the eye health then surgery can be done.

Retinal disorders

The retina is a thin line on the back of your eye that is made of cells that collect images and pass them on to your brain. Retinal disorders block this transfer. There are different types:
Age-related macular degeneration refers to a breakdown of the small portion of the retina called macula.Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in your retina caused by diabetes.Retinal detachment happens when the retina separates from the layer underneath. It’s important to get an early diagnosis and have these conditions treated.

Simple Tips for Healthy Eye

Your eyes are an important part of your eye health. There are many things that you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing the best. Follow these simple steps for maintaining eye health well into your golden years.

• Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. It is the only way some eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy glaucoma etc. are diagnosed in their early stages.
• Know your family’s eye health… It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. This will help to determine if you are at a higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.
• Eat right to protect your sight. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach is important for keeping your eye health too. Research has also shown there are health benefits from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna.
• Wear protective eyewear. Wear protective eyewear like safety glasses, goggles etc. when playing sports or doing activities around the home.
• Quit smoking or never start. Smoking is bad for the eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
• Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but also protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
• Give your eyes rest. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing at any one thing. You sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.
• Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly to avoid the risk of infection.I hope that this article has helped you understand aspects of eye health. You can also read the blog on breast cancer awareness at Indiana Hospital website.