VISION FOR GOOD HEALTH
Good vision is an essential component of our quality of life.
Most people consider sight to be their most important sense, so we really should take good care of our eyes at every stage of our lives.
As with all other organs, caring for our eyes starts with proper diet and exercise. The eyes are also exposed to external hazards and should have appropriate protection. It’s important to wear the appropriate Uv-blocking sunglasses and protective eyewear when we’re involved in sports, work and hobbies that carry the potential for eye injury.
Young adults with good vision who don’t need glases typically also don’t have regular eye exams. However, the onset of age-related diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration can occur at a surprisingly young age - especially if there is a family history. In the earliest stages these can only be identified by an eye doctor. Early detection is key. Even if your vision seems to be normal, an eye exam every two to three years is advisable. Diabetics of all ages should have their eyes checked annually - and more frequently if diabetic changes have already occurred in the retina. Controlling blood sugar is critical for the prevention of diabetic retinopathy.
Problems with distance vision in adults less than 40 years old are typically due to myopia, astigmatism or both. Difficulty reading before the age of 40 can occur in association with significant farsightedness, but is less common. Many patients opt for laser vision correction because of its safety and precision. In contrast, contact lenses require meticulous care to prevent serious corneal infection that can be damaging to eyesight.
As we move through our 40s and 50s, near vision starts to deteriorate, and we may find that we need reading glasses or bifocals. This loss of near vision is called presbyopia and is caused by hardening of the eye’s natural lens. New treatments are now available to restore near vision. These include laser vision correction, laser blended vision, corneal inlays and multifocal intraocular implants. After the age of 40, the incidence of dry eye increases as well - especially in winter months or after prolonged reading and computer use. Artificial tears can be helpful as can sophisticated treatments such as Lipiflow, which can help prevent tear evaporation. Diet can also make a difference, especially the fatty acids found in omega-3 fish oil.
Regular eye examinations are important after the age of 40, not only because of the increased incidence of age-related problems but also because a retinal exam can detect the presence of a systemic disease, such as hypertension or diabetes, as well as the risk of stroke.
After the age of 60, other significant changes occur in our eyes. The incidence of cataracts increases dramatically because the natural lens starts to become less clear, and may eventually become cloudy. Fortunately, cataract surgery today is quite safe and, when combined with refractive surgery, can restore both distance and near vision - eliminating the need for glasses.
The frequency of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) also increases after the age of 60. Exercise, proper diet and the avoidance of smoking are important in preventing and delaying the progression of ARMD. Once it’s been detected, specific eye vitamins such as Vitalux or Ocuvite have been proven to slow its progression.
About Herzig Eye Institute
The Herzig Eye Institute has treated thousands of patients from across Canada, 42 US States and 23 countries worldwide. With a world-renowned surgical team, precision diagnostics and advanced technologies, the Herzig Eye Institute specializes in providing a range of life-changing procedures, all under one roof: Laser Vision Correction (SMILE, LASIK or PRK), Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), Intraocular Collamer Lens (ICL), Laser Cataract Surgery and treatment for presbyopia (loss of reading vision), Advanced Laser Cataract Surgery and Advanced Dry Eye treatments.