How important is nutrition for eyes during Covid?
AS COVID-19 wreaked havoc throughout the world, working professionals and students moved to remote work and learning which resulted in increased dependence on various screens, leading to several eye problems.
Proper nutrition for the eye is therefore imperative, said health experts on Tuesday.
The most common eye problems reported by children and working people during the pandemic include eye fatigue, dry and irritated eyes, fuzzy vision, and nearsightedness.
This is exacerbated by low physical activity, irregular eating habits, frequent snacking, and poor food quality during the pandemic.
“Every day, we encounter 20 to 30 patients who come to us complaining of eye discomfort. However, correct nutrition can offer the necessary support for ocular function, protect the eye from damaging light, and prevent agerelated degenerative illnesses,” said Dr Vineet Sehgal, senior consultant at Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals.
Further, Covid-19, which is largely a respiratory disease and is known to affect lungs, also causes modest to severe eye problems.
Some patients may develop conjunctivitis, irritated eyes, light sensitivity, and eye discomfort, which may last longer than two weeks.
“People who have a severe Covid-19 infection are at a high risk of having ocular abnormalities like vascular occlusion,” Sehgal said.
Long-term use of steroids also increases the risk of mucormycosis – a severe consequence occurring in Covid patients, particularly those who are diabetic or immunecompromised.
Infection of the nose and sinuses that spread to the orbit can cause vision loss or even death, if not treated promptly.
Long Covid also affects the eyes with people reporting the most frequent symptom as conjunctivitis.
“Conjunctivitis can be treated with medicine, but in certain cases, the retina and retinal vessels are damaged, resulting in long-term visual loss.
“This blockage of retinal veins not only causes substantial vision loss, but also takes a long time to heal,” Sehgal said.
A diet rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables which give vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can improve eye health.
“Consuming minerals such as lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as vitamins C, E, and zinc, have been associated with a decreased risk of serious eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration,” said Nabanita Saha, chief clinical dietician, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru.
“Nutritional needs for eye health are complicated, but some nutrients, such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts are crucial.
“Physical exercise has also been found to help prevent eye disease,” she said.