YOUR EYES AND YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

Ever since William Shakespeare said:

“The Eyes are the window to your soul”

… people have been trying to decode every glitter, wrinkle, squint, and gaze that passes from those orbs.

Eyes that see are the greatest blessing, for they are orbs that shine lights and make even the realization of what healing must happen... possible.

From the preceding comments, we can appreciate the importance of our ‘’Eyes’’.

The eyes are the sensory organs that allow you to see. The eyes capture visible light from the world around you and turn it into a form the?brain?uses to create a sense of vision.

People are born with two eyes, when they work together, they give you a field of view about 200 degrees wide and 135 degrees tall. When your eyes work together correctly, they give a depth perception and 3D vision while also giving color vision.

It’s also important to know that sight and vision aren’t necessarily the same thing. Sight is what your eyes do. Vision is the entire process that starts with sight and ends with your brain processing what your eyes see into a form your brain can use and understand.

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing eye conditions. Understanding these risk factors is crucial to prevent and manage eye diseases.

?Here are six factors that can put one at higher risk for eye diseases and vision problems.

1. Age: Age is one of the most significant risk factors for many eye diseases. As one gets older, the risk of developing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increases.

2. UV Exposure: UV (Ultraviolet light) exposure is a significant risk factor for developing macular degeneration and cataracts.? Protecting the eyes from UV from an early age is an important way to mitigate the risk.? Regular use of sunglasses with full UVA/UVB protection and hats is important for children and adults.?

3. Income: Socioeconomic factors can impact healthcare options, including eye care. Lower-income individuals may have limited access to regular eye exams and may delay seeking treatment, which can lead to accelerated progression of an eye disease.

4. Genetic factors: Genetics can play a vital role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to various eye conditions. For instance, if you have a family history of eye diseases, your risk of inheriting those conditions increases.

5. Chronic health condition: Several chronic health conditions can increase the risk of eye diseases. Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are all conditions that can affect the eyes.

6. Lifestyle behaviours: Smoking is a risk factor for cataracts and AMD. Additionally, being physically inactive can also lead to obesity, which in turn increases the risk of diabetes and its associated eye complications.

The most common eye problems (other than temporary conditions like eye infections or irritation) include:

• Refractive errors (for those needing glasses)
• Age-related cataracts.
• Age-related macular degeneration.
• Retinal diseases (especially diabetes-related retinopathy).
• Glaucoma.
• Dry eye disease
• Minor eye irritations

?Some eye conditions like glaucoma often develop without noticeable symptoms. This stealthy nature underscores the importance of early detection and proactive care. Much like nurturing our spiritual lives to walk closely with Christ, maintaining eye health requires vigilance, discipline, and a commitment to regular care.

?Preventive Measures for Eye Conditions

1. Regular Eye Exams: Significance: Routine eye exams are crucial for early detection, especially in the case of glaucoma. Since the disease often progresses without noticeable symptoms, comprehensive eye exams are the only way to identify early signs. Recommendations: Adults should have their eyes examined every 2-4 years if they are under 40, and yearly if they are over 40. Those with a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors may need more frequent check-ups.
2. Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure and Eye Pressure: Significance: High blood pressure and elevated intraocular-eye pressure are significant risk factors for glaucoma. Recommendations: Regularly monitor and manage blood pressure through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication if necessary.
3. Protective Eyewear: Significance: Eye injuries can increase the risk of developing secondary eye conditions. Recommendations: Use protective eyewear when engaging in activities that pose a risk of eye injury, such as sports or working with hazardous materials.
4. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Significance: Diet and exercise play a role in overall eye health. Recommendations: Incorporate a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins C and E. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and improve blood flow, which can benefit eye health.
5. Medication Adherence: Significance: For those diagnosed with some form of eye condition, adherence to prescribed medications is crucial for managing eye health effectively Recommendations: Follow the prescribed treatment plan and consult your Eye Expert regularly to adjust medications as needed. Sometimes surgeries may be required.

Conclusion

Preventing eye diseases that could become chronic, like nurturing a vibrant spiritual life, requires proactive measures and ongoing attention. Regular eye exams, healthy lifestyle choices, and adherence to medical advice are key to preserving vision and preventing eye diseases from diminishing our quality of life.

By integrating these practices into our daily lives, we can protect our vision, living fully and purposefully in all aspects of our life.