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EYE HEALTH

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.

OVERVIEW

Do you find your eyes dry, tired and, worst of all, twitchy after a long day? Many people suffer from eye fatigue due to their jobs and lifestyle choices, like checking their phones every day, all day.

Protecting your eyesight is one of the most important things you can do to help maintain your quality of life, yet many people take it for granted. Although most people say that they value their eyesight more than any other sense, only one third seek help from a professional when they notice problems with their eyes.

Poor eye health can significantly impact your quality of life and ability to work, and your risk of vision loss increases as you age. The leading causes of blindness and low vision are primarily age-related diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, so protecting your eyesight as you age is a vital part of your health care.

Regular sight tests are essential for maintaining healthy eyes. Up to 80% of all sight loss is preventable and treatable, but the secret is early detection. There are also other things you can do to guard your eye health.

EYE HEALTH IN SOUTH AFRICA

An estimated 1 in 10 South Africans live with some degree of vision loss, and, according to Blind SA, around 360 000 South Africans are classified as blind. Those most at risk of vision loss are people over 40, women, and people with diabetes. It is estimated that 97% of visually impaired South Africans are unemployed.

Our most prevalent eye diseases are cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eyes. Unfortunately, adequate eye care is a challenge in South Africa. Rural and impoverished communities have significantly less access to eye care services due to a lack of optometrists in those areas.

Studies show that South African women have a higher rate of vision loss than men. This is due to many factors, including that women tend to live longer than men and the risk of vision loss increases significantly with age. Women also tend to suffer a lower socioeconomic status than men in South Africa, which limits their access to healthcare.

LEADING CAUSES OF BLINDNESS AND LOW VISION

Cataracts

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40, and the number one cause of blindness in the world. More people develop cataracts worldwide than people who develop glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined.

Cataracts are formed when the clear lens which lies inside your eye, behind the iris and the pupil, becomes cloudy. This is a gradual process that usually happens as we get older. It does not hurt. A cataract starts out small and at first has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass.

If you think you have a cataract, see an eye doctor for an exam to find out for sure. The only proven treatment for a cataract is surgery.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage of the optic nerve at the point where it leaves the eye to carry visual information to the brain. Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide, and the leading cause of irreversible blindness, yet 90% of the time it can be prevented.

There is no cure for glaucoma as yet, and vision loss is irreversible. However medication or surgery can halt or slow-down any further vision loss. Therefore early detection is essential to limiting visual impairment and preventing the progression towards blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects eyes. It’s caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). The condition can develop in anyone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the more likely you are to develop this eye complication.

Diabetes is the third leading cause of blindness in South Africa. Contact your eye doctor right away if your vision changes suddenly or becomes blurry, spotty or hazy.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is deterioration of the macula, which is the small central area of the retina of the eye that controls how clearly you can see. The health of the macula determines our ability to read, recognise faces, drive, watch television, use a computer, and perform any other visual task that requires us to see fine detail. It is the fourth biggest cause of blindness worldwide.

Currently, it appears the best way to protect your eyes from developing early macular degeneration is to eat a healthy diet, exercise and wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR EYES

1. Know your risks for eye disease

2. Have regular health checks for diabetes and high blood pressure

3. Take action if you notice changes in your vision

Consult an eye doctor immediately if you experience signs of potentially serious eye problems. These include double vision, hazy vision and difficulty seeing in low light conditions. Red eyes, frequent flashes of light, floaters, and eye pain and swelling, should also be investigated.

4. Exercise regularly

5. Protect your eyes from the sun

6. Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids don’t only benefit your overall health, they also help to keep your eyes healthy.

Antioxidants are thought to reduce your risk for cataracts, and can be found in:

Broad leaf greens such as kale and spinach

Brightly coloured fruit and veg such as corn, carrots, orange sweet peppers and oranges

Broccoli and brussels sprouts

Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to ward off age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts, and can be found in:

Oily fish (like salmon, tuna and mackerel)

Eggs

7. Have your eyes checked regularly

In South Africa, most optometrists recommend getting your eyes checked every 1 – 2 years, depending on your age, health, and whether or not you wear corrective lenses. If you have risk factors like diabetes or a family history of eye disease, you will need more frequent check-ups.

Regular eye examinations are essential for children and adults alike as they protect your sight and can find eye disease early, so that treatment has the best chance of success.

8. Don’t smoke

9. Use safety eyewear

10. Look away from your computer or phone screen
Staring at a computer or phone screen for too long can cause:

Eyestrain

Blurry vision

Trouble focusing at a distance

Dry eyes

Headaches

Neck, back, and shoulder pain

Protect your eyes by:

Making sure your glasses or contacts prescription is up to date and good for looking at a computer screen

Moving the screen so your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. That lets you look slightly down at the screen

Using an anti-glare screen if needed

If your eyes are dry, blinking more

Resting your eyes every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, by focusing on something at least 6 metres away. Get up at least every 2 hours and take a 15-minute break.

MYTHS ABOUT EYE HEALTH

MYTH 1: Eating carrots will improve your eyesight

TRUE: Carrots are high in vitamin A, a nutrient essential for good vision. Eating carrots will provide you with the small amount of vitamin A needed for good vision, but vitamin A isn’t limited to rabbit food; it can also be found in milk, cheese, egg yolk, and liver.

MYTH 2: Sitting too close to the TV will damage your eyesight

MYTH 3: Reading in the dark will weaken your eyes

MYTH 4: Using glasses or contacts will weaken my eyesight, and my eyes will eventually become dependent on them

MYTH 5: Children with crossed eyes will outgrow the condition

FALSE: Children are not able to outgrow strabismus (the medical term for crossed eyes) on their own but, with help, it can be more easily corrected at a younger age. That’s why it is important for your child to have an eye exam early, first when your child is an infant and then again by age two.

MYTH 6: There's nothing you can do to prevent vision loss

FALSE: At the very first sign of symptoms, such as blurred vision, eye pain, flashes of light, or sudden onset of floaters in your vision, you should see your doctor. If detected early enough, depending on the cause, there are treatments that can correct, stop, or at least slow down your loss of vision.

MYTH 7: Using a nightlight in your child's room will contribute to near-sightedness

MYTH 8: Looking straight at the sun will damage your sight

TRUE: Looking at the sun may not only cause headaches and distort your vision temporarily, but it can also cause permanent damage to your retina (the back of your eye) and even lead to blindness. Any exposure to sunlight adds to the cumulative effects of ultraviolet radiation on your eyes. UV exposure has been linked to many eye disorders.

MYTH 9: Using artificial sweeteners will make your eyes more sensitive to light

TRUE: If you use artificial sweeteners, like cyclamates, your eyes may be more sensitive to light. There are other factors that will make your eyes more sensitive to light as well. They include antibiotics, oral contraceptives, high blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and diabetic medications.

MYTH 10: As long as you can see well, you don't really need to have your eyes tested

FALSE: There’s a lot more to an eye examination than just checking your prescription. During a comprehensive vision exam, your eye doctor will check your overall eye health, which can sometimes show signs of other serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Eye exams are an important part of taking care of your overall health, so make sure to see your eye doctor at least every two years.

EYE HEALTH

EYE HEALTH

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.

OVERVIEW

EYE HEALTH IN SOUTH AFRICA

LEADING CAUSES OF BLINDNESS AND LOW VISION

HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR EYES

MYTHS ABOUT EYE HEALTH

FURTHER READING