Eye Health: Diseases, Prevention and Products

Human eyes are a complex optical device whose task is to “transmit” images of the environment to the optic nerve. With the help of such an amazing gift of nature as vision, we can fully perceive the world around us. Unfortunately, the eyes are susceptible to diseases just like any other organ.

Reasons of Eye Diseases and Symptoms

The visual system bears a colossal load throughout life. Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat different eye problems. They not only select glasses or contact lenses but also give recommendations and can prescribe drops to relieve tension. In addition to eye diseases caused by injuries or genetics, the problem of fatigue of the visual apparatus is acute. Among the main reasons that lead to decreased visual acuity and the development of eye diseases we can distinguish:

unfavorable environment. The eyes are a system that is sensitive to the environmental situation. In particular, it is susceptible to air pollution largely due to direct contact. Dry eye syndrome is the most common complaint among people exposed to dirty air.
chronic heart and vascular diseases, metabolic diseases. Often, cardiologists and therapists refer patients to an ophthalmologist for problems with the heart and blood vessels. It might sound surprising, but heart problems could be a reason for blurry vision and pathological processes in the blood vessels of the eyes and in the fundus retina.
severe and prolonged stress. A moment of stress is marked by an increase in blood pressure and a simultaneous increase in the content of adrenaline in the blood, the excess of which is transformed into chemicals that have a narcotic effect on the body. This cannot but affect vision. At the moment of strong emotions, complete blindness may even occur as an extreme reaction to a stressful situation.
malnutrition, lack of vitamins and microelements. Nutrition is one of the factors that contribute to good vision: the more varied it is, the more vitamins and microelements will enter the body. Poor nutrition deprives the body of essential vitamins and minerals, which leads to poor vision.

Very often people start noticing vision problems only when they begin to experience difficulties seeing objects near or far away. However, some signs should also alert you such as pain in the eyes, dryness, burning, redness, feeling of sand in the eyes, cloudiness of images, spots and veil, flashes and floating spots in the eyes, poor vision at dusk, blurred vision in one eye, headache as well as pain in temples. All these symptoms may appear periodically and be of little concern. But still, it means that you need to pay attention to your health and consult an ophthalmologist.

Types of Eye Diseases and Products for Treatment

Currently, a huge number of eye diseases are diagnosed. They differ not only in symptoms but also in the causes of development, possible complications, and other signs. At the same time, eye diseases are combined by specialists into several groups depending on the tissues being damaged.

Inflammatory diseases of the eyelids (blepharitis, demodicosis caused by the Demodex mite, chalazion) and diseases of the conjunctiva (bacterial, viral, acute, and chronic conjunctivitis).

These diseases are characterized by inflammation, the area of distribution of which is the edges of the eyelids. Patients complain of burning and redness, as well as swelling of the tissues. At the same time, yellow color becomes difficult to perceive. Additional symptoms are itching and discharge, as well as pain, dry eyelid edges, and peeling. After sleep, patients discover scabs of pus on their eyelashes. Different types of medications to control inflammation could be used, including pills and eye drops, such as Floxal. A broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug. Its bactericidal properties are due to the ability to block gyrase (DNA enzyme) in bacterial cells. Active against most gram-negative bacteria. Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, immunosuppressive drug, which is used in cases of inflammatory eye diseases.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure, impaired outflow of intraocular fluid, as well as decreased vision, and changes in the retina and optic nerve. According to different classifications, it includes dozens of different diseases. Glaucoma is dangerous because it is usually asymptomatic, so significant damage to the optic nerve and retina occurs. People over 40 are at greatest risk, as many things change in their bodies at this age. This disease occurs due to increased intraocular pressure, which leads to nerve dysfunction. Due to the pathological process, vision deteriorates. Glaucoma is dangerous because it can cause complete blindness. The disease progresses quickly, so it is essential to consult a doctor promptly at the first signs, which include the appearance of black spots, colored rings and other defects in the field of vision, blurred images, and disturbances in lateral vision.

Usually, such medicines as Careprost (Bimatoprost) and Lumigan could be used to control the development of disease and relieve symptoms. It should be noted that eye drops do not treat glaucoma, they just improve the chemical processes in the eyes and decrease the high intra-ocular pressure.

Lumigan and Careprost contain a hormone-like substance, the fatty acid bimatoprost. When the drug is instilled into the eyes, the outflow of fluid improves, which leads to a decrease in eye pressure. You can also observe a pleasant “side effect” such as increased eyelash growth.

Xalatan is one more effective medicine against glaucoma. It’s not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Xalatan reduces the elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in adults and children over 1 year of age with open-angle glaucoma or increased ophthalmotonus. In general, these drops must be dripped constantly until the doctor replaces them with some other drops. The dosage regimen is 1 time per day, which provides good compliance for a long time on the part of patients.

Diseases of the cornea (keratitis, corneal opacities, keratopathy) and lens diseases (age-related, secondary cataracts). These diseases are characterized by gradual clouding of the cornea or lens. The pathology develops quickly and can affect one or both eyes. As a rule, it is diagnosed in elderly patients and is a consequence of natural changes in the body. In a group of young people, the disease occurs due to injuries and somatic disorders. Dicynone (etamsylate) — drops used to strengthen the capillaries of the eyes and relieve redness. Cataract clear — antioxidant eye drops that help to encourage lens transparency in those with cataracts.

Prevention

Modern living conditions create a great risk for eye health problems. Most people spend several hours a day looking at the monitors of various electronic devices (TVs, computers, tablets). Heated or air-conditioned air in apartments and offices causes dry eyes and discomfort. Some people spend a lot of time driving, constantly straining their eyesight. These are not all the negative factors of our modern life, which can lead to decreased visual acuity and other unpleasant consequences for the eyes.

To keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear, you should always follow certain simple rules.

When watching TV, working at the computer, or reading a book, create conditions that are comfortable for your eyes. Maintain a minimum distance from your eyes (3 meters to a TV screen, 30 cm to a book or other printed documents, 50 cm to a computer monitor), ensure good lighting in the room, and do not read while shaking, for example, in public transport. Don’t overstrain your eyes and give them rest.
Moisturize the mucous membranes of the eyes. When working at a computer, as well as under unfavorable environmental conditions, when symptoms of dryness and irritation of the eyes occur, use moisturizing drops. They will relieve inflammation and avoid overstrain of the eye muscles and deterioration of vision. The best eye drops are Systane, Refresh Tears, and Clear Eyes. They are corneal epithelium protector. Medicine has a moisturizing and protective effect on the cornea with reduced secretion of tear fluid. Possessing high viscosity, it increases the duration of contact of the solution with the cornea. The refractive index of the solution is similar to natural tears.
Protect your eyes from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet rays are harmful not only to the skin but also to the organs of vision. Therefore, wear sunglasses with UV-blocking coating and, if you wear contact lenses, choose lenses with UV protection.
Give your eyes nutrition. The eyes need vitamins and microelements to stay healthy, so be sure to include in your diet foods rich in vitamins C and E and beta-carotene: blueberries and currants, fish, dried apricots, carrots, cabbage, and dairy products. Also, you can use effective dietary supplements such as Ocuvit this is a modern vitamin complex that includes all the necessary groups of vitamins and minerals to maintain your vision.

Disclaimer: The information presented on the page should not be used for self-medication or self-diagnosis. If you suspect the presence of a disease, you must seek help from a qualified specialist. Only your attending physician can diagnose and prescribe treatment.