World Sight Day 2022’s theme is “Love Your Eyes”. This day is intended to increase public awareness about the global problem of eye health. Vision problems are not just caused by the eyes. Vision problems can also be caused from a variety of health conditions or illnesses. It is true. Eye problems can be caused by many chronic conditions. If you have any of these health conditions, it is important to continue your eye exams before it becomes too late.
Cured Care reached out to Dr. Priyanka Sing, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Neytra Eye Center, New Delhi to discuss chronic health issues that could lead to eye problems.
According to Dr Singh, here are five health conditions that could affect your vision.
1. Diabetes
High blood sugar levels over a long time can cause damage to blood vessels throughout the body. Sugar can cause tiny blood vessels to bleed or leak from the retina. The weaker eyes can grow new blood vessels to combat this problem. They may also bleed easily or leak easily. The fluid could cause the eye’s to overflow, which can cause vision problems. Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that results from damage to blood vessels due to diabetes.
2. Hypertension
High blood pressure, just like high blood sugar levels can cause blood vessels to become damaged. High blood pressure can lead to the retina’s blood vessels becoming thicker, which can reduce the amount blood that can reach them. Insufficient blood flow can cause damage to delicate tissues of the eyes, such as macular edoema, vitreous hemorhage, optic nerve injuries, fluid accumulation under the retina, and macular edoema. Hypertensive Retinopathy is the name of this condition.
3. Multiple sclerosis
The immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the optic nerve. It aids in rapid and effective signal transmission between the eyes and the brain to interpret the signals. The immune system attacks the signalling, causing inflammation and rapid loss in eyesight. Optic neuritis is the name of this condition. This condition can cause blurred vision, blurred vision, loss color vision, headaches, blindness, or pain in the eye movement.
Also read: World Sight Day – 5 reasons you shouldn’t rub your eyes
4. Thyroid
Overactive thyroid can cause antibodies to be directed against these cells due to similarity between the receptors found in the cells behind the eyes, and the ones found in thyroid cells. Graves orbitopathy and Graves’ eye disease can result. These conditions can cause eye irritation, double vision, conjunctival inflammation, proptosis, redness, swelling, and inflammation. In severe cases, the symptoms may include decreased eye movement, optic nerve compression, partial closure of the eyes, corneal ulceration, and loss of vision.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders
The immune system attacks one’s body tissues when there are autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus. The autoimmune condition is a reaction to inflammation in the uvea’s blood vessels, including the iris and ciliary bodies. It causes inflammation in all parts of the eye, leading to severe pain, increased pressure and sudden loss of sight.
How can you take care of your eyes?
These are some tips to follow:
- You should not rub your eyes with your fingers. It could transmit the bacteria.
- Before touching your eyes, or using contact lenses, always wash your hands.
- Sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes against Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B damage.
- Healthy eyesight requires certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, E zinc, and copper. Include them in your daily diet.
- Avoid smoking, as it can cause damage to optic nerves.
- Limit your exposure digital screens.
- Regular exercise is a good way to lower the chance of developing chronic conditions.
Dr. Singh states, “It’s imperative to maintain a healthy life style, diet, and keep track of any health issues by going for regular health screenings and check-ups.” It is recommended to have an eye exam once a year if you have any eye conditions.
It is important to get a timely diagnosis in order to not only keep tabs on your health, but also to address any potential health problems.
We urge you to see an ophthalmologist on World Sight Day to have your eyes checked and to receive the best advice regarding vision if you are suffering from any of these conditions.
