Many young people are not aware that they may not experience symptoms before they partially or completely lose their vision. According to a report on AFB (American Foundation for the Blind):
In USA alone, 23.7 million adults are either totally unable to see or face trouble seeing even with the help of corrective lenses, the number (is) expected to double by 2050. (https://www.afb.org/research-and-initiatives/statistics)
Even if your vision has been suffering for a long time or you just started having eye problems, it’s never too late to start taking better care of your eyes. If you have noticed a few challenges with your sight, here are a few possible reasons why:
1. GLAUCOMA
In glaucoma, there’s a buildup of the pressure within the fluid in your eye (intra ocular pressure, IOP). This results in damage to the eye’s optic nerve (which transmits images to the brain). This often leads to blurry vision and can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.
2. CATARACTS
Just like a camera, light passes to your retina through a clear eye lens (where images are processed). With cataracts, areas of your eye lens get cloudy and light cannot pass through to the retina smoothly enough. This results in an unclear vision. Most times, cataracts form very slowly and may lack typical symptoms like eye pain or redness.
3. DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Is a complication of diabetes and usually affects both eyes by causing damage to the blood vessels supplying the back of the eyes. Those who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes with poor blood sugar control are at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
OTHER POSSIBLE REASONS FOR POOR EYESIGHT
4. Eye strain
5. Uveitis
6. Night blindness (nyctalopia).
7. Astigmatism – where vision gets out of focus
8. Color blindness
9. Dry eye syndrome
10. Strabismus – also known as crossed eyes.
11. Presbyopia – inability to focus on near objects due to gradual vision loss.
SOME SYMPTOMS OF EYE PROBLEMS
▪️Inability to read at normal reading distance
▪️Blurred, cloudy or dim vision
▪️Halos around lights
▪️Redness of the eyes
▪️Faded color views
▪️Difficulty seeing at night
▪️Floaters in your field of vision
If any of the signs and symptoms listed in these seem to worsen up or persist for more than a few days; don’t hesitate in approaching a seasoned eye doctor for further examination.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR EYES
▪️When reading from a screen (phone or computer), take frequent breaks.
▪️Incorporate more activities into your home and work life, to reduce the amount of time your eyes spend on screens.
▪️Always read under brightly lit environments. ▪️Never use dim lights to read.
▪️Visit an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) whenever you notice any issues with your eyes. The earlier an eye condition is detected, the higher the chances of preserving eyesight.
Always be observant about any problematic symptoms you notice with your eyes. Be sure to respond by consulting an ophthalmologist, so that your eyes can get professional care and treatment before it’s too late.
