You At Your Best

Special to You at Your beSt The prospect of vision loss is not typically a concern for most people until a decline in visual acuity becomes noticeable. Vision changes as a person ages, and it also may be affected by injury. But there are entirely preventable factors that contribute to poor vision or diminished eye health as well. Taking inventory of behaviors that put eyes at risk, and making important changes, can safeguard the eyes for as long as possible. Get routine comprehensive wellness exams The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 93 million adults in the United States are at risk for vision loss. Factors that contribute to vision loss can include being overweight or obese, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. A wellness exam also may uncover family history issues that increase risk for hereditary eye conditions. Receive a dilated vision exam Many eye diseases, like glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, have no warning signs, states the CDC's Vision Health Initiative. The only way to determine if there is an eye health issue or compromised vision is to get a complete vision exam, which includes dilating the pupil to see the retina, blood vessels and other components of the inner eye. This is the only way to detect diseases in their earliest stages. Step up healthy eating Many eye-healthy foods are rich in vitamins and minerals. Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale and collards are good for the eyes, according to the National Eye Institute. In addition, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, halibut and tuna, also are good choices for maintaining eye health, as they lower the risk for dry eyes and eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Sip on green tea True Eye Experts says green tea is a great source of antioxidants that can keep eyes healthy and defend them from cataracts and AMD. Wear protective eyewear Always don sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection when outdoors. Protective eyewear is a must for those who work in an industry that requires eye protection or athletes who play sports in which eye injuries are a consistent threat. Discard old cosmetics Exercise caution with outdated eye makeup. Experts suggest discarding mascara that is more than four months old. Avoid applying eyeliner to the inside of the eyelid, as that can lead to irritation or infection. Practice smart contact hygiene A recent study found that 99 percent of contact lens wearers reported at least one behavior that puts them at risk for an eye infection. The CDC also notes that 20 percent of patients with contact lens-related corneal infections suffered eye damage as a result. Two of the more significant threats to the eye health of contact lens wearers are microbial keratitis and corneal inflammatory events. Thankfully, adverse side effects like MK and CIEs are often preventable. Proper handwashing prior to handling contact lenses is a simple and effective way for wearers to reduce their risk for contact lens-related eye infections. A 2017 survey of 950 contact lens wearers found that while 88 percent of respondents believed bacteria on fingers could transfer to their eyes during lens insertion, 41 percent still did not wash their hands prior to insertion. That's a big mistake, as another study published in the visual science journal Eye found that the risk of MK was 13 times higher for wearers who didn't wash their hands prior to handling their lenses compared to those who did. MK is a potentially severe, sight-threatening condition, which underscores the importance of adhering to basic contact lens safety practices like handwashing prior to inserting or removing contact lenses. Lenses should be stored properly in cleansing solution and discarded after the recommended amount of time for the particular type of lens (daily, bi-weekly, monthly). Unless they are approved for overnight use, remove contacts before going to bed. Quit smoking (or don't start) Smoking increases a person's risk of developing various eye diseases and can make diabetic eye disease more severe, says the CDC. It's never too late to make changes that can preserve your vision. The eyes have it: How to protect your vision right now Special to You at Your beSt It's easy to take vision for granted. Many people are born with fully functional eyes and only experience mild vision loss throughout their lives. But when vision is compromised and vision loss occurs, the reality of just how valuable eyesight is can sink in quickly. Various factors can contribute to vision loss. Many people only experience age-related vision loss, which is typically combatted with prescription eyeglasses. But sometimes vision loss, whether it's linked to aging or not, can be more menacing. Such is the case when a person has a detached retina. What is the retina? The retina is the layer of cells that lines the back wall inside the eye. The online medical resource Verywell Health says that light is projected onto the retina as it enters through the cornea, pupil and lens. The nerves of the retina then process that light and associated images before transferring their signals to the optic nerve, which then transports the signals to the brain. That's where the perception of images occurs, which highlights just how important a role the retina plays in vision. What is a detached retina? The American Academy of Ophthalmology says a detached retina occurs when the retina lifts away from the back of the eye. This is a serious problem that, if left untreated, could lead to vision loss in the affected eye. What causes a detached retina? Various things can cause the retina to become detached. The AAO notes that, as a person ages, the vitreous in his or her eyes begins to shrink and get thinner. As the eye moves, the vitreous, a jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye, moves around on the retina and does not cause any problems. However, in some instances, the vitreous sticks to the retina and pulls hard enough to tear it, allowing fluid to pass through the tear and detaching the retina. But age is not the only thing that can contribute to a detached retina. Verywell Health notes that trauma like a blow to the head can cause the retina to detach as well. Such trauma sometimes occurs when playing sports. What are the signs of a detached retina? The AAO urges anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms to contact an ophthalmologist immediately; otherwise, any delays can contribute to vision loss in the affected eye. • Seeing flashing lights: Some people compare this symptom, which appears suddenly, to seeing stars after being hit in the eye. • Noticing many floaters at once: The floaters may appear to resemble specks, lines or cobwebs in the affected person's field of vision. • A shadow in the affected person's peripheral vision • A gray curtain covering affected person's field of vision How is a detached retina treated? The AAO notes that surgery is performed to repair a detached retina. There are different types of surgery to repair detached retinas, and patients can discuss their surgical options with their ophthalmologists. A detached retina is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Learn more about detached retinas at www.aao.org. Explaining a detached retina SundaY, auguSt 28, 2022 | September - the 5 SenSeS YouatYourbeSt.nwaonline.com | You at Your beSt | 5

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