World Sight Day 2024: How to prevent cataract, myopia and other common eye conditions

If you’ve ever found yourself having trouble reading the signs while driving, experiencing persistent discomfort after hours of screen time, or noticing a sudden haze over your vision, your eyes might be sending you a message. These subtle signs can hint at underlying issues that require attention.

Maintaining good eyesight is vital for quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, neglecting your eye health can lead to serious consequences. Many eye conditions, if not detected and treated early, can progress and result in irreversible damage, impacting not only your vision but also your health.

Caring for your eyes helps to achieve a clear vision and maintain the quality of life, says Dr Sri Ganesh, Eye Surgeon and Chairman and Managing Director at Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital, Bengaluru. “Many eye conditions can progress silently, causing irreversible damage if not detected early. Regular eye exams play a vital role in early detection and treatment, allowing you to protect one of your most precious senses,” he adds.

Dr Ganesh shares 6 common eye conditions and suggests strategies to prevent them:

• Cataracts: Marked by the clouding of the eye's lens, cataracts lead to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light. To prevent cataracts, consume a diet rich in antioxidants, wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, and avoid smoking. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery.

• Glaucoma: It is known as the “Silent thief of vision.” Glaucoma can silently damage the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. While there is no definitive way to prevent glaucoma, wearing protective eyewear, exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, and adhering to prescribed eye drops can help manage the risk.

• Myopia (Near-sightedness): If you struggle to see objects in the distance while nearby ones remain clear, you may be experiencing myopia. Spending more time outdoors in natural sunlight has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia in children. Reducing prolonged screen time can also reduce eye strain.

• Conjunctivitis: Commonly known as pink eye, conjunctivitis involves inflammation of the membrane lining the eyelids. Triggered by infections, allergies, or inflammatory diseases, it can be prevented through regular handwashing and avoiding touching the face. Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or makeup to minimise exposure.

• Computer vision syndrome: As your reliance on digital devices increases, so do symptoms of computer vision syndrome, which includes blurred vision, eye irritation, and dry eyes. To combat this, give your eyes regular breaks from screens, remember to blink frequently, and consider using lubricating eye drops.

• Retinopathy: This refers to diseases affecting the retina, which can result in blurred vision or sudden vision loss. If left unchecked, conditions like diabetes can lead to retinopathy. Managing diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can help prevent this condition.