Lifestyle Factors
Many lifestyle factors have the potential to impact, both positively and negatively, on the health of our eyes. Ageing is predominantly the most influential factor on eye health and function. However, in a rapidly developing society, additional (somewhat unnatural) stress is being placed on our eyes due to our reliance on computers and other visual aids. The dynamic ability of the human eye to allow undisturbed vision is attributable to many internal factors such as nutrition. Many potentially damaging factors (see below) such as UV light exposure, alcohol consumption and poor diet can be reduced by simply improving lifestyle.
Risk Factors for Developing Eye Conditions
Poor nutrition: Many nutrients are present in high concentrations in the eyes and are necessary for the health and proper functioning of the eyes. Deficiencies in many substances can be detrimental to vision, for example vitamin A deficiencies can produce substantial visual disturbances such as double vision and night blindness.
Age: Unfortunately, like the rest of our body as we get older, our eyes become susceptible to developing eye conditions. The increase in oxidative stress by oxygen free radicals associated with ageing is mostly responsible for the damage, therefore ingesting higher levels of antioxidants from nutrition becomes important.
Diabetes: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder involving the loss of glucose regulation, which puts a lot of stress and strain on our bodies. It remains a high risk factor for developing eye conditions. Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macula degeneration are some diabetic complications justifying the need for yearly eye checks by an ophthalmologist.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure remains a significant health problem across the world, causing mortality and morbidity. Glaucoma can result from high blood pressure increasing the pressure of the fluid in the eye.
Obesity: Obesity has been linked with age-related cataract, glaucoma, macula degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. As obesity is closely associated with diabetes and high blood pressure, eye health is commonly compromised. The Royal National Institute of the Blind in the United Kingdom recently reported that obesity doubles the risk of losing vision. For more information on obesity visit the WHO website.
Smoking: The detrimental effects of smoking on all areas of health are well known and documented, and the eyes are no exception. Smoking is a major risk factor for macular degeneration amongst other eye conditions. Nicotine, carbon monoxide and other toxins in cigarette smoke are thought to be important causes of blood vessels losing their elasticity. This means that these vessels are less compliant and more likely to rupture. Smoking is also a contributing factor to high blood pressure.
UV light exposure: Exposure to UV light can cause irreversible damage to our eyes. See below for more details.
Family history: Although the precise genetic link remains unknown, many eye conditions have been observed to reoccur within families. For example, there is an increased risk of around 10% for first degree relatives (immediate family) from suffering glaucoma.
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Protecting your Eyes from the Sun
Wearing UV Protective Eyewear
Sunglasses have become a trendy accessory in today’s society and for good health reasons as well, to prevent damage to our eyes. The Australian Medical Association has recommended the new slogan “Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap” be used. In keeping with the tradition of the popular and effective catch phrase, the additional word ‘wrap’ refers to wrap-around sunglasses now particularly recognised as being a necessary condition of the protection against the suns harmful rays.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is invisible radiation coming from the sun consisting of three bands: UVA, UVB and UVC. DNA damage in various tissues of the body due to UV light exposure has been well documented. UVA is absorbed within the lens of the eye, therefore posing a direct threat to the eye. UVB is responsible for the skin damaging and cancer forming properties of UV light whilst also having quite harmful effects on the eyes. According to a variety of sources, it seems that UVB can increase the risk of cataracts. UVC is mostly reflected away by the earth’s atmosphere and does not pose such as threat as UVA and UVB.
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The Differential Absorption of UV light rays (Source: www.i2i-leicester.co.uk)
Sunglasses are essential in blocking out UV light and reduce the risk of damage to your eyes. When purchasing sunglasses, look for those that claim they are UVA and UVB protective. Some higher-priced sunglasses contain polycarbonate, which have the potential to block out 100% of the UV rays.
Computers and Your Eyes
The increasing use of computers in society undoubtedly puts stress and strain on your eyes. Prolonged use of computers can result in a variety of symptoms known as computer vision syndrome (CVS). The majority of people who use computers everyday will invariably suffer symptoms of CVS. Most commonly, computer use is associated with eye strain, eye fatigue, headache, red eyes and burning sensation, pain in or around the eyes, blurred vision, and occasional double vision.
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In the efforts of reducing eye strain associated with computers, it is important to recognise occupational health and safety recommendations for the frequent use of computers:
Get an eye exam – see your local eye specialist for an assessment before using computers heavily.
Use proper lighting and minimise glare – avoid or reduce excessively bright light coming from inside and out. Also, adjust the brightness of your computer to the surrounding environment. Insist on the use of an anti-glare screen.
Blink more often – consciously blinking more often allows you to relubricate your eyes and can help relief symptoms of CVS.
Take frequent breaks – optimally, you should take a 10min break every half an hour from the computer to reduce eye strain and other symptoms of CVS. However, if you find that you require more than this you may need to consult an eye care professional.
For more information on better health practices for office workers, see the ‘Officewise – Guide to Health and Safety in the Office’ from WorkSafe Victoria at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.
