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Could my glasses be making my eyesight worse?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-armitage-399647">James Armitage</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-hockley-1517162">Nick Hockley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> So, you got your eyesight tested and found out you need your first pair of glasses. Or you found out you need a stronger pair than the ones you have. You put them on and everything looks crystal clear. But after a few weeks things look blurrier without them than they did before your eye test. What’s going on? Some people start to wear spectacles for the first time and perceive their vision is “bad” when they take their glasses off. They incorrectly interpret this as the glasses making their vision worse. Fear of this might make them <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20140513-do-glasses-weaken-your-eyesight#:%7E:text=A%20study%20from,they%20are%20right%3F">less likely to wear their glasses</a>. But what they are noticing is how much better the world appears through the glasses. They become <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/2576117X.2022.2033588">less tolerant</a> of a blurry world when they remove them. Here are some other things you might notice about eyesight and wearing glasses. <h2>Lazy eyes?</h2> Some people sense an increasing reliance on glasses and wonder if their eyes have become “lazy”. Our eyes work in much the same way as an auto-focus camera. A flexible lens inside each eye is controlled by muscles that let us <a href="https://www.aao.org/museum-eye-openers/how-does-eye-focus">focus on objects</a> in the distance (such as a footy scoreboard) by relaxing the muscle to flatten the lens. When the muscle contracts it makes the lens steeper and more powerful to see things that are much closer to us (such as a text message). From the age of about 40, the lens in our eye <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-we-lose-our-hearing-and-vision-as-we-age-67930">progressively hardens</a> and loses its ability to change shape. Gradually, we lose our capacity to focus on near objects. This is called “<a href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/presbyopia">presbyopia</a>” and at the moment there are no treatments for this lens hardening. Optometrists correct this with prescription glasses that take the load of your natural lens. The lenses allow you to see those up-close images clearly by providing extra refractive power. Once we are used to seeing clearly, our tolerance for blurry vision will be lower and we will reach for the glasses to see well again. <h2>The wrong glasses?</h2> Wearing old glasses, the wrong prescription (or even someone else’s glasses) won’t allow you to see as well as possible for day-to-day tasks. It could also cause <a href="https://headaches.org/readers-mail-glasses-causing-headache/">eyestrain and headaches</a>. Incorrectly prescribed or dispensed prescription glasses can lead to vision impairment in children <a href="https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2126392">as their visual system is still in development</a>. But it is more common for kids to develop long-term vision problems as a result of <a href="https://www.cera.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Healthy-Young-Eyes-Guide-ACC.pdf">not wearing glasses when they need them</a>. By the time children are about 10–12 years of age, wearing incorrect spectacles is less likely to cause their eyes to become lazy or damage vision in the long term, but it is likely to result in <a href="https://www.cera.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Healthy-Young-Eyes-Guide-ACC.pdf">blurry or uncomfortable vision</a> during daily wear. <a href="https://goodvisionforlife.com.au/">Registered optometrists in Australia</a> are trained to assess refractive error (whether the eye focuses light into the retina) as well as the different aspects of ocular function (including how the eyes work together, change focus, move around to see objects). All of these help us see clearly and comfortably. <h2>What about dirty glasses?</h2> Dirty or scratched glasses can give you the impression your vision is worse than it actually is. Just like a window, the dirtier your glasses are, the more difficult it is to see clearly through them. <a href="https://www.optometry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/GVFL/Brochure_PDFs/Care-for-Glasses-2018-A4-single-page-final.pdf">Cleaning glasses regularly</a> with a microfibre lens cloth will help. While dirty glasses are not commonly associated with eye infections, some research suggests dirty glasses can <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0207238">harbour bacteria</a> with the remote but theoretical <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6628431/#:%7E:text=59%2C60%5D.-,S.,39%2C40%2C41%5D.">potential to cause eye infection</a>. To ensure best possible vision, people who wear prescription glasses every day should clean their lenses at least every morning and twice a day where required. Cleaning frames with alcohol wipes can <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0207238">reduce bacterial contamination by 96%</a> – but care should be taken as alcohol can damage some frames, depending on what they are made of. <h2>When should I get my eyes checked?</h2> <a href="https://goodvisionforlife.com.au/faqs/">Regular eye exams</a>, starting just before school age, are important for ocular health. Most prescriptions for corrective glasses <a href="https://www.ahpra.gov.au/documents/default.aspx?record=WD16%2F20156&dbid=AP&chksum=676U2aH1QM4XJ6ICVAVaKg%3D%3D">expire within two years</a> and contact lens prescriptions often expire after a year. So you’ll need an eye check for a new pair every year or so. Kids with ocular conditions such as progressive myopia (short-sightedness), strabismus (poor eye alignment), or amblyopia (reduced vision in one eye) will need checks at least every year, but likely more often. Likewise, people over 65 or who have known eye conditions, such as <a href="https://goodvisionforlife.com.au/vision-problems/glaucoma/">glaucoma</a>, will be recommended more frequent checks. An <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6706420/">online prescription estimator</a> is no substitute for a full eye examination. If you have a valid prescription then you can order glasses online, but you miss out on the ability to check the fit of the frame or to have them adjusted properly. This is particularly important for multifocal lenses where even a millimetre or two of misalignment can cause uncomfortable or blurry vision. Conditions such as <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-vision-loss.html#:%7E:text=Diabetic%20retinopathy%20is%20caused%20when,vision%20or%20stopping%20blood%20flow.">diabetes</a> or <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525980/">high blood pressure</a>, can affect the eyes so regular eye checks can also help flag broader health issues. The vast majority of eye conditions can be treated if caught early, highlighting the importance of regular preventative care.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/225169/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-armitage-399647">James Armitage</a>, Associate Professor in Vision Science, Optometry Course Director, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-hockley-1517162">Nick Hockley</a>, Lecturer in Optometric Clinical Skills, Director Deakin Collaborative Eye Care Clinic, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/could-my-glasses-be-making-my-eyesight-worse-225169">original article</a>.

Body

What your family history says about your eyesight

Eye disorders can be caused by many things such as infection and injury but did you know it can also be genetic? We know looking up our family history is important for our health but it’s also vitally important to do so for our eyes. Genetics do play a role in determining your family’s susceptibility to certain eye diseases so it’s a good idea to check your family history as well as record any eye issues you have for future generations. Here are some of the most common hereditary eye conditions. Glaucoma Not all glaucoma is inherited but the most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, is hereditary. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, a family history of glaucoma increases your risk around four to nine times. Coupled with the fact glaucoma is much more common as you age, it’s a good idea to get your eyes checked regularly. Glaucoma can lead to the reduction in peripheral vision and even blindness. Signs include bulging eyes, excessive tearing and abnormal sensitivity to light. Age-related macular degeneration Scientist have found that genetics may contribute to the risk of having macular degeneration but it’s not always the case. Some people never develop it even though both parents may have it while others get it even though there is no family history. The current research shows that genetics contribute to macular degeneration anywhere from 40 to 70 percent. However, whether you have a family history or not it’s important to get your eyes checked as age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people aged 50 and over. Colour blindness A misnomer as people are not ‘blind’ but colour vision deficient. People who are colour blind usually cannot distinguish between certain colours such as red and green. Inherited colour blindness is common in men with women rarely affected. There is no treatment and most people adjust to the condition. Retinitis pigmentosa A mutated gene causes the retina to degenerate which can lead to night blindness and vision loss. Most cases are inherited and it usually appears in childhood but vision loss doesn’t occur until later in life. There is unfortunately no cure and no treatments but researchers are making significant progress in identifying the genes that cause retinitis pigmentosa. Achromatopsia An inherited condition (only if both parents have the recessive gene) that affects 1 in 33,000 people. The condition is associated with decreased vision, sensitivity to light and colour blindness. Optic atrophy Optic atrophy may be inherited or caused by brain trauma, inflammation, degenerative disorders, haemorrhage or tumour. The breakdown of the optic nerve causes vision loss. Image credits: Getty Images

Body

Six ways to keep your eyes healthy

Eye health is an integral part of your entire wellbeing. While your eyesight changes as you reach more birthdays, regular eye checks together with a few important lifestyle considerations can ensure your vision remains healthy for as long as possible. Whether it’s seeing some of the world’s most iconic attractions in your round-the-world trip in retirement or watching as your grandchildren grow into beautiful human beings, being able to see the world around you is an important part of anyone’s life. It’s one of the five senses that most of us take for granted and therefore, debilitating, if it were to slowly disappear. However, while your eyesight does change as you get older, it doesn’t have to mean significant impaired vision. Here’s some tips to keep your eyesight in tiptop shape. Shade your eyes. Protect your eyes, along with your skin, from the sun’s rays with good quality sunglasses with a built-in UV filter. Strong light from the sunshine can damage your eyes and may increase your risk of cataracts, which are cloudy areas inside the normally clear lens of the eye. They can develop in one or both eyes. Eat your vegies. Not only is eating a healthy, well-balanced diet important for you to maintain weight, reduce your risk of disease and ultimately make you feel a lot better, it’s also important for your eyes. A diet high in fruits and vegetables will help protect against some eye conditions, such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Some of the fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-rich food to consider include: leafy greens, salmon or tuna, nuts, dark pigment fruits, such as berries, citrus fruits and avocado. Don’t read in the dark. If you’re reading in the deepening evening, protect your peepers by using good lighting. In your 60s, your eyes will need three times as much light as they did when you were 20. If reading at night, use direct light, such as a flexible table tamp or book light to illuminate the words you’re reading. Give up smoking. While this is easier said than done for those who smoke, there really is good reason to try and give up cigarettes. One of these reasons is smoking is one of the major factors for the early development of age-related macular degeneration. It causes the acceleration of atherosclerotic plaques in the walls of arteries, which are collections of cholesterol and fat. This isn’t great for your heart, since these plaques gradually block arteries which limit blood flow, so how does this affect the eye? Well, this can disrupt blood flow to the macular area of the retina. When this blood vessel damage happens, it causes a gradual failure of vision. Keep those scales in check. Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce your risk of diabetes, which can lead to sight loss. Plus, good circulation and oxygen intake are important for your eye health, both of which are stimulated by regular exercise. Get moving to maintain a healthy weight and promote blood flow! A good night’s sleep. Give your eyes the rest they deserve by getting a good night’s sleep. Research has shown that a minimum of at least five hours of sleep is needed to properly replenish and rest your eyes. This is the time when your eyes are continuously lubricated and irritants, such as dust, that may have accumulated during the day are cleared away.

Eye Care

The truth about computers and your eyesight

Do you ever find that at the end of the day your eyes are bloodshot, dry or fuzzy? It could be because you are your addicted to you digital devices. Here’s what you need to know. An increasing reliance on technology including laptops, tablets, smart phones and so on has given rise to a new health condition called computer vision syndrome (or CVS), which is effecting many Australians of all ages. Including a number of eye and vision-related problems, CVS is a result of prolonged use of digital devices. While they’re not thought to be permanent, symptoms of CVS are generally unpleasant and can cause some discomfort. Furthermore, CVS is also thought to be having an impact on the incidence of myopia (short-sightedness) with a study conducted by the National Eye Institute in the USA reporting the prevalence of near-sightedness increasing by around 66 per cent over the past 30 years in America. Whether for work or pleasure, the dramatic rise in ownership of smartphones and tablets coupled with modern day trends that involve doing more and more things from these devices (paying bills, shopping, research), is causing our eye muscles to work harder and for longer periods. There are ways to can prevent or at least limit any problems created by a digital device obsession. Keep an eye out for… You’ve probably experienced at least one of the common symptoms of computer vision syndrome which include: <ul> <li>Eyestrain</li> <li>Headaches</li> <li>Blurred vision</li> <li>Dry eyes</li> <li>Neck and shoulder pain</li> </ul> These symptoms may be caused by other factors such as uncorrected vision needs, glare, poor lighting, improper posture, etc. You should always consult an eye care professional who will be able to diagnose computer vision syndrome through an eye exam. What you can do to save your sight… With these simple practices, you can reduce, or even prevent the effects of computer vision syndrome: <ul> <li>Make sure the lighting in the room is comfortable on the eyes, and prevents you from staring into glare on the computer screen</li> <li>Position the computer screen so that your head is in a naturally comfortable position while working</li> <li>Take breaks. A few minutes away from the computer can go a long way when it comes to your eyes. Think of it similarly to the way you take stretch breaks for your arms and back.</li> <li>Make sure your seat is comfortable. A comfortable chair with support for your neck and back will help you avoid neck and shoulder strain commonly associated with computer vision syndrome.</li> </ul> Image: Getty

Body

3 foods to improve your eyesight

Failing eyesight is often thought to be a natural part of ageing, but did you know it’s actually more impacted by a modern lifestyle? It’s true. Wind, dust, chlorine fumes, smoking, freezing temperatures and physical injury aren’t good friends to the health of your eyes, and let’s not get started on long hours spent in front of a computer screen or tablet. What is good for your eyes is a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly ones that give your body vitamin A. The great thing about this is what while we can’t turn back the clock (although sometimes we all wish we could!), you can change what you eat. To improve your eye health today, pop these foods on your shopping list. Kale This leafy green is a superfood for good reason. Kale has been linked to a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration and reducing the risk of many cancers, as its cancer-protective compounds help block the growth of cancer cells. Other foods rich in carotenoids, such as spinach and collared greens, are also well worth putting on your shopping list. Some experts also suggest that green and yellow coloured foods are even more effective at reducing risk for macular degeneration and cataracts than orange ones, like carrots. Green, yellow, orange – why does colour matter? In this instance, green and yellow foods are packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, which are two nutrients that are thought to protect the retina against oxidative damage and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Apricots Did you know that a pigment called beta-carotene gives fruits and vegetables, like apricots and carrots, their rich, bright hues? The other fun fact about this pigment is that in the body it changes into vitamin A, or retinol, which is important for good vision and eye health. While carrots have long been thought to be the best food for your eyes, apricots have actually been shown to have more beta-carotene contents. Whether fresh or dried, either is good for your health. This little fruit is also packed with potassium, calcium, iron and dietary fibre. With powerful antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C, working together, your eyesight is in good hands. Blueberries Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. A rich source of vitamins and minerals, these delicious dark berries may help improve the health of many of the body’s tissues, including the eyes. Do you like to walk your dog in the evenings? Blueberries are also thought to improve night vision due to a compound in its make-up called anthocyanins. While this isn’t proven, they have plenty of other health benefits for your eyes. Blueberries are thought to help slow the progression of cataracts, one of the leading causes of vision loss around the world. The anthocyanins in blueberries are also thought to protect retinal cells from damage caused by ageing and light. Image: Shutterstock

Eye Care

4 ways your mobile phone affects your body and mind

As mobile phones infiltrate nearly every aspect of our society, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and used to their constant presence. However, there are many ways that the devices impact your body and your mind. 1. It messes with your sleep Scanning your phone right before bed can disturb your slumber. The short-wavelength, bright blue light your device emits boosts your  attention during the day, but at night the light can inhibit the production  of melatonin, which helps you fall asleep. To avoid that, make a habit of not using your phone for at least 30 minutes before you close your eyes. 2. It's not easy to put down It would be easy to avoid  issues caused by your phone by simply  putting down your phone. The problem: it isn’t so easy. That twinge of phone separation anxiety is real. In fact, Rosen says, detaching from your phone can cause your brain to release the stress hormone cortisol. Of course, there are many phone apps (with calming names, such as Forest and Mute) to help you control your phone addiction. Or you can just let the battery run down and forget about it! 3. It can be a hazard while walking We all know that walking around town with your face  in your phone can be dangerous, and there are studies that underline the point. City pedestrians using  their phones looked left and right less often and were more likely  to be hit by a vehicle, according  to a review of studies on distracted  walking in the Journal of Traffic  and Transportation Engineering.   In another small experiment,  94 percent of pedestrians who were using mobile phones to talk and text didn’t see free cash hanging from  a tree. (That’s right, they walked right by a bunch of dollar bills.) 4. It hurts your eyes Your phone can do a number on your eyes. A study in the US found that about 60 percent of respondents experience digital  eye strain symptoms such as dryness, irritation, blurred vision, eye fatigue and headaches. Try blinking often, increasing font size and  taking a break from screens every 20 minutes. Written by Michelle Crouch. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/true-stories-lifestyle/thought-provoking/13-ways-your-mobile-phone-affects-your-body-and-mind">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.

Technology

This baffling optical illusion tests your eyesight

The latest brainteaser sweeping the internet is a red circle – but for some there's more to it. The optical illusion, posted on Playbuzz, tests your eyesight. It asks you to look for the hidden image inside the circle. <img width="498" height="420" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7817562/in-text-1_498x420.jpg" alt="In Text 1 (2)"/> Some can see an outline of a figure, while others see a detailed image. <img width="499" height="428" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7817563/in-text-2_499x428.jpg" alt="In Text 2 (1)"/> Last week, a test touted as a <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/78413947/this-logic-puzzle-for-children-is-stumping-plenty-of-adults" target="_blank">straightforward logic puzzle for children</a> had plenty of adults scratching their heads. The brainteaser challenges kids to answer nine questions based on a sketch of a campground, in order to test their powers of observation, logic and reasoning. Then there was the string of animals hiding among other animals tests, created by Hungarian cartoonist Gergely Dudas, also known as Dudolf. Dudolf created a find the cat among the owls puzzle. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fthedudolf%2Fposts%2F720342174734364%3A0&width=500" width="500" height="614" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> The puzzles swept the internet, bamboozling Facebook users. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a>

Art

Why squinting helps you see better

If you ever had trouble with your eyesight you might have found yourself squinting in order to see something more clearly. Why do we do this though? And why does squinting work? The short answer: squinting changes the shape of your eye, allowing light to be focused better, and thus helping things appear more clearly. The long answer? We’ll let the expert Craig Benzine from Mental Floss explain the details of how the eyes changes shape above. It really is quite incredible when you think about it! Interestingly, Benzine debunks the popular belief that squinting damages vision. “It might give you a headache, but that’s because of the muscle contraction in your face,” he explains. Do you find squinting helps you see better? Share your experience with us in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/health/caring/2016/06/only-half-of-heart-attack-survivors-can-return-to-normal-life/">Only half of heart attack survivors can return to a normal life</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/06/what-happens-when-you-ditch-carbs/">What really happens to your body when you give up bread</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/05/foods-to-eat-to-beat-bloating/">10 foods to eat to beat bloating</a>

Body

Can you find the hidden letter in this image?

If you suspect that your ability to memorise is greater than most, a puzzle promises to prove it! This challenge involves looking at two patterns and putting them together in your mind to form a letter. It can prove e if you have an eidetic memory – the ability to recall images that’s also known as a photographic memory. To take the test, you have to look at a seemingly random pattern of red and blue dots and try to memorise the picture. You then do the same with a second combination of blue and red dots. <img width="500" height="505" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/17061/1_500x505.jpg" alt="1 (126)"/> <img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/17062/2_500x500.jpg" alt="2 (129)"/> Once you feel as if you have successfully memorised the second image, you have to combine the two in your mind's eye to see if you can form a letter from the red dots. Can you see anything? See the asnwer below. <img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/17063/3_500x500.jpg" alt="3 (124)"/> Related lnks: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/mind/2016/01/small-acts-of-kindness-change-lives/">These small acts of kindness changed lives</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2015/08/healing-from-heartbreak/">Tips on healing from heartbreak</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/2016/01/science-behind-couples-who-die-together/">There’s a science behind couple that die close together</a>

News

Different vision test results – how can this happen?

If you have regular eye examinations (which everyone should) you may have found that the results differed – even when the tests were taken by the same optician and in a very short time frame. If this has happened to you, don’t panic! It’s actually a very common occurrence due to a couple of different reasons. <ol> <li>Your eyes – The visual performance of our eyes varies throughout the day due to fluctuations in our hormones and blood sugar amongst other things. A test taken before the workday and after an hour on the computer will often yield a different result due to the stress that has occurred to the eye in a short period. To achieve the best result, try and schedule your test for a time when you’re relaxed, hydrated and not hungry. First thing in the morning is ideal.</li> <li>The conditions during your test – The conditions in which a sight test is performed can have a distinct impact on the result. You should see an experienced optician for a thorough and comprehensive test in a dark examination room without any daylight present. To ensure the best result, make an appointment with your optician and discuss any issues or questions you may have.</li> <li>Exterior influencers – Wearing contact lenses, taking medication and conditions like diabetes can all lead to an incorrect eye test result. To ensure the most accurate reading, let your optician know what medication you’re taking and if you suffer any medical issues. Try wearing your glasses instead of your contacts for 24 hours before your test as well if you can.</li> </ol>

Eye Care

Can eating carrots actually improve your eyesight?

It’s spouted by countless parents trying to get their children to eat their veggies but are carrots actually good for eyes? Well, the answer, like many things, is between a yes and a no. If you have less than perfect vision, carrots won’t improve your eyesight. However, carrots do contain beta-carotene, a substance that your body converts to vitamin A, which is good for your eyes. In fact, a diet with sufficient vitamin A, iron and other provitamins is vital for eye health and a deficiency can lead to night blindness and other eye problems. So there does seem to be some truth to the old wives’ tale but if you eat a well-balanced diet then no amount of carrots will be improve your eyesight. So what’s the conclusion? Chomping on those carrot sticks do benefit your eyes, but it doesn’t improve vision. That is unless you’re Vitamin A deficient then eating carrots (and other sources of vitamin A) can improve your night vision.

Eye Care

Studies show exercise could save your eyesight

We already know the many benefits exercise has on your muscles, bones, heart and mental health, but did you know that exercise has also been positively linked to eye health? It seems that those who partake in regular exercise are at a lower risk for vision loss and degenerative eye disease. In one study published in The Journal of Neuroscience, researchers of the Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center and Emory University found a correlation between exercise and eye health using mice as subjects. The scientists had the first group of mice run an hour on a wheel per day and left the other mice sedentary. They then took half of the mice from each group, and exposed them to harshly bright lighting. Only the mice in the latter, sedentary group were found to have had 75 percent of their light-detecting neurons die during the experiment. In 2009, another study was published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology. During this study, which took place over the span of 15 years, scientists in Wisconsin, USA examined close to 4,000 men and women, all aged from 43 to 86 years. Participants revealed information about their diet and exercise habits and had eye exams taken routinely every five years. Researchers took into account factors that could affect age-related macular degeneration (AMD) such as age, weight and cholesterol. Participants who lead an active lifestyle were found to be 70 per cent less likely to have AMD compared to those who did not. Talk about keeping your goals in sight; it’s hard to ignore results like these, so if you needed one more reason to stick to your exercise routine, this may be one.

Eye Care

How to winter-proof your eyesight. Yes, you need to look after it in the cooler months

While the sun might not come out as bright – or quite as much – during winter it’s still important to care for your eyes in accordance with the changed weather conditions. Here’s what you need to know. Dry eyes The most common eye complaint during winter is that constant feeling of dry eyes. The burning, itchy and watering sensation is most often caused by low humidity levels inside building that are blasting the heat. Spending time outside on windy days can also cause irritation to the eyes. If you’re suffering from dry eyes, here’s what to do: <ul> <li>Drink extra fluids to keep your body well-hydrated</li> <li>Use lubricating eye drops to help moisten eyes</li> <li>Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors on a windy day to protect eyes from the drying effects of the wind</li> <li>Use a humidifier in areas with indoor heating to alleviate dryness in the air</li> </ul> Contact lens-wearers The harsh winter air tends to affect contact lens wearers most. In particular, soft contact lenses need a lot of moisture. If they begin to dry out, they can change shape and stick to the eye causing eyes to become painful and cloudy. Keep eye drops that are suitable with contact lenses close-by and wear glasses if eyes are feeling particularly dry. Sunglasses at the snow It may be brisk but if you’re holidaying away at the snow, make sure you wear your sunglasses. Snow conditions doubles the sun’s damaging effects as UV rays enter your eyes from above as well as being reflected off the snow.

Eye Care

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Could my glasses be making my eyesight worse?