Illnesses which an Eye check-up can reveal

There are many reasons which testify eye test as a life saver. It is not just for the obvious reasons such as to determine what prescription one needs, but also because an eye check can potentially save a life. In fact, many lives could be saved annually if more people just attended regular, routine eye check-up.

Here are 4 illnesses which can an eye test can detect.

Diabetes:

An estimated 73 Million people in India have diabetes, but many aren't aware of it. Unmanaged, it can eventually cause blindness, cause to lose a limb, or in most severe cases, it can prove fatal.

It's easy to miss the silent symptoms of diabetes; however, a small amount of bleeding on the retina can be detected in an eye exam. When the blood vessels in the central area of the retina (the macula) are affected, this is termed ‘diabetic maculopathy.' And it is one of the most common causes of sight loss.

Brain tumours: 

Detecting a tumour in the brain at an early stage is very crucial because it is a matter of life and death. According to the WHO Report, 28142 new cases of brain tumours are reported annually in India, and there are 24003 deaths caused due to the brain tumour.

An optometrist can check for blurred vision and observe unusual pupil dilation as well as the colour of the optic nerve. A Visual Fields diagnostic test can assist in the diagnosis, and it is widely available within optometry practices. If anything looks out of the ordinary, the patient will be immediately be referred to a neurologist.

Heart disease:

Cardiovascular disease kills 13 people every three minutes worldwide. This disease can be detected early through an eye-test too. During the eye-test, if the optometrist spots a white ring around the cornea, he/she will suggest a test for high blood cholesterol.

Multiple Sclerosis:

An average life expectancy for people living with Multiple Sclerosis is around five to ten years. It causes swelling of the optic nerve, which creates a specific visual field defect called a ‘scotoma'. This is straight-forward to pick up during a routine eye examination.

There are many illnesses which show very little or no symptoms. Yet, these illnesses can be detected through a routine eye test. If spotted early, a diagnosis of one of these terminal illnesses can prove life-saving. It is recommendable to undergo an eye test every quarter to check the health of the eyes. Whether one uses prescription glasses or contact lenses.

What frame options are available for glasses with high power?

The eyewear industry is undergoing a significant transformation today. There are frames of newer designs and colours that we can find today. In fact, what is heartening is the fact that there are so many options even for those who suffer from a greater eye condition and have to wear high power glasses or contact lenses. 

Today the designs of these frames, the material used to manufacture them, and finally the colours they are available in, make this industry a huge contributor to fashion.

But before jumping the gun, it is important that you go for an eye check-up in the first place. It is important that the doctor greenlights the fact that you do need eyeglasses, following which you can go, and purchase frames of your choice. So even if you wear high power, you are likely to be spoilt for choice when you go to find a frame for yourself.

The different types of frames for people with high power are -

Metal Frames - widely used material to manufacture eyeglass frames.  It is quite malleable in nature. One important thing about this is that it is resistant to corrosion. Hence, it can be worn and used for a long term.

Titanium - also known as the beta-titanium, is silver or grey-colored metal. It is very light in weight. But at the same time, the material is quite durable and strong. Due to this inherent durability and strength, it can be subjected to regular use, as possible wear and tear will not instantly affect it. Hence, you can use for a long time and use it on an everyday basis. Another important thing about it is that it does not corrode easily. Remember, the titanium alloy frames are inexpensive comparatively.

Beryllium - is a steel-coloured metal and is used to make frames for eyeglasses. It is way cheaper than the titanium-made eyeglass frames.  Just like the titanium-made frames, the beryllium ones also do not tarnish or corrode very easily. These are great to invest in as these are light in weight and quite flexible, yet very strong. They are also available in different interesting colours.

Plastic Frames - 

Zylonite - also was known as cellulose acetate, is a very cost-efficient material for plastic frames. It is light in weight and comes in various different colours. As a result, these are used to manufacture trendy and stylish frames for those who want some creativity in a pair of an eyeglass frame. It also provides the laminated option with layers of colours.  Blended nylon is another important plastic frame that you can consider for yourself. The blended nylon is not brittle but is really strong despite being quite light in weight.  

As a result, many people who are engaged in sports or adventure activities quite actively choose to invest in these for the former’s performance eyeglass frames.  These are also available in the wraparound style.

What are simple eye exercises for professionals with a day-long sitting job?

Sedentary lifestyle takes a toll of our body. Long duration, spent in front of the computer, leaves our body in ache. Before we know, we develop different kinds of ailments, which require medical attention. We end up taking medicines. But instead, if we can pay a little attention and make a few little adjustments, then we may be able to nip the pay at the bud. Some ergonomic adjustments to our workstation and doing some simple stretches can reduce the daily discomfort significantly. It will boost your sense of job satisfaction and overall happiness.

Of course, if the pain refuses to subside, then you must consult a good physician. He will try and find out the underlying problems and prescribe apropos glasses for men and women both. But with the below-mentioned exercises and tips, you may be able to keep the possible health issues at bay.

While you are working in front of the laptop or the computer, try to blink more often as you can. Make conscious efforts to make sure you do this repeatedly. It will help to keep the eyes moistened despite their continuous exposure to the environment.

 After spending 20 minutes in front of the screen, try to look away and stare around. Do this every day and after every twenty minutes throughout the day. This way you will be able to cut off from the glare of the screen. Your eyes will be able to relax as the pressure is taken off.

Another good eye exercise is the eyeball rolling. Try to roll the eyeballs around in full circle. Do it slowly and gently. Go clockwise and then go anti-clockwise and follow the pattern for a few more times. You may also do it with your eyes closed. This eye exercise helps to reclaim the lost rejuvenation. It calms down the agitated eyes.

To fix eye strain, the best thing to do is to try to disengage yourself from your desk at equal intervals. Get up and leave the work station. Head for the washroom and splash some cold water to the tired eyes. The action will cool down the eyes creating a balmy effect on them. Take breaks in between and spend the time outside the office and amidst the greens. It is important that you do not turn on the phone during this time or else you will expose the healing process by exposing the eyesight to the glare of the phone screen again. It will defeat the purpose.

Finally, the best thing to do would be to try to cut down on the total amount of time spent in front of the screens. In fact, it will be better if you can go on a digital detox diet for, at least, once a week. This way you will be able to restrict the total span of the exposure. Also, it is always wise to clean the glasses or contact lens and frames to ensure further safety.

What are the Benefits of Wearing sunglasses?

The human eyes are incredibly sensitive. If they are exposed to prolonged exposure to the sun, then it can lead to incurring numerous ailments. While some of the ailments are very painful and irritating, others can act to the detriment to your health. Wearing a pair of good-quality sunglasses will help to ensure your safety from the damaging rays of the sun.

What are the benefits of wearing sunglasses?

A high-quality or good-quality sunglass is one that will provide 100% protection against the UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun. These can protect the eyes against the ultraviolet rays. One of the most effective of these sunglasses is polarized sunglasses. It is designed to reduce the glare from water, snow, glass, etc. It is important to wear sunglasses that can completely cover the eyes. The wrap-around lenses are capable of blocking out any light or glare on both the front and sides. Sunglasses can check the possibilities of acquiring diseases. They keep your eyes away from health complications.

Sunglasses protect against skin cancer. The eyelids, as well as the skin around our eyes, are very sensitive to the sunlight. Research shows that in quite a few cases, skin cancers were found to have occurred near the eye region. Thus by wearing sunglasses, you can take protective measures against the UVA and UVB rays. You may consider going for an eye check up too.

Sunglasses protect the eyes from cataracts and glaucoma. Cataract is the cloudy area that is created on the lens of the eye. Exposure to the harsh UVA and UVB rays of the sun for a prolonged period will contribute to developing cataracts. In the same way, these rays can also worsen the situation of the patients suffering from Glaucoma. It can, in fact, result in complete blindness. It is important to wear sunglasses to lower the chances of incurring cataracts and glaucoma.

Unfortunately, the sun is not the only concern for you. Spending a long time outdoor will leave you open to acquiring eye infection from dust particles, wind, sand, and snow. These eye infections cause temporary irritations resulting in redness and itching or pain. If it lasts, then it will be better to go to a doctor for eye testing.

Sunglasses protect against unpleasant glare. If you are spending a lot of time in the snow, the glare may prove to be quite damaging for your eyes. Snow can reflect most of the UV rays and cause an eye condition known as snow blindness. In this condition, the glare may burn the cornea. So if you are partaking in adventure sports, make sure that you have your sunglasses on all the time.

Similarly, when you step out, take out a pair of sunglass and wear it. It will not let dust particles enter in the eyes. Even when you drive, make sure to wear sunglasses for complete protection against the cold winds that often lead to watering.

What causes the Low Vision, and is it considered a disability?

Low vision is an eye condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you fail to address the issue, it may result in visual impairment. This form of impairment is not correctable with pharmaceutical intervention, or surgery, or by the application of the prescribed contact lenses and glasses for women and men.

Low vision is principally characteristic of partial sight, blind spots, blurring of vision and tunnel vision. Although this eye condition can affect anyone regardless of age, it is largely prevalent amongst adults.

What are the causes that result in low vision?

Muscular degeneration in the human eye is cited to be the most important cause of low vision. As the muscles degenerate, the retina is the first to get affected. The retina is situated at the back of the eye and is very sensitive to light. All the images are focused on the retina. Due to this abnormal development, the vision becomes blurred.

Another cause that contributes to resulting in low vision is diabetic retinopathy. As the name suggests, this problem chiefly affects those who are suffering from diabetes. Due to diabetes, the vision goes through constant changes. Diabetes develops abnormal branches in the blood vessels that lead to leaking. This situation may amount to severe vision damage and low vision. 

Cataract is another cause that results in the low-vision eye condition. Cataracts cloud the surface of the lens influencing the total quantity of light that enters the retina of the eye. This occurrence also may result in a complete loss of vision. Therefore, in case you are suffering from cataracts, it is important that you take care of your eyes. If you feel any discomfort, you must get an appointment with the doctor for consultation.

Long-term exposure to the harmful ultraviolet light emitted by the sun causes low vision. The sun emits UVA and UVB rays that are harsh to the eyes. If you spend a long duration under the sun with your eyes exposed, then it may increase the chances of low vision. Whether you suffer from any eye condition or not, you must use sunglasses. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses and wear them for protection every time you go outdoors.

Glaucoma often tends to cause low vision. Due to drainage of fluid within the eye, the internal pressure of the eyes increases. On account of increased internal pressure, an inadequate amount of blood flows into the optic nerve. This situation lends itself to damaging the optic nerve.

Retinal detachment is also strongly contributive to damaging the eyesight to the point of vision impairment. Retinal detachment happens as and when the retina gets detached from the underlying layer. If the situation is left unaddressed, it may result in vision impairment. There are several situations in which the retina can detach - an eye infection, eye trauma, development of a hole in the retina itself or even a disturbance in the blood vessel of the eyes. To avoid the same, the doctor will prescribe the right eyewear for you.

Why Talking about your family medical history is important?

Do you know that most of the diseases can be taken care of, from an early stage, if we can be well aware of our family history? Apart from following a healthy diet, working out daily, and staying away from vices, such as smoking and drinking, knowing the medical history of our family can also help to reduce the risks of incurring several diseases. 

Medical history of our family is one of the biggest influences to determine if we are running the risks of ailments, such as diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, etc. Of course, we shall not be able to change our genetics, but this knowledge will go far in helping to reduce the risk of developing various health problems.

Even though each family has a unique history of diseases, members of the same family tend to share genes automatically. Hence, this creates the possibility of acquiring an infection. Furthermore, since the members mostly share similar things, such as environment, habits, lifestyles, etc., the chances are redoubled. The shared genes reason the fact that the members share physical and behavioral attributes. But it is due to these common genes the same members also run the risks of common maladies, such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma cancer, etc. 

What are the essential features in a family's medical history that may contribute to increasing the health risks?

-        Symptoms of ailments that show up at an age earlier than expected. If there is a disease that has affected more than one family member, and some diseases are not supposed to affect a particular gender possibly due to gender difference.

It is important to note whether your family has any of these features mentioned above. If yes, then you may be running the risk of the disease. Therefore, the medical history of your family may be the reason.  Hence, it is required of you to discuss the situation with the best opticians and go for eye testing. The doctor will run screening tests, which in turn will help to detect diseases at an early stage through proper treatment. Remember that although one cannot change one's genes, one may undoubtedly modify one's lifestyle and develop health-friendly habits.  These tests will also help to detect if you are suffering from health conditions, such as high cholesterol and blood pressure.

How to conduct the research?

Look up the death certificates as well as the medical records, as many as possible, of your family members. The members are - the grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, so on and so forth. You need to consider the medical reasons and conditions of their death. Recording their age at the time of death is important. Make a proper dossier of the medical history of your family members and take it to your doctor for inspection. 

In any case, it is essential to lead a good and sustainable lifestyle regardless of the family medical history. Your lifestyle, food and drink habits, health history, sleeping pattern, stress level, lifestyle excesses, etc., will together significantly influence the chances of making your body susceptible to diseases. To take care of your health you can visit for a free eye testing near you.