Protect your vision this summer: Expert advice for healthy eyes Health

With increased exposure to the sun’s harsh rays and extended screen time due to digital devices, it’s important to prioritize your eye health in the warmer months ahead, but with a few simple tips and regular eye exams, you can take steps to protect yourself. Your eyes in the summer season. According to health and eye care experts, retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy can pose a serious threat to our vision.

AMD is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for vision, and can lead to vision loss in older adults. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina and can cause vision loss.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Ganesh Pillay, Medical Director and Consultant, ASG Eye Hospital, Bhopal, “Early detection and treatment of retinal diseases is important to maintain optimal eye health. Increased exposure to sunlight and prolonged use of digital devices can challenge our eyes. Regular eye exams can help detect potential problems early and prevent vision loss. We have observed that 30% percent of patients who seek help for retinal diseases have already suffered severe damage. Therefore, early detection and treatment, especially for conditions such as AMD and diabetic retinopathy, is important to preserve vision and prevent irreversible damage. If you experience any changes in vision or have risk factors, you should seek professional medical advice immediately.”

He suggested the following measures to protect the eyes in summer:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight: The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful to our eyes, especially when spending time outside during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm, make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. . It can help protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV radiation and reduce your risk of developing eye conditions such as cataracts.
• Take a break from using digital devices: With the increased use of digital devices during summer vacations or outdoor activities, it is important to give your eyes a break regularly. The “20-20-20” rule is a simple guideline to follow: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. It can help reduce eye strain and discomfort caused by long screen time and prevent digital eye strain.
• Wear sunglasses with UV protection: Sunglasses are not only a fashion statement, but also an essential eye protection accessory. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Polarized lenses can also reduce glare and provide better clarity, especially when spending time near water or in bright outdoor conditions.
• Regular eye exams, especially for those with diabetes: Regular eye exams are important, especially for people with diabetes. Diabetes can increase the risk of developing retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected and treated early. Be sure to schedule regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist or eye care professional to monitor your eye health and detect any potential problems early.

Protecting our eyes during summer is important to maintain healthy vision. By following these simple tips, such as avoiding prolonged sun exposure, taking breaks from digital devices, wearing sunglasses with UV protection, scheduling regular eye exams and seeking early detection and treatment of retinal diseases, we can ensure our eyes are well cared for. In and out of summer.