Your eyes are an important part of your health, they react to light and pressure. As a sense organ, the eye allows us to see and interpret the shapes, colours, and dimensions of objects in the world by processing the light they reflect or emit.
Parts of an eye
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The sclera
This is the white outer part of the eye. It protects the eyeball and helps the eye keep its structure.
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The pupil
This is the black dot at the centre of the eye where light enters the eye.
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The iris
It is the coloured part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. It controls how much light enters the eye by changing the size of the pupil.
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The cornea
The cornea is the clear bulging surface in front of the eye. Along with the sclera (the white of your eye), it serves as a barrier against dirt, germs, and other things that can cause damage
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The retina
The retina is a thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye on the inside. It is located near the optic nerve.
Tips for good eye health
1. Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam
When it comes to common vision problems, some people don’t realize they could see better with glasses or contact lenses.
In addition, many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs.
A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages.
2. Know your family’s eye health history
It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary. This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.
3. Eat healthy
You’ve heard carrots are good for your eyes. But eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy.
4. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other systemic conditions which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.
5. Wear protective eye wear
Wear protective eye wear when playing sports, if required as a part of your job or doing activities around the home.
Protective eye wear includes safety glasses and goggles, safety shields, and eye guards.
6. Quit smoking
Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
7. Give your eyes a rest
If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued. Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain.
8. Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly
To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses.
Make sure to disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as appropriate.
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