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Vision
Problems
What to look for
Blurred vision when you are
looking at distant objects.
Blurred vision when you are looking at
close objects.
Vertical or horizontal lines that appear
blurry.
Flashing-lights or spots in your eyes.
problems deciphering between red and
green in dim light.
Difficulty distinguishing objects in dim
light.
(Also see Cataracts,
Eye Problems, Glaucoma).
The most common complaint concerning eye
sight are…
Near-sightedness,
Far-sightedness, and
Astigmatism.
These are refraction disorders. As well as
this other common disorders are retinal detachment, colour blindness, and night blindness.
Causes
Nearsightedness, or myopia occurs when
images are focused in front of the retina instead of on it as in normal vision.
Consequently, objects in the distance appear blurred. You may find that you have to sit
very close to blackboards to see what is written on them properly and you have
difficulties seeing to the front in large auditoriums.
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The opposite of nearsightedness is
far-sightedness, or hyperopia. With this disorder, the lens of the eye focuses images
behind the retina, making nearby objects appear blurry.
Astigmatism, happens when the eye lacks a
single point of focus. This can be the result of an abnormality within the lens. Some
objects may appear blurry while others clear.
Retinal detachment is not always painful
but you definitely must seek medical attention as soon as possible because eventually it
can cause blindness.
Colour blindness is when people see colours
normally in bright light but cannot tell the difference between reds and greens in dim
light.
If you experience difficulties seeing
properly at night, you may have a deficiency in vitamin
A, or a disease of the liver or retina.
Traditional Treatment
If you are having difficulties with your
vision, it is wise to seek the advice of an optometrist who will perform eye test. If the
eye test reveals that your vision is impaired, you may need to buy a pair of prescription
glasses or contact lenses.
Disorders such as cataracts, macular
degeneration, and retinal detachment require surgery.
For astigmatism, the accepted prescription
is a lens that will correct the uneven cornea. You will normally have a choice between
glasses and contact lenses.
Some cases of retinal detachment can be
corrected with laser surgery, which has a high rate of success.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Alternative remedies rely on correcting
mineral and vitamin deficiencies that may contribute to vision problems.
Herbal Therapies - A
daily dose of bilberry is reported to be useful for
improving the flow of blood in the vessels of the eye, particularly for people with night
blindness and nearsightedness. A
daily dose of bilberry is reported to be useful for
improving the flow of blood in the vessels of the eye, particularly for people with night
blindness and nearsightedness.
Homoeopathy -
If you
develop eyestrain - Ruta is the most prescribed herb. If you
develop eyestrain - Ruta is the most prescribed herb.
Dietary
Considerations
To help strengthen the retina, people with
night blindness can take vitamin A. Zinc may be helpful for night blindness. It is said to aid
in adaptation to darkness and to strengthen the retina. Selenium, magnesium, and vitamin
C supplements are antioxidants reported to prevent deterioration of the retina.
Personal Care
Take some time out to rest your eyes if
they feel tired or overworked. Lie down in a dark room and cover your eyes with a cool
washer or cucumber on each eye - this can be very soothing.
Prevention
Resting your eyes when they are overworked
is the first line of defence against vision problems. A well-balanced diet will help your
eyes stay healthy and your vision sharp. Take the supplements listed above to improve
vision. Stay clear of cigarette smoke and avoid pollution.
Rest your eyes occasionally when doing
close work.
Blink regularly.
Changing the focus periodically is good
when driving long distances.
Breathe deeply for several minutes. Roll
your head around with a circular motion while stretching your neck and shoulders, then
turn your head from side to side and up and down, repeating several times.
When to seek further
professional advice
you experience symptoms of retinal
detachment
you become unusually sensitive to bright
light
your contact lenses become uncomfortable
a cut or blow to your eye affects your
vision.
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