Eyes are the perfect camera through which one can see any object in front or around them. But once the vision is impaired, it can never be restored. The only options are corrective procedures.Good care of the eyes is, therefore, important to keep it in good condition for long. Seek correct reading habits by avoiding strain to the eyes. Light should fall on the book in front, not from behind, so that shadow does not fall on the page. Same applies to working on computers. After reading or working on computers for a long time, eyes should be closed for few moments with both hands to provide relaxation to the eye muscles. Working for long hours in artificially illuminated rooms is not healthy for the eyes as they lose their natural power of accommodation for distance. This is a disadvantage of working in air-conditioned rooms which have artificial lights. Watching videos or using computers for hours makes one short-sighted as the faculty to see far is reduced. This explains why many youngsters in developed countries now use eyeglasses. It is not good to read in a moving vehicle as the jerks strain the eye muscles. Eyes are exposed to dust and other irritants present in the atmosphere all the time. Therefore, washing with copious cold water is good to keep eyes clean and cool. Infrared rays of the sun are damaging to the eyes. Early premature cataracts are known to develop in persons who work in strong sun most of the time. Wearing dark glasses to avoid direct exposure of the eyes to sun is a precaution for all. But one should be careful to see that there should be no scratches on the lens of the sunglasses or even reading glasses for that matter, because any scratches on the lens will stress the eyes more. Eyes are one of the target organs of the body to be damaged by high blood pressure and diabetes. There can be visual field defects and sudden blindness. A person suffering from hypertension or diabetes needs to keep the condition well-controlled to avoid these visual complications. Diet lacking in Vitamin A leads to night blindness, where one finds it increasingly difficult to see after dark. Vitamin B. complex is necessary for strength of eye muscles that help one to adjust and see both far and near objects. A diet containing whole grain, fresh green vegetables, carrots, fruits like guava and citrus fruits, etc is useful for our eyes. Take up walking, gym, swimming, etc, exercises for fitness of the body. But these exercises do not strengthen the eyes. One needs to do specific exercises for the eyes to maintain or strengthen their function if weak.Any infection or injury of the eye should never be neglected, because it can lead to irreparable damage. By following such simple precautions one can keep their eyes in good condition longer.Dr Pande is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital
