Things to know to prevent premature aging of the eyes

Over time, eye aging will occur along with the natural aging of the body. It is most evident in the gradual decline of vision and limited vision. The eyes begin to age most clearly at the age of 45 and older. Eye aging can begin slowly with symptoms such as blurred vision, eye fatigue, dry eyes... and in the long term can lead to dangerous diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration with many potential risks of blindness.

Do not wear glasses when going outdoors:When going out in the sun without wearing glasses, the eyes will be directly exposed to UV rays or harmful short-wave radiation (HEV) from sunlight - this is also one of the causes that accelerate the aging process. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to sunburn on the surface of the eyeball, macular degeneration, cataracts, and even eyelid cancer. Strong ultraviolet rays in sunlight directly attack and damage the eye lens and retina, changing the structure and ratio of protein components of the lens, causing cataracts. Dust, toxic chemicals or polluted water sources, when exposed regularly, will accumulate many harmful oxidants, destroy the endothelial cells of the retina, damage visual cells, and impair vision.

To prevent premature eye aging, you should supplement foods that are good for the eyes such as green vegetables, fruits...

Rubbing eyes frequently:The skin around the eyes is very sensitive. Frequent eye rubbing can break the small blood vessels under the skin surface, causing puffy eyes, drooping eyelids, dark circles around the eyes, especially crow's feet at the corners of the eyes. Rubbing your eyes for a long time can thin and deform the cornea, resulting in blurred vision even when wearing glasses.

Smoking:Cigarette smoke contains countless free radicals that can damage the eyes. Whether active or passive smoking, inhaling cigarette smoke increases the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eyes. In fact, smokers face a risk of blindness four times higher than non-smokers.

Improper diet:If you eat too much fast food but lack vegetables and fruits, your eyes will not receive enough vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, which will make your eyes easily tired and age quickly. A scientific diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and meat and fish combined with regular daily exercise is necessary to keep your eyes bright and healthy, helping to prevent the risk of eye diseases due to age.

Not getting enough sleep:Lack of sleep causes red eyes, dark circles under the eyes, twitching eyelids, dry eyes and blurred vision.

Drinking little water makes eyes dry and tired quickly:Drinking less than 8 glasses of water a day combined with a high sodium diet can dehydrate your body, so the tear glands cannot produce enough water to nourish and maintain moisture for the eyes. Not drinking enough water every day will cause dry, red eyes and swollen eyelids, so you should supplement about 2 liters of water every day to maintain all vital activities of the body.

Using computers and phones continuously:In 1 day we spend a lot of time looking at computer screens, phones or tablets is one of the causes of eye damage. These devices will have blue light, looking at too much will make the eyes tired and blurred vision. This condition makes the eyes dry and easily irritated.

Illustration photo.

Wearing contact lenses for too long:Can cause microtrauma, that is, small injuries, normally invisible. Symptoms are usually discomfort, eye irritation. Scratches that are not treated immediately can become scars, if left for a long time can cause corneal ulcers, reduce vision, even lead to blindness. In addition, contact lens wearers are also at risk of infection with bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites from lens cleaning solution.

Side effects of drugs that harm the eyes:Ingredients in antidepressants, antihypertensives, and histamines can cause dry eyes. You may experience gritty, blurry vision, red eyes, or watery eyes. Avoid smoky, windy areas as these can worsen your condition and lead to permanent vision loss.

Measures to protect eyes in summer

When dust or dirty water gets into your eyes, avoid rubbing them. You can blink your eyes in a cup of clean water. If this does not work, go to a medical facility with an eye specialist to remove dust, remove foreign objects, and apply antiseptic. Protect your eyes when exposed to sunlight, especially at noon: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, wear sunscreen, wear UV-blocking sunglasses... Do not look up at the sky with the naked eye even when it is cloudy, avoid looking at bright lights such as welding torches or the sun during a solar eclipse. Do not swim in places with dirty water that is not hygienic. Do not rub your eyes with unclean hands. To give your eyes time to rest, if you have to work continuously with electronic devices or computers, after 30-60 minutes of work, close your eyes for a few seconds to relax your eyes.

Add foods that are good for the eyes such as green vegetables, fruits, liver, gac fruit, nuts... to your daily diet.

Note:You should have your eyes checked regularly twice a year to detect eye diseases early and have timely treatment. When you have uncomfortable symptoms such as blurred vision, excessive tearing, fear of light, eye irritation, as if there is grit in the eyes... you should see an ophthalmologist for examination and proper diagnosis. Do not use eye drops without a doctor's prescription.