Although we’re not keen on admitting it, many of us take our eyes for granted, and it is particularly noticeable once when we start experiencing any kind of vision problem. We forget just how much we rely on the ability to see until we face these highly common, unpleasant reminders.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes are a fairly common vision problem, caused by a lack of proper natural lubrication which the body is failing to provide. Consequently, a person can feel different unpleasant sensations in their eyes, from burning and itching to pain in some cases. Dry eyes can also result in poor, blurry vision, which can be a big obstacle for doing everyday activities. Some of the causes of this issue are an insufficient intake of vitamin A, aging, different medical conditions, such as diabetes, lupus, etc. To treat dry eyes, use artificial tears, avoid being in rooms where the air is too dry, avoid exposing your eyes to smoke or any other irritant, or staring at a TV or computer screen for too long.
Asthenopia, or eye strain
This issue is getting ever more widespread, especially nowadays, in the digital era, where we are almost constantly surrounded by screens. Asthenopia is associated with symptoms such as eye fatigue, discomfort, dryness or sometimes burning, blurry vision, headaches, etc. Eye strain is most commonly brought on when our eyes are exposed to strenuous tasks or activities for too long, like reading, or staring at a computer or TV screen, especially when we are not taking a break, or wearing glasses with an incorrect prescription.
To prevent strain, you should let your eyes rest once in a while, blink more frequently, and refrain from “overusing” them whenever you can. If you’re experiencing more drastic issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
Shortsightedness or nearsightedness
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a condition that is becoming more common. People with this problem have difficulty seeing objects in the distance, they cannot be easily discerned as they are blurred, and the person cannot see them clearly. There are different degrees of myopia, some of which don’t require any treatment, while others do. This is mostly done by applying contact lenses or wearing prescription glasses. Some more extreme cases even call for surgical interventions.
In case a person doesn’t like wearing glasses or lenses all day, or frequently forgets to put them on, another convenient solution is using overnight contact lenses. Simply put them on before going to sleep and remove them in the morning. During that time, they manage to reshape the cornea (transparent front of the eye responsible for light focus) in such a way that for approximately the next 24 hours you’ll be able to see normally without having to put on glasses or regular lenses.
Farsightedness, or hyperopia
If you’re farsighted, you have no problem seeing objects in the distance, but are struggling discerning close-range objects. This vision problem, like nearsightedness, is caused by improper light refraction – the cornea is not curved enough, or it too flat, so the light it receives is focused behind the retina, when it should be the other way round. Farsightedness also occurs when the eyes are shorter than they should be. To treat farsightedness, you can resort to the same options as with myopia—glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
Sty
Stys are easily recognizable because of their pimple-like appearance. They appear on the eyelids as red lumps and are caused by infections of oil glands located at the base of eyelashes. They can be highly unpleasant, as they are often painful and bring discomfort to the eye because of the swelling. Stys can be treated by applying warm compresses, avoiding makeup, thoroughly washing hands before touching the face, etc. They typically go away once they burst and begin releasing pus. If they don’t start withdrawing after a couple of days, consult a doctor.
Naturally, the list of common problems doesn’t stop here. Another reason for you to take even better care of your eyes and help yourself live a normal, more carefree life.
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