Important Tips for Eye Health

Our eyes are our most important sensory organ, allowing us to learn, understand, and communicate with our surroundings. Even temporary vision impairment due to a power outage or low light at the end of a movie can make us feel uncomfortable. To help protect the windows to our world, we gathered some valuable tips from Kudret Eye Istanbul’s Ophthalmologist, Dr. Cem Selvi.

Dr. Cem Selvi emphasizes the importance of regular eye exams: “While everyone agrees on the importance of vision, few people get regular check-ups. Regular eye exams are crucial not only for maintaining eye health but also for overall health. Many diseases that threaten general health, such as diabetes and hypertension, can first be diagnosed during an eye exam, allowing for timely treatment. There is a misconception that eye diseases only pose a risk to the elderly. While it’s true that conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration become more common with age, various eye diseases can affect people of all ages. For example, cataracts, retinopathy, and glaucoma can be hereditary and present even in infants. Refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism are also common across all age groups, including infants and children. Regular eye exams are essential to prevent unexpected vision loss and manage conditions like glaucoma that can progress without symptoms.”

Dr. Cem Selvi advises: “During an eye exam, it is important to provide accurate and detailed information about your medical history, current health conditions, medications, family medical history, lifestyle, and habits. Many diseases have a hereditary component. Understanding your family’s medical history can help identify genetic risk factors and prevent or treat potential conditions. Sharing details about your daily activities, hobbies, and habits will help your doctor provide tailored recommendations.”

Dr. Cem Selvi warns: “Air conditioning and heating systems in enclosed spaces like homes and offices can reduce humidity, leading to dry eyes. You can increase humidity with methods like placing water containers, humidifiers, or wet towels in the room. Dry eyes can cause discomfort such as stinging, burning, redness, itching, watering, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. If you experience any symptoms, consult an eye specialist without delay.”

Dr. Selvi advises: “To avoid inviting germs and eye infections while applying makeup, follow these precautions. Do not share your makeup products, avoid products without a protective seal, and do not use expired products. Some products contain preservatives or active ingredients that can cause allergic reactions. People with allergies need to be especially careful. Show the same care in removing makeup as in applying it. Never go to bed without removing your makeup. Maintain the cleanliness of your makeup products, removers, and towels. Symptoms like pain, redness, itching, swelling, and watering can indicate an infection or blepharitis. Consult your eye doctor if you notice these symptoms.”

Dr. Cem Selvi points out: “Spending all day in front of a computer in an enclosed environment increases the risk of dry eyes. Prolonged focus on the screen reduces blinking, leading to insufficient tear distribution and increased evaporation. Rest your eyes by closing them for 1-2 minutes at regular intervals. Ensure your screen is about 60 cm from your eyes and that the top edge of the screen is at eye level. Avoid direct light on the screen. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Staying hydrated by drinking at least 2 liters of water daily also helps prevent dry eyes.”

Dr. Cem Selvi highlights the importance of diet for eye health: “Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining eye health and supporting treatment. Follow your doctor’s dietary recommendations. Those with macular degeneration or a family history of the condition should consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that proper nutrition can slow the progression of dry macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin are abundant in egg yolks, spinach, broccoli, squash, kale, oranges, avocados, kiwis, corn, and carrots. Fish, containing both omega-3 and selenium, is important for eye health. Vitamins are crucial for eye health, with long-term vitamin C deficiency known to increase the risk of cataracts.”

Dr. Cem Selvi advises: “Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium. Use UV-filtered sunglasses year-round. Don’t be misled by cloudy weather; UV rays are still harmful in winter. Skiers and those working outdoors in the snow should be particularly careful, as reflected rays can cause corneal burns.”

Dr. Selvi emphasizes: “Nicotine and other toxic substances in cigarettes damage the structure and blood flow of blood vessels, including those in the eyes and surrounding area, negatively impacting eye health and increasing the risk of various diseases.”

Remember, these blog posts are for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please consult a doctor.