What are the basic cause of poor eye sight? How can I prevent this?

Answer 1

Some chemicals from things we've encountered in our daily lives can damage the macula, a very sensitive part of the eye. If the cells of the macula die, or if tiny blood vessels burst in this area, a person's eyesight can become irreversibly damaged. UV rays from the sun can damage both the inner and outer parts of the eye, thereby increasing the risk of cataracts and other eye disorders that may lead to blindness. Effective ways of protecting your eyes during exposure to the sun’s rays include wearing sunglasses (preferably those with lenses that have built-in UV protection). Regular visits to your eye care professional will enable him or her to determine how your eyes are doing, as well as detect any signs of eye disease. Adults between the ages of 20 and 49 should visit an eye care specialist every three to five years. Reading with adequate amounts of light in the room means less strain on your eyes. Just don’t overdo it, too much light can be harmful to the very sensitive light receptor cells in your eyes. Eat foods with lots of Vitamin A, which your eyes use to turn light into nerve signals. Vitamin A also helps to keep the outer membrane of the eye (the cornea) clear and plays a major role in night vision. Now there’s a way to combat the effects of age on your vision—Rogisen, it is the premium, once-a-day caplet for optimum eye health. It consists of a proprietary blend of key vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients that have been carefully balanced to deliver the maximum benefit for supporting improved night vision and general ocular health. Rogisen supplies nutrients essential for healthy vision, and helps protect eyes from UV damage.

Answer 2

I believe that genetics play a role and that of course is unalterable. I believe this is the reason you see some very young children wearing glasses. The lenses of our eyes are relatively soft, flattened ovals 'pointed' at the edges. In the same way you would use different magnifying glasses depending on the size of what you look at, the distance away and the detail you want, our eyes - which obviously can't be changed - simply adjust themselves to meet our needs. This is done by having the muscles that encircle the lens either pull outward to thin the lens or relax to allow it to become thicker near the centre. This process is called 'accommodation' and as many of us age, the ability of the muscles involved to properly 'accommodate' our visual needs may decline, necessitating the use of glasses/contacts. Some folks have irregularities on the surface of the lens, i.e., not uniformly smooth. This is called astigmatism and it causes some areas of the visual field to blur while most of the field is quite clear. Once again, this is correctable with glasses. Laser treatments now exist that can eliminate the need for glasses/contacts but the cost can be in the vicinity of $1500 to $1800 PER EYE, and since this is not 'essential' the way regular glasses are, almost all folks must pay out of their OWN pockets.

Another problem of course is catacts which are generally seen in the elderly. This is the result of parts of our lenses getting 'foggy' patches that impair vision. Again, laser surgery is required and since it is done to prevent blindness, provincial governments in Canada consider it a covered service.

Lately, there has been a growing epidemic in the aging population of a condition called 'Age-related Macular Degeneration' or AMD. Here, an area of the retina at the back of the eye - the macula, responsible for central (middle-of-view) vision - degenerates and central vision declines noticeably, though some peripheral vision usually remains. There are two types, only one of which is treatable by laser surgery. The condition, once established, is invariably progressive. AMD has very clear genetic connections: if your parents have it, your chances of getting it are quite high. Fortunately, the development of the condition and the rate of its progression can be markedly slowed by taking anti-oxidant supplements. Several controlled clinical trials have proven this and most eye doctors are now recommending it to their patients. These are all over-the-counter products and the cost is out of your own pocket. Several brands containing all the key ingredients in one pill are readily available. It is, however, much cheaper to go out and buy the individual supplements and take them all together. The key ingredients are the anti-oxidant vitamins C and E and beta-carotene.

THE LATTER MUST NEVER BE TAKEN BY SMOKERS OR FORMER SMOKERS AS ITS USE BY THESE FOLKS SIGNIFICANTLY ELEVATES THE RISK OF LUNG CANCER!!!

Zinc, preferably as zinc citrate, must also be taken and some now recommend adding selenium to the mix. I myself use "No Name" or "house brand" supplements sold by major retail chains like Costco, Superstore, London Drugs, or only in a pinch, Shoppers Drug Market where prices are noticeably higher. Any pharmacist would be glad to help you select specific products and the proper doses, though many will push the all-in-one brands because they have a higher mark-up. Be sure to mention that your interest is AMD-related.

I hope that has been helpful.

Gord R.

Answer 3

I would say this is one of the big mysteries of life. some think it is because people in general are looking/reading things at a close distance (computer screen/books).

On an individual level there is very little you can do. What is important is eye-health: regular check ups if you wear contact lenses. Protection during dangers sports (events), etc

Answer 4

I would say a poor diet is the root cause of poor eye sight. Another choice might be black mold poisoning.

Answer 5

1