Details of Eyes

Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, more frequent exams may be recommended. Children should have their first exam at 6 months, then at 3 years, before starting school, and every 1-2 years thereafter. After age 60, annual exams are recommended due to increased risk of age-related conditions.

While prolonged screen time can cause digital eye strain and temporary discomfort, there’s no conclusive evidence it causes permanent damage. However, blue light exposure may affect sleep patterns and contribute to retinal cell stress over time. To minimize risks, follow the 20-20-20 rule, use blue light filters, and maintain proper screen distance. The bigger concern is reduced outdoor time in children, which has been linked to increased myopia rates.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins C and E, and zinc are excellent for eye health. These include: Leafy greens (spinach, kale) for lutein and zeaxanthin; Fatty fish (salmon, tuna) for omega-3s; Eggs for multiple nutrients; Nuts and seeds for vitamin E; Citrus fruits and berries for vitamin C; and Carrots and sweet potatoes for beta-carotene. A Mediterranean-style diet has been shown to reduce AMD risk by up to 41%.

While eye exercises can help reduce eye strain and improve focus flexibility, they cannot correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These conditions are caused by the physical shape of your eye, which exercises cannot change. However, exercises are most effective for relieving digital eye strain, strengthening convergence (for some types of double vision), and improving visual comfort during extended near work. They’re a valuable complement to proper eye care, not a replacement for glasses or medical treatment.

Early warning signs include: blurred vision (near or far), frequent headaches especially after visual tasks, difficulty seeing at night, eye pain or discomfort, seeing halos around lights, sudden changes in vision quality, increased light sensitivity, double vision, floaters or flashing lights (especially if sudden or increasing), eye redness that doesn’t clear up, and difficulty adjusting between light and dark. If you experience any sudden changes in vision, see an eye doctor immediately as some conditions like retinal detachment require urgent care.