8 Things Young People Can Start Doing to Prevent Blindness

As the global population has grown, eye diseases are becoming increasingly common. By 2050, it is estimated that 895 million people worldwide could develop eye conditions, according to a report from The Lancet. This represents a 150% increase over the next 30 years.

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you might not spend much time thinking about eye diseases or vision care. But this is exactly the time when you should be taking action to prevent future vision loss.

Here are some things you should start doing to protect your vision from future complications.

1. Know your family history

Many eye diseases are hereditary. For example, you are much more likely to develop Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) or glaucoma if a close family member has this condition. Ask your relatives about their eye conditions. This can help you and your ophthalmologist monitor for issues before they appear. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent vision loss.

2. Always use sunglasses while outdoors

Long-term exposure to UV radiation can damage the cornea and lens, eventually leading to cataracts, fleshyness and eye cancer. Choose sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation, and wear them even on cloudy days.

3. Protect your eyes while at work

Prolonged screen use won’t make you go blind, but it can cause uncomfortable symptoms like eye strain or presbyopia.

• If you work in an office, sit at least an arm’s length away from the computer and remember to give your eyes a break from time to time. For every 20 minutes you are on the computer, look up from the screen and look at a distant object for 20 seconds (20/20 Rule).

• If you work in construction or with chemicals, wear protective glasses. Over 90% of eye injuries can be prevented by using proper eye protection.

4. Protect your eyes while playing sports

Playing sports that involve a ball or racket can cause eye injuries without proper protection. The best way to prevent injuries is by wearing protective eye gear, goggles, or a helmet with a safety visor.

5. Take care of your contact lenses

• Make sure to wash your hands, store your contact lenses properly, and use cleaning solution to disinfect them.

• Sleeping, showering, and swimming with contact lenses increases the risk of a serious eye infection.

• If you experience redness, changes in vision, or pain, stop using your lenses and see your ophthalmologist immediately.

6. Don´t share makeup

• Sharing makeup can spread infection.

• It’s important to replace eye makeup (mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner) after three months and use new products.

• Apply eyeliner outside the lash line, rather than close to your eye.

• Wash your face thoroughly to remove makeup before going to bed.

• If your eyes have an unusual reaction to any makeup, such as persistent pain or redness, consult an ophthalmologist.

7. Keep other chronic illnesses under control.

Chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, if left untreated, can affect your vision. For example, diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of blindness. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely and attend all regular medical appointments.

8. Learn what “normal aging” entails

Vision loss is not an inevitable part of aging. Starting around age 40, you may notice blurred vision up close, known as presbyopia, which is quite common and may require reading glasses. Blurred vision can sometimes indicate a more serious eye condition. Pay close attention to worsening symptoms and have regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist, as eye problems often begin without symptoms.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults have a baseline eye exam at age 40 or possibly earlier.

Source: American Academy of Ophtalmology