• Cataract

Cataract is a condition whereby the natural crystalline lens inside the eye is no longer clear and becomes cloudy, causing vision to become blurry. A cataract can form in the eyes for several different reasons, some of which are:

• Ageing
• Diabetes
• Drug abuse/misuse
• UV radiation
• Smoking

A simple way to prevent cataracts is to make lifestyle changes. Eating healthy food rich in fruits and leafy vegetables is a good way to prevent cataracts due to ageing and also to prevent diabetes. If you’re diabetic, managing your blood sugar optimally is very helpful to prevent the formation of cataracts. Also, do not abuse any medications- use them as directed by your doctor, wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays and limit the smokes.

• Glaucoma                                                                                          Glaucoma is commonly described as the silent thief of sight because it does irreparable damage to the eyes. When detected and managed early, glaucoma can be managed effectively, and vision is preserved. On the contrary, if it isn’t detected early, it might be too late and useful vision can already be lost. And vision lost to glaucoma can never be regained. High eye pressure, eye trauma and accidents, drug abuse/misuse and eye inflammation are some of the things that can predispose one to glaucoma. Therefore, treating high intraocular pressures, protecting the eyes from work-related accidents, treating the causes of any eye inflammations, and not abusing eye medications, are some of the ways to prevent glaucoma. Unfortunately, in some families, it is hereditary. In such cases where it’s inherited, it is very important to have an eye exam regularly to prevent blindness from glaucoma.

• Macular Degeneration

 Macular degeneration is often known as age-related macular degeneration and it is an eye disorder associated with ageing. Macular degeneration affects the macula, the central part of your eyes that you see fine details with when looking directly or focusing on things in everyday life, hence resulting in damage to sharp or crisp central vision. Macular degeneration affects being able to do common daily tasks such as reading and driving. Some ways to prevent macula degeneration are to

Use sunglasses to shield the eye from ultraviolet rays.

Sustain a nutritious diet abundant in fruits and vegetables

Take supplements that contain lutein and zeaxanthin.

• Refractive Errors

 Refractive errors include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and are the most common eye problems worldwide. They can be corrected by wearing prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and in some cases surgeries, but they also have the tendency to worsen over time. Therefore, it is necessary to use your glasses or contacts regularly, upgrade them when and where necessary and also go for yearly eye exams.

• Ocular Trauma/Eye Injuries

 Eye traumas are sight-threatening and can cause varying degrees of damage to sight and vision. Workplace accidents are common causes of vision loss and impairment, besides wrestling activities and road traffic accidents. Using protective eyewear at work is a good way of preventing work-related eye injuries.