Below you will find a “pop quiz” that will educate you on important information you need to know regarding your eyes and vision.
What you need to know about your vision and eyes
First of all, when it comes to protecting your eyes, which is the most important? Sunglasses, limiting computer time, a good reading lamp, or eye drops?
If you guessed sunglasses, you’re correct!
Sunglasses protect your vision from harmful UV rays that can speed up age-related vision loss. Furthermore, these harmful rays can also increase the risk of cataracts and other eye damage.
Second question: Which statement is NOT true about presbyopia (nearsightedness)? It affects everyone at any age, it worsens annually, it is corrected with glasses, or it is more sensitive for those who are farsighted?
The answer is “it worsens annually.”
Presbyopia stays consistent annually for those over the age of 65. Prior to 65, you may have to adjust your prescription glasses.
Third question: Which eye condition used to be untreatable? Glaucoma, cataracts, most cases of macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy?
If you answered most cases of macular degeneration, you are correct.
Nine out of 10 people with macular degeneration suffer from the “dry” kind, which previously used was untreatable but recent treatments can delay progression.
Fourth question: Which is a risk factor for glaucoma? Diabetes, family history of glaucoma, African-American descent, or all the above.
The answer is all the above, as all of these factors increase your risk for glaucoma.
Fifth question: Which precaution may help prevent macular degeneration? A regular dose of aspirin, eating spinach and corn, using a reading lamp, or all the above.
The correct answer is eating spinach and corn. These foods are rich in compounds that work to improve your eye health.
Sixth question: Which is usually NOT a symptom of serious eye disease? Dimming peripheral vision, floaters, impaired night vision, or halos around lights?
Floaters, or spots that drift in your line of vision, are not commonly seen as a symptom signaling a serious eye disease. If floaters are attached to other symptoms, it could be a sign of a serious eye disease.
Last question: How can diabetes prevent blindness? Controlling blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, Both A and B, or blindness is inevitable among diabetics.
If diabetics want to reduce their risk of blindness, then they should control both their blood pressure and blood sugar levels. When blood pressure and blood sugar is high, it can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels of the eyes, which can contribute to blindness.
With the information you just learned, you now have better resources to help you protect your vision for many years to come.
Related: How to improve vision: 11 home remedies to improve eye health