DHAKA — Vision tends to dim with age, but a steady loss of sight should be taken seriously, doctors said, warning that after 50 problems become more common. Beyond cataracts, the silent killers of the eye include glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, both of which can severely impair vision.
Glaucoma can strike even earlier if left unchecked, doctors said, because the disease damages the optic nerve. It is a condition in which a buildup of pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure, harms the optic nerve that sends images to the brain. As that nerve degrades, sight weakens. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, even with treatment, making early diagnosis essential.
Eye specialist Dr. Sunanda Halder said in an interview that while glaucoma has a genetic component, lifestyle also plays a role. What a person eats and how long they sleep are among the everyday factors linked to eye health, he said.
Regular eye exams: Glaucoma and AMD are typically symptomless in their early stages, doctors said. Patients often do not notice anything is wrong until their vision is already impaired, by which point little can be done. Routine eye checks can reduce that risk; the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier the damage is to limit.
Foods that protect vision: Vitamin A and antioxidants are good for eye health, and omega-3 fatty acids should be part of the diet, doctors said. Antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress that can harm the eyes. Fish, meat, eggs, fruits, fresh vegetables and nuts are recommended. Smoking, by contrast, raises the risk of AMD. Harmful ultraviolet rays: Ultraviolet rays from the sun increase the risk of macular degeneration, doctors said, so good sunglasses that block UV rays are important. Exercise: Diabetes and high blood pressure can quietly harm the eyes. Regular exercise improves blood circulation to the brain and helps keep in check the conditions that can damage vision. Eye exercises: Staring at mobile, laptop or computer screens day and night is harmful, and screen time should be limited, doctors said. Simple eye exercises can help maintain eye health and reduce strain. Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential not just for overall health but also for the eyes. The eyes rest during sleep, and proper rest helps the body maintain hormonal balance.
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