In Brazil, it is estimated that more than 35 million people have a problem that causes difficulty seeing. This Sunday (10th), the Eye Health Day promotes awareness of vision care.
Datafolha research points out that a quarter of Brazilians do not go to the ophthalmologist. The Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology (SBO) recommends that an eye exam be performed in childhood and another in adulthood, between 30 and 40 years. From the age of 40, the recommendation is for an annual examination. People with family members who have an eye disease should undergo periodic examinations.
experts consulted by CNN explain the main mistakes made by people that can cause damage to the eyes and recommend foods that benefit eye health.
What to include in a diet beneficial for the eyes
“Carrots, or rather the beta-carotene present in carrots, are good for the eyes. And if the carrot is organic, even better. It is important to eat foods of different colors. The more colors, the greater the diversity of vitamins and minerals and the more benefits for eye health”, says nutritionist Viviane de Castro Teixeira Alvarenga.
Among the vitamins recommended for good vision are A, E and C, present in purple, red and orange foods such as açaí, jabuticaba, pumpkin and papaya. They are antioxidants and fight free radicals and eye aging.
According to experts, foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin are also antioxidants. They are found predominantly in yellow, orange, red and green vegetables, including nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, corn and arugula.
In the list of minerals, zinc, magnesium and copper are recommended.
Ophthalmologist Emerson Fernandes de Sousa e Castro, from Hospital Sírio-Libanês, in São Paulo, explains that omega 3 contributes to lubrication and helps to combat dry eye syndrome. Raw garlic is good for glaucoma, being effective in reducing eye and body pressure by having a vasodilating effect.
“The omega 3 present in oily fish, such as sardines, salmon and tuna, for example, ends up protecting the eyes and the lack of intake of this type of food can harm the eyes”, says Castro.
Top mistakes that can harm eye health
Scratching your eyes, sleeping with makeup on, wearing glasses or contact lenses and eye drops without a prescription are among some of the main mistakes made that can pose risks to eye health.
“It is very important for eye health to make an appointment with the eye doctor at least once a year. It is a mistake to wear glasses of dubious origin, especially sunglasses purchased from street vendors. Rubbing and scratching the eyes is a habit that can lead to the development of a disease called keratoconus, in which the cornea is deformed, and is often in the shape of a cone”, warns the ophthalmologist Gustavo Bonfadini.
The specialist warns that the excessive use and without breaks of screens, such as the computer and cell phone, throughout the day, can cause problems for eye health. “This exposure causes fatigue in the internal muscles of the eyes and, at the end of the day, this person will have several symptoms of visual fatigue, irritated and even inflamed eyes”, he explains.
To reduce the problem, ophthalmologist Sérgio Fernandes, a member of the Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology, advises people to take breaks of at least five minutes between one and two hours of computer use.
“Resources to combat dryness caused by overuse of screens involve teaching the body to blink to lubricate the eyes. Lubricating eye drops can also be used, two to four times a day,” she said.
The Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology also recommends that activities on computers, cell phones and tablets lasting more than four hours should be interrupted for longer breaks in order to avoid intensifying visual discomfort.
The Sírio-Libanês ophthalmologist recommends caution in the use of eye drops sold in pharmacies. “It is dangerous to use eye drops without a clear medical indication, lubricant eye drops, also called artificial tears, can be used at will”, he explains.
Eye allergy care
Eye allergy can cause symptoms such as itchy eyes and tearing, which affect quality of life. Although the symptoms are mild in most cases, the allergy can be confused with other conditions such as asthma and atopic dermatitis.
Persistence and lack of proper care can lead to complications such as eye ulcers, corneal keratitis, keratoconus and even permanent visual disturbances.
The doctor Elizabeth Mercer Mourão, coordinator of the Department of Ocular Allergy of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology (ASBAI), explains that eye symptoms can affect the mental, functional, physical and social status of patients.
“Children and adolescents show a drop in school performance, restriction of sports, leisure and social activities. Teenagers can still suffer from low self-esteem and experience emotional disturbances such as depression and anxiety,” she says.
Dry eye sensation can be associated with eye allergy, especially in adults. The diagnosis of ocular allergy is clinical, based on the appearance of symptoms, with exposure to allergens from mites, pollens and pet dander.
The doctor explains that intense photophobia and eye pain are warning signs that indicate the need for specialized care.
Treatment of eye allergy includes environmental control measures, such as not accumulating dust and changing bedding periodically. For patients who still have symptoms, the use of eye drops and stabilizers may be indicated.
Source: CNN Brasil
