What factors have adverse effect on the eyes?

Cigarettes and alcohol

Smoking negatively affects the whole body and thus increases the risk of various diseases, including eye conditions such as macular degeneration, which is the main reason for vision loss in elderly people. Cataract occurs twice as often in smokers as in non-smokers. Uveitis (inflammation of the uvea), also caused by a smoking addiction, may lead to complete blindness. Cigarettes are harmful not only to smokers but also to non-smokers around them. Unfortunately, children are among those often exposed to smoking as passive smokers.

Alcohol does not affect the eyes directly; however, general weakness of the body resulting from constant depletion of minerals and nutrients caused by alcohol intake will sooner or later have a negative on the eyes, too. Alcohol consumption contributes to aggravation of retinal degeneration and in diabetic persons may worsen retinopathy (a common complication in diabetes resulting in damage to blood vessels located in the retina).

Inadequate lighting while working in front of a smartphone or computer screen

Using a mobile phone at night contributes to circadian rhythm disorders. Blue light emitted by a computer or smartphone screen may cause the development of various diseases, including macular degeneration. In case of frequent and prolonged exposure to computer and smartphone screens, it is advisable to wear blue light blocking glasses. Moreover, when we use a mobile phone or computer, we tend to blink less often, which in turn leads to inappropriate lubrication of the eyes and consequently to tear film disorders. If this is the case, so-called artificial tears may be helpful, but it is important to hydrate the eyes also from the inside by drinking sufficient amounts of water. Furthermore, you should be aware of the fact that focusing your eyes on objects at close range can result in the appearance of myopia.

Lack of UV protection glasses

UV protection glasses should not only be associated with warm and sunny seasons of the year. UV radiation reaches the earth all the time, even on cloudy days. Both during the summer and winter time, sunglasses should be an inseparable element of our outfit. Not all shaded glasses have an appropriate filter, therefore special attention should be paid to the extent of UV protection the sunglasses provide which is indicated on the label. Lack of UV protection and excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation entails an increased risk of development of certain eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, keratitis and cataract.

Inappropriately used contact lenses

Those who wear contact lenses need to introduce a few rituals into their life so as to make sure that using the lenses will be safe. Not following basic hygiene rules may result not only in temporary discomfort or vision deterioration but also eye infections and inflammations. You should always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before putting on and taking off the lenses. The lenses should be kept in a contact lens solution in a container specifically designated for this purpose. The lenses should not be used longer than it is recommended by the manufacturer.

Poor nutrition

The body absorbs best what it receives in food. An unhealthy diet may contribute to the development of diseases such as arterial hypertension, diabetes or arterial sclerosis – and in turn also to various eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy or hypertensive retinopathy. Fast pace of life has a profound effect on the way we eat, therefore it is worth assigning some time to prepare meals for a few consecutive days so as to avoid eating random unhealthy snacks or fast food available on every corner. A healthy diet does not have to be demanding and time-consuming to bring a lot of health benefits for the whole body, including the eyes!

We should look into our everyday habits and take good care of ourselves. General health condition is extremely important to be qualified for a laser vision correction surgery and proper eye care is one of the most essential elements of the convalescence period afterwards. If you are considering a one-day procedure (a qualifying examination and surgery on the same day), fill in an online preliminary qualification form or contact us via phone or email.

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