FUTURE VISION

We rely on our eyes every minute of the day yet our vision is something we take for granted until it is at risk. Here we find out how you can best protect one of your greatest assets.

EYE ON HEALTH

The good news is that approximately 90 percent of vision loss is preventable or treatable, so getting to know your eyes and knowing how to recognise important signs and symptoms is your best defence.

WATCH OUT

See your optometrist or doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

» Red or dry eyes that do not settle within 24 hours

» Any discharge, such as sticky eyes in the morning

» Eye pain

» Droopy eyelids, especially all of a sudden

» Blurred vision

» Halos around lights.

» Persistent floaters: shadows, cobwebs or dark spots that are repeatedly interfering with your line of vision.

The following signs and symptoms should be treated as an emergency:

» Sudden loss of or sudden blurred vision

» Double vision

» Discomfort in bright light

» Severe eye pain

» Flashing lights

Eye floater relief

The occasional floater can be harmless, but if they’re bothering you, move your eyes up and down or left and right for temporary relief.

MYTHBUSTERS!

Here we address some common misconceptions about eye health.

»RUBBING YOUR EYES IS HARMLESS. Not so. In fact, rubbing your eyes can lead to keratoconus, an eye condition which warps the cornea and affects vision.

»EATING CARROTS IMPROVES MY EYESIGHT. Not exactly. Carrots won’t help you see better, but they are a source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, an important eye-health nutrient.

»WEARING GLASSES WEAKENS EYE MUSCLES. There is no evidence to show that wearing glasses