Seeing Clearly

So many of us have problems with our eyes!  The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about one-quarter of the world’s population, some 2.2 billion people suffer from some form of vision impairment, e.g., myopia, presbyopia, cataracts, or macular degeneration. There are so many different types and causes of problems and, sadly, the prevalence of vision impairment is increasing rapidly.  The number of people affected is projected to escalate from 1.4 billion in 2000 to a staggering 5 billion by 2050. How crazy is that?

I am certainly one of the people affected.  Since I was in Grade 3, I have worn spectacles to correct my near-sightedness (myopia).  Sadly, now I have multiple types of spectacles to correct not just my myopia but also my presbyopia, i.e., the inability to see things close up.   . . . So annoying.

There’s no question that this impacts my productivity, not to mention my stress levels.  But at least I have some treatment for these vision problems.  So many others do not.  Without question, that is affecting the productivity of the world.  The WHO estimates that the loss of productivity from vision impairment can be valued at almost half a trillion dollars annually! 

But of course, it’s not just our productivity or ability to work that is impaired. 

Another significant consideration is educational impact.  Children with uncorrected vision problems often face academic challenges. Poor vision hampers their ability to read, write, and engage in classroom activities, affecting their learning potential and future opportunities. This educational disadvantage can have long-term implications on their career prospects and socio-economic status.

Poor vision also increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Among the elderly, who are more susceptible to falls, vision impairment can lead to severe injuries and a loss of independence. Of course, driving with impaired vision also poses a significant risk to public safety. 

And, quite sadly, vision impairment can lead to social isolation, particularly among the elderly. Difficulty in recognising faces and participating in social activities can result in loneliness and mental health issues.

#($*&(#*$&(#*&    I find this so distressing!

Can’t anything be done?  Why is this happening?  Why don’t we work more actively to heal?  Perhaps it’s because we believe that losing our eyesight is a natural part of growing old?  Perhaps it’s because our medical system is constrained?  Perhaps we simply do not have the resources to treat it? 

To me, these answers are simply angry-making.  We individuals have ceded all control and authority over our bodies to the medical community.  We are not responsible stewards of our own health.  There is so much that we could do to support our health and well-being.  No, of course we’re not going to do open heart surgery on ourselves, but with simple lifestyle changes we can reduce the chances that we fall prey to the serious chronic diseases and cancers that plague our world now.

And, I know for sure that we can improve our eyesight. 

For a short while, many many years ago, I radically improved my eyesight . . .  by accident.  Truly, I did.  I had just finished several years of study in London.  To celebrate, I took a three week holiday with friends, one of whom was a very experienced sailor.  So, we hired a sailboat and floated around the Greek islands for weeks.  At the end of the three weeks, I could see as well without my glasses as with them.  Why?  I’m not entirely sure but I believe that a significant cause was development (or retraining) of the muscles in my eyes.   When you are on a boat, you tend to stare at the horizon, which isn’t something we normally do.  When you stare at the horizon, you use and strengthen different muscles.  Seemingly, that was all my eyes needed to improve. 

Of course, it didn’t last.  I went back to my everyday, head-in-a-book lifestyle and my eyes went back to needing glasses.  But I have never forgotten the experience.  Perhaps we can’t eliminate our need for glasses entirely but I do think we can improve our eyesight. 

And, I’m going to try.  So, please see this blog as the first in a series.  I’ll try to update you as I learn and experiment. 

But here is what I know already . . .

Our Vision Problems are Due At Least In Part to Lifestyle and Toxin Exposure

There is no question that modern lifestyle choices significantly contribute to the increasing prevalence of vision problems. In the Middle East, particularly, significant harm is created by high levels of dust, UV exposure, and by the toxicity associated with rapid industralisation and urbanisation.  The particulate matter and pollutants in the air of busy cities can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the eyes, contributing to conditions such as dry eye syndrome and irritation. Greater urbanisation is also associated with less time spent outdoors and more near-work activities.  Urban environments also often limit exposure to natural light, which is essential for eye health. Without question, all of this stress, toxicity, and reduced exposure to nature and sunlight can contribute to vision impairment. 

But, of course, those of us living in theMiddle East, like the rest of the world, have also significantly increased our exposure to digital screens.  Our reliance on screens, not surprisingly, has led to an increase in eye strain. Symptoms of that strain include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and eye fatigue.  Improper lighting and prolonged screen exposure exacerbate these symptoms. As our reliance on screens grows, the strain on our eyes intensifies, making it crucial to adopt strategies to reduce that stress and strain.

However, There ARE Natural Ways to Improve Eye Health

Indeed, despite the alarming rise in vision problems discussed above, there is hope. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can naturally enhance the strength and resilience of our eyes and, consequently, our eye health. While I will elaborate on these healthy habits in future blogs, the simple things we can do to support our eyes include:

Improving our Hydration: Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining eye moisture and preventing dry eyes. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day supports overall eye health and comfort.

Adopting an Eye-Friendly Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E can help protect against age-related eye diseases and maintain clear vision. Foods such as leafy greens, fish, nuts, and colorful fruits and vegetables are beneficial for eye health.

Ensuring Proper Lighting and Ergonomics: Ensuring proper lighting and ergonomic setups when using digital devices can reduce eye strain. Positioning screens at eye level and minimizing glare can alleviate discomfort and prevent long-term eye problems.

Learning How to Exercise Our Eyes: While the efficacy of traditional eye exercises in improving vision remains debated, exercises targeting eye muscles and coordination can certainly alleviate symptoms of digital eye strain. And, like my time on the boat showed, this might be enough to improve our vision . . . at least for a while.

But I doubt that we can ‘do’ the above, fix our eyes, and move on.  What we must do is learn to incorporate the above into a sustainable, happy lifestyle.  I wish I could say more now about what this lifestyle might look like.   However, I’m just about to embark on a short course that promises to teach me something.  So . . . I’ll report back when I’m done. 

Cross your fingers for me.   I hope its worth it!