Blindness is a troubling medical condition that may be able to be prevented in some cases. There are varying degrees of blindness, including partial blindness and complete blindness. Patients who have partial vision loss may be able to prevent the onset of complete blindness by having regular eye examinations, which can often detect visual problems before they start to cause permanent vision loss. Dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and maintaining good overall health can be important methods of preventing blindness.
Regular eye examinations are among the most important tools in preventing blindness. Yearly eye exams are recommended, but these exams should not be spaced out any further than every two years. Regular eye exams can detect any visual changes that may lead to blindness if left untreated. Some of these eye conditions include glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
People who have been diagnosed with diabetes should be particularly proactive in preventing blindness, as diabetics have an increased risk of developing vision problems. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is extremely important in preventing blindness for these patients. In addition to regular eye exams, patients with diabetes should be closely monitored by a medical doctor and take any prescribed diabetes medications exactly as instructed by the doctor.
Avoiding sun damage to the eyes may be helpful in preventing blindness. Wearing sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats while exposed to the sun can help protect the eyes from the potentially dangerous rays of the sun. Safety glasses should be worn when performing activities that could lead to eye damage, such as cutting grass or engaging in certain sports. Avoiding close contact with fireworks could also help when preventing blindness is a concern.
Smoking has been shown to increase the risks of certain medical conditions that have the potential of causing vision loss. The patient who is interested in preventing blindness should not smoke and may benefit from avoiding secondhand smoke as much as possible. Proper eyewear should be used when exposed to airborne pollutants as well.
Proper nutrition may be quite beneficial in preventing blindness. Green vegetables, berries, and fish are thought to be good foods for promoting eye health. Multivitamins, especially those which contain lutein, may be particularly helpful, although all medications, including dietary supplements, should be approved by a physician. Many doctors recommend a diet low in sodium and refined sugars as part of a healthy diet. Any questions or concerns about blindness should always be discussed with a doctor.