A number of simple actions can help you maintain your long term vision. Accidents can be avoided by always wearing protective eyewear when working with indutstrial equipment or chemicals. Ensure that you always wash your hands thoroughly and avoid rubbing your eyes excessively. Never look directly at the sun and protect yourself from ultraviolet rays by wearng sunglasses. You can help maintain healthy vision by exercising your eyes, eating a healthy diet, keeping your eyes lubricated and reducing eye strain which can make you more suseptible to eye infections.
There are treatments available for a number of sight loss conditions.
Diabetes can damage blood vessels inside the retina. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy and can lead to blind spots in vision and eventually blindness. Diabetic Retinopathy can initially be slowed through blood sugar and blood pressure control. Once the condition has developed laser surgery is the most common form of treatment.
Conjunctivitis or Xerophthalmia is caused by a deficiency of vitamin A. The symptoms are extreme eye dryness, which can be treated by over the counter eye drops, avoiding windy and dry conditions and using humidifiers.
Cataracts results in the the clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. Cataracts surgery involves removing the lens from the eye and replacing it with an artifical lens. A cataract should be removed when sight loss interfers with daily activities such as reading or driving.
Glaucoma can lead to difficulties focusing on objects, loss of peripheral vision and eventually loss of sight. Raised pressure inside the eye damages the octive nerve. This pressure can be reduced through surgery, medication and prescription eye-drops
Trachoma is an extremely contagious eye disease. The upper eyelid can become scared from repeated infections. The upper eyelid begins to turn inwards causing the eyelashes to scratch the cornea. If used early in the infection systematic therapy with oral antibiotics can prevent long term problems. If chronic scarring occurs, eye lid surgery may be required.
Accidents do happen, if you are involved in an accident and lose your sight in one or both eyes the hospital treatment and rehabilitation you require may be very expensive. International health insurance plans can provide cover for personal accidents. The plans generally include medical evacuation benefits. This allows the individual to be transported to the nearest centre of medical excellence, when the treatment is not available locally. Our consultants can advise you on the most suitable international health insurance plan to meet your needs. |
