Health & Fitness : This month, the eyes have it
The month of March is Save Your Vision Month. Having a population on Martha's Vineyard that is familiar with eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, it's important to learn about disease prevention.
Dr. David Finkelstein. Click on photo to enlarge.Age-Related Macular Degeneration [AMD] is an acquired ocular disorder and a leading cause of decreased vision in persons over 60 years of age.
AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina, which is responsible for providing clear, sharp vision needed for reading, driving, and other visually- demanding activities. It has been discovered that certain antioxidant compounds can reduce and sometimes reverse the effects of macular degeneration.
Lutein (found in kale and spinach), omega 3 fish oil, vitamin C (found in orange juice), vitamin E (found in nuts), and zinc (found in meats and oysters) are the antioxidants that can help prevent macular degeneration. Anyone over 60 should include these foods in his or her diet.
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye. It is associated with aging and health conditions. The clouding of the lens causes a decrease in vision and when the vision is functionally cloudy a surgical procedure is done to remove the natural lens in the eye and replace it with an artificial lens, to restore sight.
Ideal placement and posture angles for those who work at desk jobs. Click on photo to enlarge.UV light from the sun can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. As we put sunscreen on to prevent skin cancer, it is also important to use sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection. Vitamin C has been shown to help prevent cataracts.
Glaucoma - the sneak thief of vision - presents no symptoms, most of the time. Increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. The best prevention for glaucoma is a routine eye examination. Treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops and in some cases surgery.
Computer vision syndrome speaks for itself, metaphorically: vision problems related to computer use. Sitting at a computer generally causes a person to look straight ahead for long stretches, work in a dry office or home environment, and to blink less often. These factors can lead to vision problems. Additionally, computer use requires specific vision skills, which add further demands to the visual system and contribute to eye and vision discomfort.
Here are some tips for healthy, comfortable vision at the computer: Have a regular, comprehensive eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy and that you have the correct eyeglass or contact lens prescription (if necessary). Be certain to tell your optometrist about the computer work you do. Wear glasses that are specifically designed to function comfortably at the computer. The lenses you wear for day-to-day activities may not be the best for working at the computer. Also, rest your eyes, blink forcefully, use a humidifier, and artificial tears.
After you have had a comprehensive eye examination, there are several things that you can do to arrange and use the elements of your workstation to eliminate or minimize discomfort.
• Feet should be flat on the floor (or on a slightly angled foot rest) with knees bent close to or greater than 90 degrees.
• Chair seat should support the legs without excessive pressure on the back of the thighs.
• The back should be snug against the seat to fit your spinal contour. Thigh-to-trunk angle should be 90 degrees or greater.
• Wrists and hands should extend nearly straight from the elbow to the home row of the keyboard.
• A commonly preferred work surface height for keyboard use is about 26 inches, as opposed to the conventional 29 of most tables or desks.
• Place the monitor 20 to 26 inches from your eyes, depending on the size of the monitor and individual vision conditions.
• The monitor and keyboard should be straight ahead. The top of the monitor should be slightly below horizontal eye level. Tilt the top of the monitor away from you at a 10 to 20 degree angle. The center of the monitor should be 10 degrees to 20 degrees below your eyes. This is 4 to 9 inches below your eyes at a distance of 24 inches.
• Keep the monitor free of fingerprints and dust, which can reduce clarity.
• Place document holders close to the screen within the same viewing distance. Keep the keyboard and monitor in line. Adjust the keyboard tilt angle so that wrists are straight.
Save Your Vision Month is about preventing eye diseases with better nutrition and decreasing visual stress at the work place and at home.
Dr. David Finkelstein is an optometrist with a practice in Vineyard Haven.
