Near-sightedness, also known as short-sightedness and myopia, is an eye disorder where light focuses in front of, instead of on, the retina. This causes distant objects to be blurry while close objects appear normal. Other symptoms may include headaches and eye strain. Severe near-sightedness is associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma.The underlying cause is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include doing work ...

myopia

Why-vision-is-extremely-important

Why vision is extremely important 

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Our eyes receive light from the world around us and send visual information to the brain. The eyes can see at about 200 degrees in all directions, including in front of you and on the side (peripheral vision). Parts of your eyes work together to allow you to see images, movement, and depth.&nbsp;

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Did you also know that our eyes are adapted to see about 7 million shades of color? About 80% of the information from our surroundings that reaches the brain comes from them. The visual cortex is located at the back of the brain and is the main part that receives, integrates and processes visual information that the retina of the eye transmits.

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Many conditions can affect eye work, including common vision problems such as myopia (myopia), astigmatism, and eye injuries. Several diseases and disorders that are not necessarily related to the eyes can cause problems with them, including autoimmune diseases, <a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/joph/2015/734527/" target="_blank" data-ref="Pathogenesis of Common Ocular Diseases" rel="noopener">diabetes, and high blood pressure.</a>&nbsp;[ref. 1]&nbsp;

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Components of the human eye 

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The different components of our eyes are:

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iris - the colored area of the eye. Depending on the color of your eyes, the iris can be in any shade of blue, green, hazelnut or brown.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cornea - a transparent layer that extends over the iris. Water and collagen make up the cornea. And the tears protect the cornea and keep it well lubricated.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pupil - the black circle that is in the middle of your iris. It expands and shrinks to control how much light enters the eye.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sclera - the white parts of the eye that surround the iris.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Conjunctiva - a clean, thin fabric that covers the sclera and outlines the inside of the eyelids.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">A lens that sits behind the pupil. It focuses the light that enters your eye and sends light to the back of the eye.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Retina - a set of cells that cover the inner part of the back of the eye. Part of your nervous system, the retina senses light and converts it into electrical impulses or neural signals. The retina has sticks (cells that help you see in low light) and cones (cells that recognize color).</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Macula - a small area that is part of the retina. It is responsible for central vision and helps you see fine details and color.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">An optic nerve that's behind the retina. It carries signals from the retina to the brain, which then interprets this visual information to tell you what you see.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Muscles controling the position and movement of your eye, how much light enters the eye, and the ability of the eyes to focus.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Vitreous body - a transparent gel that fills your entire eye. Protects and maintains the shape of the eye.</li></ol>

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Health conditions affecting the function of the eyes

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There are hundreds of conditions, disorders, diseases, and injuries that affect the eyes. This is another reason to act preventively against them, and not to seek solutions only when they are present.

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Conditions that affect the eyes include:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Age changes in vision: Your eyes change with age. In some cases, cataracts, macular degeneration, or detached retina may occur. Presbyopia (loss of close focal vision) usually begins to affect people around the age of 45.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cancer: Tumors can be the result of intraocular&nbsp;melanoma and retinoblastoma.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Diseases: Many types of eye diseases can affect the eyes, including congenital (available at birth) cataracts, glaucoma and optic atrophy.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Infection and irritation: conjunctivitis, blepharitis, barley, and dry eyes cause redness, swelling, and discomfort. Eye tearing can be obtained when the eye does not drain tears properly or the eyes are irritated or dry.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hereditary diseases: pigment retinitis is an inherited condition that can lead to blindness.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Injuries: Corneal abrasion&nbsp;and detached retina can be the result of an eye injury. Accidents can cause bleeding from the eyes and irritation. Foreign objects can also damage the eye.</li></ul>

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Symptoms of eye diseases - how to recognize signs

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There are various signals that indicate eye problems, for example:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eye pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, or secretion.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eyes that cross or point in different directions.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eyes that are itching or very dry.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Headaches and squint.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Inability to move the eyes or open or close the eyelid.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lots of spots or one dark spot in the middle of the field of vision.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sensitivity to light or vision problems in low light.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Changes in vision, including cloudy or blurred vision</li></ul>

Living-and-working-in-front-of-a-computer-screen---what-are-the-risks

Living and working in front of a computer screen - what are the risks

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Most people know that the sun can hurt our eyes, but they are not aware of any other problematic bright lights emitted by computer screens. In short, these screens are much less harmful than the sun. This is because screens are not as bright as the sun, and newer screens usually do not produce UV rays - the most harmful kind of light the sun emits. Instead, the most important light that screens produce is high-energy blue light with a short wavelength.

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In the short term, blue light is mostly associated with potentially causing eye strain. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.ijo.cn/gjyken/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=20181220&amp;flag=1" target="_blank" data-ref="Research progress about the effect and prevention of blue light on eyes" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; According to the American Optometric Association, this is not usually a serious problem and can mostly be solved by usually shifting your gaze from the screen, as well as more time out in the wild.

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In the short term, it is known that staring at screens for a long time causes computer vision syndrome. This condition can be irritating and even detrimental to a person's work and daily activities. Potentially cause:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Severe headache.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eye strain.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blurred vision.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dry eyes.</li></ul>This syndrome is not actually caused only by exposure to blue light; it is caused by a combination of factors. The first factor is the duration of exposure, i.e. exposure to a screen. At least seven hours in front of the screen, we can talk about prolonged exposure. The problem is compounded by the fact that many people, unfortunately, have a habit of maintaining a bad posture while staring at the work screen.

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There is something to be done to avoid this problem with vision during prolonged operation of a computer:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">There are many tables and articles online with instructions on how to properly sit in front of your computer. Posture and proper distance from your PC can really help reduce eye strain. Although you may not notice an immediate difference, you will feel the effect of good posture and ergonomics over time. Important are the distances of the chair from the floor, on the desk, the corners under which your legs and elbows will sit, do you have lumbar support, and others.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Try to choose lights for your workspace or home properly so that the level of light in the room is approximately equal to how much light your screen will produce. Contrasting levels of light, such as being in a dark room while looking at a bright screen, can load the eyes faster.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Practice the rule 20-20-20. This simple rule can help with eye strain. All you have to do is take a break every 20 minutes to stare at an object about 20 meters away for at least 20 seconds. This helps to give your eyes a break by focusing on a bright screen that's near you.</li></ul>

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When working from home 

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After the global coronavirus pandemic, a huge number of people switched to a home or hybrid model of work. This implies even more time in front of the computer screen for appointments and tasks. Therefore, we recommend:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Frequent screen breaks throughout the day.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Walk around the room or building every 20 minutes.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mute notifications from mobile devices to spend less time staring at them.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use of moisturizing eye drops or artificial tears.</li></ul>Some studies have suggested that in the long run, blue light from screens can also damage retinal cells, leading to problems such as age-related macular degeneration. The extent of this problem is not fully understood, but prevention is the best solution, and may include a complex of measures. We'il describe them next.

Eye-health-with-the-right-foods-and-exercises

Eye health with the right foods and exercises 

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Being proactive about eye health will pay off over time. Therefore, the most important steps are:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Regular consumption of vegetables &ndash; leafy dark greens are the most suitable.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Protect the eyes &ndash; at work, sports, going outside &ndash; with the right glasses will protect the eyes. If you are swimming, you can also put on glasses. When walking, ordinary dioptric sunglasses are suitable. When riding a bike, there is a specific type of glasses.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Wear sunglasses &ndash; UVA and UVB rays are just as harmful to the eyes as they are to the skin.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Observe good hygiene &ndash; wash your hands before touching your eyes. Whether you are putting on contact lenses, trying to remove an eyelash, or just having a slight irritation, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly before making physical eye contact.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Maintain a healthy body &ndash; Your eyes are part of your body, so it makes sense that they are affected by other unhealthy habits. Proper nutrition, maintaining healthy body weight and regular physical activity help your eyes stay in good condition. Nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, and vitamins A and E are among the most important to your eyes.</li></ul>

Eyes are a window into the world that we must protect properly. This actually means providing important nutrients, remedies for different conditions, regular ophthalmic examinations, and eye sun protection all year round. This topic will be increasingly relevant against the background of the thousands of hours we spend in front of computers or mobile screens. It is also important not to forget to give rest to the eyes and to be informed about various eye diseases.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy With The Right Foods and Exercises

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Бетина Цветкова

The-benefits-of-time-spent-in-nature

The benefits of time spent in nature

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&nbsp;At times filled with fast-growing technology and high engagement, being free to go outside seems like a bit of a miracle. It is no secret that walking in fresh air and in comfortable clothes helps relieve some of these daily stressors and reduce tension.&nbsp;

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Going outdoors has a calming effect on our minds, even if it's only for a little bit every day. When you're out, if you speed up or even run or cycle, it's a great exercise for the heart, because of the increased heart rate and calorie expenditure.

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A study conducted at the University of Essex found that walking in nature lowered depression in 71% of participants. This technique is used as a form of therapy called "ecotherapy", which is gaining popularity among dozens of people concerned about their mental health. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.medicaldaily.com/benefits-ecotherapy-being-nature-fights-depression-improves-mental-health-and-well-being-261075" target="_blank" data-ref="Benefits Of Ecotherapy: Being In Nature Fights Depression, Improves Mental Health And Well-Being" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>

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This is not the only study to show such results. A study in Canada with over 10,000 participants tested the effect of spending 30 minutes in nature for 30 &nbsp;<a href="https://www.endoftheroll.com/blog/articles/The-One-Nature-Challenge" target="_blank" data-ref="The One Nature Challenge" rel="noopener">days [ref. 2]</a> . The results reported by the participants are clear that going outside brings great effects;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Enhancing their sense of well-being.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They feel more productive when they work.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They feel happier.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Participants reported higher energy levels.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">They sleep better and have fewer sleep disorders.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Feelings of stress and negativity decrease.</li></ul>

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Exeter-Medical-School-researchers'-recommendations

Exeter Medical School researchers' recommendations 

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As with many health advice, the simplest guidelines seem most effective. This is the consensus of a new study published in Scientific Reports on June 13, which offers the basic guidelines that confirm what is known so far: spending at least two hours a week in nature will work wonders for your health.

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The researchers, from Exeter Medical School in the UK, are reviewing previous studies to better understand exactly how staying outside contributes to our health. Scientists found that unity with nature implies a lower risk of hospitalization in asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental distress, obesity and adult mortality. It has also been shown to reduce obesity and myopia in children.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3" target="_blank" data-ref="Spending at least 120&thinsp;minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing - Scientific Reports" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

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Two hours a week seems to be the most appropriate recommendation, with positive effects also reported in 200-300 minutes. Perhaps it is important here to make one clarification: the study is based on nearly 20,000 people who live in densely populated urban areas. This seems logical since the population here mostly needs time among forests, lakes and mountains.&nbsp;

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The fact that nature brings health benefits is not surprising and it would be great if we could find more time not only to walk outside, but also to clean and protect our nature. It seems that the more detached we become from it, the more we crave the connection. That's human nature, isn't it?

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Researchers found that 120 to 300 minutes per week in nature (2-5 hours per week) improved overall human health. This information&nbsp; is particularly important, given that 68% of the world's population is expected to live in urban areas over the next three decades. Social animals by nature, the attractiveness of cities brings residents to gather in greater proximity. Whether this will seriously disrupt our relationship with nature depends entirely on us.

myopia

Keep Your Eyes Healthy With The Right Foods and Exercises

Two hours in nature a week are crucial for your health