A diet rich in antioxidant is most beneficial to our ocular health. It is found that oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) found in abundance in grape seed extract are potent antioxidants, which help to maintain capillary health and has the ability to protect cells through the neutralization of free radicals to promote healthier circulation. It is 20 times the potency of Vitamin C, 50 times that of Vitamin E. It is also most beneficial to patients with glaucoma. 

OPC is a powerful antioxidant. Free radicals are responsible for a variety of diseases and also responsible for the acceleration in the ageing process. OPC can help not only in the elimination of such free radicals, but also help the body absorb other nutrients such as Vitamin C.

It is beneficial to all regardless of age. Elderly and diabetic patients which are more susceptible to retinopathy are encouraged to consume more food that is high in OPCs.

Carrots are rich in Vitamin A, which is most helpful in the protection of our eyesight. Nevertheless, there are various other sources of Vitamin A. A balanced diet can provide all the necessary nutrients required in the maintenance of good vision. As moderation is key, any excessive consumption of vitamins, especially synthetic vitamin pills may cause more harm than good to our eyesight and body.

Yes, there is a correlation. Discomfort of the eye is often associated with illness in other parts of the body. For example, in addition to jaundice, the yellowing of the eye may be associated with hepatitis, cholecystitis or gallstones; vice versa, hypertension or diabetes may bring about blurred vision.

Many ocular diseases occur due to the presence of bacteria or viral infection, leading to conjunctivitis or pink eye. The virus responsible for herpes may also cause eye infections. Loss of vision and eye infections usually occur in the last stages of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Diabetes may bring about diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy in diabetic patients are characterised by the damage of blood vessels in their retina, resulting in the interruption of essential nutrients much required by the retina.

In cases of diabetic patients, the risk of developing retinopathy is significantly higher. But with careful observation and control of other conditions associated with diabetes such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, the occurrence of retinopathy may be reduced.

For people aged 65 years and above, age-related macular degeneration or negligence leading to the damage of the eye are often the main culprits. For those aged 65 years and below, one of the main causes of blindness in persons is brought about by diabetes.

Retinopathy is any damage to the retina of the eyes, which may cause vision impairment. Retinopathy often refers to retinal vascular disease, or damage to the retina caused by abnormal blood flow. Most often, this may be caused by diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure etc.

Findings in research show that a well-balanced diet with the proper intake of nutrition may prevent macular degeneration. Moderation is key as too much of something would not work to our advantage in the long run. That being said, zinc is one of the important mineral that is most beneficial to our ocular health. Although most vitamins and mineral may be consumed easily and conveniently through vitamin pills, most medical professionals recommend that we should attempt to obtain these important nutrients through wholesome and natural foods.

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye in which fluid pressure within the eye rises; and if left untreated, the patient may lose vision and even become blind. Glaucoma has been called the ‘silent thief’ of eyesight.

Experts are unsure on the precise causes of glaucoma, but it is found that East Asians, African Americans and those of Hispanic descent are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma when compare to Caucasians. However, early detection of high pressure within the eye coupled with treatments may help significantly. But of course, exercise might do the trick for some people, whereby regular exercise appears to provide a long-term benefit of reducing the incidence of low ocular perfusion pressure.

Whilst it is common sense that many complications with vision impairment arise with age, but it is not an inevitable fact of life. With proper nutrition and regular exercise, we are able to stay in great health and that translates to great ocular health too. A robust immune system is the best defence against any sort of diseases which may bring about vision impairment. Many complications related to our eyes can be prevented and curbed with simple preventions. For example, when going outside, remember to always protect your eyes against the harmful UV rays of the sunlight. When applying cosmetics, one should be take extra care not to allow contact of it with the naked eye; do not wear contact lenses over a prolonged period; and schedule regular visits to the ophthalmologist or optometrist. Note: Opticians are not eye doctors, hence may not conduct proper eye examinations.

Not quite. Cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. Cataracts is the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and is the principal cause of blindness in the world. However, the true cause of cataract formation is still disputed till this day.

The eye is the human visual organ responsible for capturing light and transmitting it to the brain which then translates it into images so we can understand our surroundings. The ocular immune system protects the eye from infection and regulates healing processes following any injuries. Irritants such as foreign particles and extreme light conditions may cause our eyes to swell up, itch, feel burning sensations and dryness or even excessive tearing etc. The interior of the eye lacks lymph vessels but is highly vascularised, and many immune cells reside in it. These cells fight off intraocular infections and inflammations. Our eyelashes and eyebrows also serve to protect the eye that is vulnerable to extreme light conditions and harmful irritants.

Dim light does not directly contribute to the damaging of vision. In fact, before the invention and proliferation of electrical lightings, most people would read and carry work out under low light conditions, supplemented only with candlelight, gas or oil lamps. However, it is prudent that we should read under sufficiently bright conditions to avoid overworking our eyes and bring about fatigue.

Whilst the wearing of contact lenses is nothing out of the ordinary and fairly common these days, it is however important to note that it may not be suitable for all. Do not apply contact lenses if you have an infected eye or develop an allergic reaction to it. Similarly, contact lenses should be avoided for those working in hazardous environments. Patients with thyroid dysfunction or diabetes are also advised to refrain from wearing contact lenses.

Essentially still a foreign object attached to our eyes which poses danger of scratching of corneas and causing the eye to become infected. In addition, the prolonged usage of contact lenses may bring about corneal enlargement, leaving painful scars. Long-term re-wearable contact lenses poses an even larger risks where bacterial infections may bring about some serious complications which may lead to eye injury or even loss of vision.

Like prescriptive glasses aforementioned, contact lenses do not contribute to any improvement of one’s vision nor are there any research evidence supporting the notion that contact lenses can help prevent the worsening or deterioration of vision. Contact lenses may reduce light refraction but is not corrective.

Eye drops or artificial tears may seem harmless, but can be harmful if overused. Our eyes are capable of “self-regulation” through the secretion of tears which cleanses and ensure it is well hydrated. 

No, even under prolonged period of screen usage, our eyes will not be damaged by the mere action of looking at a lit screen. However, staring at a screen for some time may leave one’s eye tired and dry. It is advised that you rest frequently in between screen time or look away every now and then into the horizon, this may help to relieve eye fatigue.

In comparison to adults, children have more elastic ocular muscles which may explain why they do not tire out as easily or suffer from eye fatigue from prolonged staring at a close distance, be it computer screens or written pages. There is no evidence to support the notion that it would damage the eyes, moreover, children tend to outgrow such habits as they age.