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7 Essential Tips to Maintain Eye Health

7 Essential Tips to Maintain Eye Health

Maintaining eye health is crucial for ensuring healthy vision throughout life. However, individuals often fail to notice how their lifestyle and several environmental factors negatively affect their eye health. Whether it is long exposure to harsh sunlight or hours spent in front of the screen, everything affects the eyes. So, prioritizing eyes and taking proper care of them becomes important. Here are a few simple ways to maintain eye health to ensure healthy vision.

1. Following the 20-20-20 rule
Facing the screen constantly for a long time can lead to the drying of the eyes and put a strain on them. Dry eyes further cause irritation and itchiness, leading to discomfort and disruptions throughout the day. So, whether facing their phone screen or working in front of their laptop, it is important to take breaks in between by following the 20-20-20 rule. The rule suggests that after every 20 minutes of facing the screen, one must take a break for 20 seconds, look away, and focus on something at least 20 feet away. It is a simple but effective way to reduce eye strain and maintain visual comfort.

2. Wearing sunglasses
Sunglasses might be a fashion accessory, but they are not just that. Sunglasses are essential to protect the eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight and UV rays can increase the chances of developing eye conditions such as cataracts. Hence, it is important to wear UV-blocking sunglasses when stepping out in the sun. One can also purchase sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare. Alternatively, one can also purchase UV-blocking contact lenses for this purpose. These are especially good for those who require vision correction.

3. Ensuring disinfection before putting on contact lenses
Whether one is wearing prescription contact lenses or cosmetic-colored lenses, ensuring proper disinfection is extremely important. One must properly wash their hands before wearing eye lenses to prevent infections. They must also disinfect their lenses as their eye care professional recommends to prevent eye infections and discomfort. To disinfect their lenses, one must follow the instructions on the contact lens solution carefully.

4. Going for regular eye checkups
Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good eye health. They allow ophthalmologists to detect and diagnose eye conditions and vision problems early, even before one has begun noticing the symptoms themselves. Early detection of eye conditions ensures more effective treatment and prevention of vision loss. Moreover, it is recommended that individuals have a comprehensive eye exam more frequently if they have a pre-existing eye condition or a family history of eye diseases.

5. Eating healthy meals
Consuming well-balanced meals filled with essential nutrients plays a significant role in overall health, including eye health. Nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins (especially A and C) and minerals like lutein and zeaxanthin are crucial for maintaining good vision and reducing the risk of eye diseases. Some common foods that especially help in maintaining healthy eyes include leafy greens, carrots, fatty fish, nuts, and citrus fruits. Incorporating these foods into the meals can do wonders for the eyes and vision.

6. Staying hydrated
Adequate hydration is essential, even for the eyes. Proper hydration helps prevent dry eyes, a condition where the eyes cannot produce enough tears or poor-quality tears. As mentioned above, dry eyes can lead to a lot of irritation and itchiness, leading to further discomfort and blurred vision. Staying well-hydrated can alleviate these symptoms.

7. Forgetting to wear prescription glasses or lenses
If one has been prescribed to wear glasses or lenses for vision correction by an eye care professional, they must not neglect it. Not wearing the correct prescription glasses or eye lenses can negatively affect the eyes’ health and overall well-being. It can lead to increased strain on the eyes, unclear vision, and headaches. It can make everyday tasks, like reading or driving, difficult and potentially dangerous if not corrected. If one does not feel comfortable with the glasses or lenses prescribed, they must consult an eye care professional. They can also consult an ophthalmologist to inquire about the option of corrective surgery.

Incorporating these simple practices into daily life can go a long way toward safeguarding one’s eye health.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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8 common signs of itchy skin

Itchy skin or pruritus is a sensation most people experience at some point. It is generally harmless and often annoying. However, if itchy skin persists continuously over a long period, it may indicate an underlying health condition. Also, if the itching occurs over the same body area and does not go away with simple remedies, one must consult their primary care doctor for a proper diagnosis. Here are some common signs of itchy skin that may require attention. Dry skin Dry skin is one of the most common causes of itching. When the skin cells lose hydration, the top layer becomes dry and flaky, which leads to irritation and repeated itching to get relief. Dryness can occur due to cold weather or low humidity. Excessive bathing, frequent showering with hot water, and using harsh soaps may also cause the skin to lose its natural hydration, leading to itchiness. Rash or redness Another common sign of itchy skin is when rashes develop over the affected areas. There can be redness as well, which results from inflammation. These rashes and red patches will vary in shape and size. These are usually areas of intense itching that worsen unless treated properly. Such rashes may develop due to allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, insect bites, or infection. Peeling or cracked skin This sign of itchy skin usually occurs in the areas where the skin tends to crease or fold naturally. These include the areas between the toes and fingers or areas behind the elbow or knees. This happens due to the accumulation of sweat, dirt, dead skin cells, and debris. The skin begins to peel or crack, leading to itching sensations. If not treated on time, these areas may have open fissures or pores developing on them. Burning sensation In some cases, a burning sensation may also occur as a symptom of itchy skin. It is often experienced as a constant stinging sensation left behind after itching the irritated area to get some relief. However, it only ends in a vicious cycle of discomfort and inflammation, which can disrupt daily routine activities if it becomes too severe. This is commonly observed when a person has psoriasis or eczema. Hives or itchy bumps Itchiness is often preceded by the development of hives or bumps on a particular area of the skin. This is generally indicative of an infection, insect bite, or an allergic reaction. Such a reaction may be caused by certain foods or clothing materials or contact with certain chemicals present in skincare or makeup products. The raised welts can cause intense itching, leading to skin irritation and inflammation. Nighttime itching In some cases, intense nighttime itching may occur. The severity can range from mild to severe sleep disruptions. This sign of itchy skin can occur due to various reasons, including skin conditions such as scabies or infestation by bugs such as bed bugs. Sometimes, nighttime itching also occurs due to underlying health conditions such as kidney dysfunction or liver disorder. Thickened or scaly skin A notable sign of chronic itching is a gradual change in the texture of the skin. The affected areas appear thicker than the rest of the surrounding skin due to the constant itching. Sometimes, the skin where itching has occurred persistently may also feel scaly. This generally happens in the cases of skin conditions such as psoriasis and lichen simplex chronicus that change the appearance of the skin in the affected areas. Irritation after exposure to water Some individuals experience aquagenic pruritus. It's a rare condition that causes itching of the skin after prolonged exposure to water, even if the water is clean, chemical-free, and not heavily chlorinated. The itching usually occurs immediately after contact with water and may last up to an hour. Although there are no rashes, bumps, or visible skin lesions, the sensation of itchiness can be persistent and uncomfortable.  How to manage itchy skin at home? When one experiences persistent itchy skin for the first time, there are some home remedies that one can try to alleviate the discomfort. Firstly, it is important to drink enough water for internal hydration and use a moisturizer suitable for one's skin type to hydrate the affected area. Applying cool and wet compresses on the itchy skin can also help ease the itching. Additionally, switch to non-fragrant and hypoallergenic skin products and laundry detergents to avoid any potential irritants. However, if the itching persists even after trying these remedies, one must seek medical attention.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

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