Sight is one of the human senses that enables us to see the world around us, estimate distances, read and enjoy many other things, but how exactly does sight work? When light penetrates the eye through the pupil, it forms an image on the retina. The image is upside down — although the brain corrects it and so we do not experience the world upside down.
Will my vision deteriorate with age?
When a person is young, you often think that reading glasses are only meant for people who experience vision problems or those who have impaired vision, until one day when you realise that the letters and numbers from the restaurant menu to your phone and price tags in the supermarket, shrunk overnight and you can no longer properly read it. Unfortunately, this happens, because poor eyesight is very much a part of the natural ageing process in humans.
The good news is that you are not alone – most people’s vision starts to deteriorate after the age of 40 years- yes, even those individuals who have never experienced any vision problems. This happens predominantly because the eye’s lens, with which you focus, loses its suppleness over the years. The lens, therefore, contracts harder when you want to read something or look at something, and your vision is out of focus. In medical terms, it is known as presbyopia.
Now that you have made peace with the fact that will eventually age and that your vision will start to deteriorate at some time, you can also rest assured knowing that there are ways to counteract damage, and perhaps postpone the process a little longer.
What can I do to improve my eyesight?
In most cases, persistent exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays is the main cause of premature poor eyesight. You can prevent this by wearing good quality sunglasses that block the UV rays, whenever you go out into the sunlight. It is wise to invest in good sunglasses at a young age, instead of buying those cheap versions that do not block the UV rays properly.
Quit smoking. Smoking not only damages your eyes but also makes you susceptible to conditions such as macular degeneration.
Strange as it may sound, some eye exercises can help improve your vision. People who work in front of a computer screen all day are often advised to take short breaks away from the computer, during which time they should blink their eyes a few times quickly. It gives the eyes a rest and helps the lens to relax.
Limit your screen time
These days, our eyes are constantly focused on a screen, which definitely affects the eyes and vision in general. Experts in the field of eye care suggest that you take a 10-minute break, after every 45 minutes of focusing on a computer or cell phone screen.
Have your eyes tested
If you have difficulty focusing, or experience blurred vision, it is important to have your eyes tested by an eye doctor. A routine check-up can determine if you may need glasses, or whether there are any other problems with your eyes and vision.
If it is found that you do need glasses to improve your vision, this is also not the end of the world, since eyewear manufacturers nowadays make comfortable and fashionable frames that are suitable for any face shape, and any style.
Discover this for yourself, by browsing our wide collection of varifocal glasses and frames – many of which by popular designer brands – online.