When you think about it, the human eye truly is one of the most exquisite creations. Its intricate design and range of powerful abilities enables us to gather a vast amount of information in a single glimpse. Our eyes are crucial to our existence and are at the centre of absolutely everything we do – every minute of every day.
It’s important then that we know everything we can about these powerful devices. In this blog we uncover some of the biggest secrets about the human eye, and reveal the truth behind some well-known myths.
Here’s 8 things you should know about your eyes:
Everyone’s Eyes are the Same Colour
Such is the design of the eye, that everyone has the exact same eye colour! This is because the iris at the back of the eye is brown. It’s simply down to the thickness of the iris tissue that determines the perception of green, grey, blue or brown. This explains why some people’s eye colour appears to change as they age. Whilst this is perfectly normal, there may be cause for concern if only one eye changes colour, as this could indicate an underlying health problem. Eye colour says a lot about overall health, so be sure to have regular eye tests to ensure everything is as it should be.
Eyes Dry Out in Winter – Just Like Your Skin
The colder months can spell disaster for your skin, but the harsher, drier weather can also wreak havoc on your eyes. Tears should naturally sit on the surface of your eyes to provide constant lubrication, but dry air evaporates them faster than they can replenish. This can make your eyes sore, red and gritty. Combat these symptoms by drinking lots of water to stay hydrated and by lubricating your eyes with artificial tears. Check out our blog on How To Treat Dry Eyes to find out more.
Make-up Can Injure Your Eyes
Many eye doctors see patients who have sustained eye injuries as a result of using make-up tools such as mascara brushes and eyelash curlers. Scratches on the cornea and debris getting trapped under the outer layer of the eye are common injuries. Treatment tends to involve antibiotic drops and an eye patch, but don’t stress – these types of make-up blunders are relatively rare!
Wearing Glasses Doesn’t Weaken Your Eyes
It’s a common misconception that, once you start wearing glasses, your eyes weaken and become more reliant on visual aids. According to experts this is a complete myth, and what actually happens is that you can see better. It’s perfectly normal for your prescription to change as you age, which means you may need a new pair of glasses or contact lenses every few years. Make sure you get your eyes tested regularly to ensure any changes can be picked up on quickly and the right visual aids can be provided.
Smoking Increases the Risk of Blindness
It’s not surprising that our eyes are also at risk of damage from smoking. If you smoke, you are greatly increasing your risk of developing macular degeneration – the leading cause of blindness in the UK. This is because the ingredients in cigarettes damage the small blood nerves in the optic nerve and retina, which can lead to vision loss.
You Should Never Wear Contact Lenses At Night
Whilst there are specialist vision correction contact lenses available which you can wear overnight, you should never keep standard contact lenses in whilst you sleep – ever! The risk of complications and infections in the eye is very high, which could cause blindness. Good hygiene is essential when it comes to wearing contact lenses, so you should use the night time to soak them in a disinfectant solution to ensure they are in the best condition when you next wear them.
Computer Use Doesn’t Damage Your Eyes
Many people believe using the computer for several hours a day can cause physical damage to vision and eye health, but according to experts, this is not the case at all. Although you are more likely to develop eye strain if you use the computer a lot, you won’t cause any long-term damage.
Everyone Develops Cataracts At Some Stage
Unfortunately even those with the most amazing vision will succumb to cataracts. This is because as we age, the naturally clear lens of the eye starts to yellow, which causes it to lose its transparency. Vision loss is another natural part of ageing, so it’s very likely that everyone at some stage in their life will require glasses. Of course genetics and lifestyle play a part, and there are ways to delay the deterioration of your vision – such as wearing sunglasses with UV protection and having regular eye tests.
Book an appointment at one of Eyesite’s practices today to get the check up your eyes deserve.
