The fundamentals of vision science and ocular health

Understanding the mechanics of sight and its preservation

Glaucoma

A chronic disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve.

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Cataract

Clouding of the eye lens causing blurred, cloudy, or hazy vision, often leading to difficulties with reading.

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Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, often caused by a bacterial, viral, or allergic infection.

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Keratitis

Inflammation of the cornea, usually due to an infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal) or injury.

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Protecting your eyes

Simple routines to preserve your vision

Good eye health also depends on stress management, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity, which promote blood circulation to the eyes and support optimal vision.

Importance of regular eye exams

Having your eyes checked regularly can help detect diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration early.

Daily eye hygiene and care

Washing your hands before touching your eyes, avoiding rubbing them, and thoroughly cleaning contact lenses reduce the risk of infection.

Diet and essential nutrients for the eyes

Certain foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and omega-3 support eye health, reduce the risk of macular degeneration, and strengthen night vision.

Protection against blue light and UV rays

Prolonged exposure to screens and the sun can gradually strain the eyes and cause long-term damage.

An introduction to optical correction with eyewear

Corrective lenses function by refracting light to focus it properly onto the retina, compensating for the eye’s structural imperfections. The specific curvature and thickness of a lens are determined by an individual’s prescription, which quantifies the necessary correction for conditions like astigmatism. Lens materials and coatings, such as anti-reflective and scratch-resistant layers, are selected to enhance visual comfort and the durability of the eyeglasses.

The fitting process for both eyeglasses and contact lenses is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and user comfort. For eyeglasses, this includes measuring the pupillary distance and ensuring proper frame alignment. For contact lenses, a practitioner evaluates the curvature of the cornea to select a lens that fits securely and allows for adequate oxygen transmission, which is vital for maintaining corneal health over time.

Vision Health
Which experts for which needs?

Ophthalmologist

A doctor specializing in eye diseases and highly delicate surgeries.

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Optician

A professional who advises on and provides corrective glasses and lenses.

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Orthoptist

A specialist in binocular vision disorders and ocular rehabilitation.

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Visual development and adaptations
throughout life

Human vision evolves constantly from birth to old age, reflecting physiological and neurological changes in the visual system. In infants, visual development involves the maturation of the retina, optic nerve, and brain connections, gradually enabling the perception of shapes, colors, and depth. During adolescence and adulthood, vision reaches stability, but factors such as eye strain or screen exposure can temporarily impair perception.

With aging, natural changes occur, such as decreased accommodation, loss of contrast sensitivity, and an increased risk of eye diseases such as cataracts or macular degeneration. Understanding these transformations throughout life allows for the adaptation of care, prevention, and vision correction strategies to maintain optimal vision quality.

Correcting visual impairments with refractive surgery

The primary goal of refractive surgery is to correct visual defects such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism by altering the shape of the cornea or inserting intraocular lenses.

By reshaping the cornea, light is properly focused on the retina, improving vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.

This approach not only increases visual independence, but also offers significant daily comfort, particularly for sports, professional, or recreational activities. Refractive surgery is therefore a solution that combines visual correction and quality of life, reducing dependence on conventional optical aids.