How to treat your eyes?

My daughter, when she comes home from work, often complains about the feeling of sand in her eyes. She says that they get tired and hurt... She works as an accountant, she tinkers a lot with all sorts of papers and the computer. Tell us what to do so that her vision does not deteriorate due to such work?

Elena R., by email

Olga Toropova, doctor at the city clinic, Vladimir:

– Dear Elena, first of all, your daughter definitely needs to see an ophthalmologist. The doctor will check your vision and, possibly, give his recommendations in this case. If your daughter is sure that her vision is fine, and the unpleasant sensations in her eyes are associated solely with the hard work and the load that her visual organs have to endure, then I will advise:

No. 1 – drops

Regularly instill drops into the eyes to moisturize the surface of the cornea. They provide long-lasting visual comfort throughout the day and protect the eyes from dryness, irritation, burning sensation, the feeling of the presence of a foreign body or sand caused by dust, smoke (including tobacco), ultraviolet radiation, dry heat (radiator, sauna), conditioned air, wind, use of cosmetics, wearing contact lenses, attention stress and, as a result, a decrease in blinking frequency as a result of prolonged viewing TV or prolonged work at the computer. You can use, for example, drugs such as Systane Ultra, Clean Tear, Vidisik, Riboflavin, Korneregel.

However, you should not overuse eye drops. Drops with a vasoconstrictor effect relieve redness, but their long-term use will lead to disruption of the regulation of vascular tone and the opposite effect. Soothing drops for “dry” eyes should also be used only for moisturizing and temporary relief, but not used constantly - it is more correct to establish and eliminate the cause of visual disturbances. Remember that strong irritants for the eyes are dry air, dust, and cigarette smoke. Therefore, the air in the work area should be humid, and taking a break from the computer or work documents with a cigarette in your hands is extremely harmful.

To vitamins – “yes!”

The question arises as to who would benefit most from such drugs.

For everyone who suffers from myopia and farsightedness.

People whose age is approaching 40 years (especially after 40). During this period, age-related changes occur in the blood vessels of the entire body, including the eyes. After all, one of the main directions of action of eye vitamins is strengthening the vascular system.

Women suffering from varicose veins, even minor ones.

Patients with cataracts and glaucoma. Vitamins can slow down the development of these diseases in the early stages.

Patients with diabetes mellitus (this disease most often affects the organs of vision).

Every 20–30 minutes, take short (2–3 minutes) breaks while working on the computer. Sit with your eyes closed or look into the distance

Useful vitamins

Vitamin A

Maintaining normal retinal function.

In most orange vegetables and fruits: carrots, red peppers, turnips, orange, grapefruit, lemon. Blueberries, tomatoes, parsley and celery, persimmons are also useful

B vitamins

Helps with corneal dystrophy. Have a positive effect on nerve cells - “conductors”, through which nerve impulses are transmitted from the retina to the cerebral cortex;

In vegetables, mushrooms, dairy products.

Vitamin C

Prevents the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. Protects them from fragility and permeability, prevents hemorrhages on the retina and improves blood supply to the eyes;

In rose hips, new potatoes, sauerkraut, citrus fruits.

Calcium

Necessary for people suffering from or prone to developing myopia, it does not allow the connective tissues of the eye to “stretch”;

The most calcium-containing foods are cabbage, green salad, onions and cottage cheese.