India is grappling with the title of the 'blind capital of the world,' and the reasons are twofold: avoidable blindness and a significant prevalence of moderate to severe vision impairment. Dr. Bela Kamboj, our trusted expert, sheds light on these issues and debunks common myths surrounding eye care in this informative column.
One major contributor to India's eye health challenges, according to Dr. Kamboj, is what she terms as 'pseudo literacy.' Many individuals lack accurate knowledge about eye health, leading to practices like excessive 'doctor shopping' until they hear what they want. The solution, she suggests, is to prioritize regular eye check-ups and embrace the natural changes that accompany aging and hormonal shifts.
In this insightful column, Dr. Kamboj addresses various eye care misconceptions:
1. Allowing Time for Self-Healing: Not every redness or irritation of the eye indicates an infection. Dr. Kamboj recounts incidents where individuals, fearing 'eye flu,' self-medicated unnecessarily, leading to prolonged healing times and, in some cases, vision loss. She emphasizes the importance of not overusing antibiotics or steroids, as it can compromise immunity.
2. Eye Make-up Tips: Dr. Kamboj advises against applying kajal directly on the rim of the eyes, as it can clog glands and lead to issues like styes. She recommends cleaning eye makeup with water, and using a cotton bud and shares insights about the importance of tears for eye health.
3. Debunking the Myth of Clean Eyes: Splashing eyes with water is discouraged, as the natural blinking action acts as a self-cleaning mechanism. Random substances like rose water or eye drops are also not recommended.
4. Spectacles for Children: Dr. Kamboj dismisses the notion that young children cannot manage spectacles. If vision correction is necessary, she asserts that children can adapt, and it's crucial to address eye issues early on.
5. Accepting Aging and Regular Check-ups: Around the age of 40, vision changes are inevitable, and Dr. Kamboj urges individuals to embrace this fact. Regular eye check-ups, she notes, can also unveil broader health issues, such as cholesterol or diabetes.
6. Cataract and Glaucoma Insights: While cataracts are common with age, not everyone requires surgery immediately. Dr. Kamboj emphasizes early detection for a more straightforward procedure. Regarding glaucoma, she stresses the importance of timely treatment to prevent blindness.
7. Screen Time and Blue Ray Glasses: Contrary to popular belief, excessive screen time alone is not ruining eyes. Dr. Kamboj recommends looking away from screens every 20 minutes and dismissing the efficacy of blueray glasses as a marketing gimmick.
8. Impact of Whiteboards on Children's Vision: Dr. Kamboj points out the challenges posed by whiteboards, including glare and light reflection, affecting children's ability to see clearly.
9. Choosing Glasses Wisely: Night vision glasses and UV protection are essential, but Dr. Kamboj dispels the notion that higher-priced brands necessarily provide better UV protection. The key is precision in marking the glasses.
In conclusion, Dr. Kamboj emphasizes the distinction between vision and power, reinforcing the idea that understanding eye health is crucial for maintaining good vision throughout life.