Vision problems can cause uncomfortable and irritating side effects. Sometimes they aren’t severe enough to warrant a surgery, such as headaches and eye strain. There is another option, however, to relieve the symptoms: eye exercises.

Eye exercises are good for those who have trouble focusing, need to regain muscle control after eye surgery, are cross-eyed, have a lazy eye, experience double vision, or have a drifting eye. Therapeutic exercises can restore muscle control in the eye, reduce blurred vision, control sensitivity to light, and reduce eye strain.

Some examples of simple eye exercises that can be done from home include:

• Tightly close both eyes. Open and repeat.
• Use hot and cold compresses against the eyes while performing a light massage over the eyelids.
• Place several fingers over the eyelids and apply light pressure.
• Change focus from an object that is nearby to one that is far away.
• Roll eyes in one direction, then back the other way.
• Move the eyes up and down, looking at the ceiling, then at the floor (without moving the head.)
• Place palms over both eyes and hold for a few seconds to give the eyes a rest.

These eye exercises can be repeated several times a day to strengthen and protect the muscles. They are not helpful in all eye problems, however. There may be additional exercises available to assist with a specific eye problem as well. Get approval from an eye doctor before practicing at home.

Depression and vision loss are both common conditions in older adults. When they coexist, it makes both of them more difficult to treat. It is unclear whether vision loss is the cause of the depression or if the per-existing conditions worsens the situation when eyesight is impaired.

As much as one-third of adults with vision problems have been diagnosed with clinic depression, and that’s not entirely accurate because not everyone gets help when they feel depressed. The stigma against mental illness continues to hold people back from accepting the problem and asking for help.

Furthermore, a study by the National Institute of Health shows that 90% of those with vision loss are also depressed. The more severe of permanent the eye damage is, the more likely they are to feel depressed.

Signs of depression include:

• Change in appetite
• Poor mood
• Difficulty sleeping
• Indecisiveness
• A desire to be left alone
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Lack of interest or pleasure in everyday activities
• Thoughts of suicide

Both depression and vision loss are treatable, but when they co-exist, the patient has a harder time talking about the issues and asking for support. Blindness or eye diseases may be their excuse for feeling depressed, so they don’t feel like the situation needs any attention.

It appears that the key to solving these issues when they occur together is for the ophthalmologist to intervene and suggest help for the patient suffering from depression. When help is given for both conditions the outlook is much better.

The retina plays a key role in overall vision. It sends images to the brain. But the retina and surrounding tissue areas sensitive and if the retina breaks away from these tissues it can cause vision loss.

There are three types of retinal detachment:

• Rhegmatogenous is a tear that allows fluid in and causes separation of the retina.
• Exudative is usually caused by an injury. It leads to fluids forming under the retina without actually detaching it.
• Tractional is when scar tissue causes the separation of the retina from the surrounding tissues.

It’s vital to catch the symptoms within three days so the retina can be repaired and vision saved. Waiting any longer to seek medical attention can result in permanent blindness.

Symptoms to watch out for include: light flashes, floaters, debris that is just out of the line of sight, a heavy feeling in the eye, when straight lines suddenly appear curved, and the sense that a dense shadow or curtain has fallen over the eye.

Risk factors for retinal detachment are:

• Trauma or injury
• Genetics
• Diabetes
• Inflammation
• Extreme nearsightedness
• Aging (it is most common in those over 40)
• Complications from cataracts surgery

Coping with retinal detachment requires some attention to details. Make sure the living environment is free from debris and obstructions to prevent accidents, use bright lighting at home, get special glasses made specifically for this disease, make use of new technologies that use voice commands, and above all, ask for support.

Approved by the FDA in 1981, cataract surgery is still the most commonly performed surgery and is reportedly safe with little risk for long-term side effects.

Cataracts surgery is used to fix the eye’s natural lens when it loses it’s transparency and impairs vision. The first sign of cataracts is having a hard time seeing lights at night and seeing a strong glare. The purpose of the surgery is to break up the cloudy lens with an ultrasound probe, remove the pieces, and replace it with a synthetic (introcular) lens. Advanced lenses are also available to improve vision problems or provide monovision.

The procedure requires hospitalization as an outpatient and a local anesthetic, but it deemed safe with minimal risks. One the original lens is removed, the new lens is implanted through a small incision. The entire process is completed in under 15 minutes.

Modern technology makes the surgery easier than ever and reduces the need for patients to wear glasses or contacts post-surgery. Though they are not common, there is a remote chance of experiencing the following side effects after having cataract surgery:

• Glaucoma
• Swelling
• Cloudy vision
• Retinal detachment
• Posterior tear
• Inflammation
• Infection

According to WebMD, 98% of cataract surgeries are considered successful without any long-term side effects or complications. Mild discomfort can be expected immediately after the surgery, as well as increased light sensitivity. Dark glasses can help reduce the discomfort. Eye drops are also prescribed to prevent infections.

Prevention is the best method for healthy eyes. Poor lifestyle choices can lead to vision problems and lead to blindness. On the other hand, following a healthy diet can promote good vision.

Things that promote healthy eyes include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids help drain fluids from the eye to prevent glaucoma
• Antioxidants fight free radicals that cause damage to the eyes
• Leucine and zeaxanthin prevent macular degeneration
• Vitamin A and beta carotene protect the cornea and keep it lubricated to avoid dry eye.
• Vitamin C helps form tissue and keep it healthy
• Vitamin E can prevent cataracts
• Zinc helps the body absorb vitamin A

Things to avoid that can cause vision problems and eye diseases:

• High fructose corn syrup that is found in fast food and almost all packaged foods
• Foods that are high on the glycemic index, which includes sugar and simple carbs
• Those with high sodium that can cause high blood pressure

The best diets for promoting healthy eyes are:

• The heart healthy diet. The basis of this diet is to limit saturated fat to maintain healthy arteries and allow proper blood flow. It also works to control cholesterol and helps with weight loss.
• The diabetic diet is all about balance. It requires counting carbs and pairing them with protein to avoid blood sugar spikes.
• The Mediterranean diet, which is high in healthy fats like olive oil.

A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, legumes, nuts and fish.