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5 Reasons Your Vision is Changing As A Parent And What to Do About It
Things not as clear as they used to be? Here are five surprising insights about eye health in the parenthood years, and advice from experts on navigating the most common problems.
Eyesight is an easy thing for busy parents to neglect, but vision changes do happen in your 30s and beyond. Momhood even plays a role. In pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause blurry eyesight.
And many parents find themselves dealing with dry eyes and digital strain as they sacrifice sleep and juggle remote work and Zoom school, says Dr. Collins Ohiri, M.D., Director of clinical ophthalmology at Vision Care Eye Clinic Port Harcourt. Loss of near vision can also kick in at this age.
If you’ve been using over-the-counter artificial tears as a
temporary fix for discomfort, see your doctor if you “still experience
pain or blurry vision,” advises Dr.
Collins, M.D., chief of ophthalmology at Vision Care Eye Clinic Port Harcourt.
And if you’re wondering more about day-to-day strain, use this guide to focus
on some typical culprits.
Parenthood Can Make Your Eyes Hurt
But don’t worry; the issues are easy to troubleshoot.
Your vision is worsening
It’s inevitable. In your late 30s or early 40s, your eyes’ lenses get stiffer, which makes it harder for them to change shape quickly when you go from looking at something far away to something up close. This strain throughout the day can make your eyes feel sore or tired.
The fix: See your ophthalmologist once a year. “An eye doctor can dilate your eyes to check if they’re straining and if you might benefit from a prescription for computer glasses,” Dr. Collins Ohiri advises. Some cheapo reading glasses can also help. Choose a pair with the lowest correction.
Your Screen Time Is Off The Charts
Hunching over a computer isn’t just bad for your back. “You blink less when you stare at a screen, and blinking lubricates your eyes. Nearly 16 million Nigerians have dry eye, according to the National Eye Institute. It’s not just uncomfortable; dryness ups your risk of infection and can make tasks like driving harder. Plus, people with dry eye report lower productivity than those with lesser symptoms, said a study in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.
The fix: Step away from your work (or phone) for 10 minutes every hour, Dr. Lorch says. To lubricate your eyes, all of our experts suggest using preservative-free drops as many times as you need to throughout the day. (Preservatives can damage cells and make the problem worse over time.) Dr. Collins Ohiri also says your computer should be no higher than eye level. “Looking up opens the lid and exposes more of the eyeball to the environment, causing dryness.”
You’re sleep-deprived
Another reason to get more rest: “There’s less fluid evaporation when your eyelids are closed,” Dr. Collins Ohiri explains, which is why dry eye tends to be worse when you skimp on sleep.
The fix: Keep those eye drops on your nightstand so you can use them during the night if you wake up, Dr. Collins Ohiri says. And if you wear contacts, always take them out before bed. Lenses can interfere with the way tears are distributed across the cornea and can limit the eye’s access to oxygen, both of which make dry eye worse, Dr. Lorch says. You could also develop an infection from wearing them for too long.
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Your baby’s teeny (but sharp!) nails can do damage
Baby-induced eye injuries are more common than you think, Dr. Collins Ohiri says, and those sweet little hands pack some power. “Fingernails are like little knives,” she says. “They can injure the cornea.” If a scratch doesn’t heal correctly, it can leave long-term pain at the scene of the crime.
The fix: Apply cold preservative-free drops immediately, and keep track of your symptoms. “If the lid swells or you become more sensitive to light, see an ophthalmologist,” Dr. Collins Ohiri says, “especially if things don’t get better within a day.” Oh, and don’t forget to trim those claws.
You Could Develop An Allergy
Itchy eyes might not be from pollen floating in the air but from new soap, laundry detergent, or eye makeup. “Your eyes might look okay from the outside, but a doctor could see little bumps under the lids from a low-level allergy caused by any of these products,” Dr. Lorch says.
The fix: Remove your makeup every single night. Dr. Lorch says even using baby wash on your face and eyes works wonders. Still irritated? Take a break from any suspected allergens for two weeks, and then slowly reintroduce each one back into your routine until you’ve identified the cause.
Dear Dr. Collins, Thank you for the excellent care I received in your office. I am extremely happy with the results. I appreciate your professionalism and care. I can see why you have such a great reputation. I am already spreading the word. Thanks again for taking great care of me.
EMMANUEL IKESU
Well established Eye Clinic with highly qualified professionals. I had a world class treatment the last time I went there and everyone that visits comes out satisfied and well treated/attended to. It’s really a place to be. They are one the best in Port Harcourt. Long Live Vision Eye Care Clinic!!!
- CHINWE OJIAKU
The clinic is so good, well established with high standard and has qualified professionals. I recommend it to any one seeking for standard eye clinic.