See an eye specialist for more information on protecting your eye.

YOU know your eyesight is precious. But do you know the best way of protecting your eyes against the most common diseases?

Dr Tun Aung Kyaw, consultant ophthalmologist and the joint secretary of the Myanmar Academy of Medical Science, describes the most common diseases that can lead to blindness in Myanmar and suggests how to take care of your eyes.

He said cataract, glaucoma and trachoma are the most common eye diseases in Myanmar, and cataract is the leading cause of blindness.

“When the lens of your eye becomes opaque or cloudy, which occurs due to old age, injury or a systemic disease like diabetes, then you have a cataract. It is also the leading cause of blindness all over the world,” he said.

“There are many methods of removing cataracts. It should be treated and removed by a qualified eye specialist,” he added.

Eye infections can occur at any time of the year but are more common at the turn of the season.

Eye specialists in Yangon advise having your eyes checked at least every two years, or even more frequently if you have a family history of eye problems such as early cataracts or glaucoma.

Glaucoma is the second most common problem in Myanmar. It is characterised by damage to the optic nerve, usually due to excessively high intraocular pressure (IOP).

“This increased pressure within the eye, if untreated, can lead to optic nerve damage resulting in progressive, permanent vision loss,” said Dr Tun Aung Kyaw.

The third most common eye problem in Myanmar is trachoma, an infection that may result in blindness after repeated re-infections. It mostly occurs where people live in overcrowded conditions.

“Repeated re-infectons will result in a painful form of permanent blidness when the eyelids turn inward, causing the eyelashes to scratch the cornea. Trachoma is passed on by hands, on clothing, or by flies that land on the face of the infected child,” he said.

It could be prevented by a clean environment, washing with clean water and proper eye care. Even if trachoma occurs, operations can prevent blindness.

Dr Tun Aung Kyaw suggests basic instructions to protect your eyes from disease. For example, if you get something in your eyes, you should never rub them because eyes are very sensitive and easily damaged. Ask someone else to help you.

“There’s no need to worry about minor infections such as red eyes or eye discharge, as they can be cured within a week by antibiotic eye drops and will not lead to blindness,” he said.

Eye infections can be contracted through hand-to-eye contact, so infected patients should wash their hands after rubbing their eyes to prevent hand-to-hand transmission to other people. Separate towel and soap should also be used.

Avoid looking directly at the sun. “The human eye is made to see only certain kinds of light, and the sun is just too bright to look at. Direct sunlight will damage the light-sensitive part inside your eye called the retina,” he said.

“When playing games or sports, always use proper eye protection such as goggles or visors,” he said. Whenever you watch TV or use the computer, take short breaks to rest your eyes, otherwise the muscles in your eyes will get damaged.

He also said it was important for your eyes that you get enough sleep and have a healthy diet, including milk, fruits and vegetables, which are a very good source of vitamins.

“Milk is rich in important vitamins and as well as carrots, cauliflower, apples, pears and oranges,” he said.

“You should try to get in the habit of eating at least one of these every day,” he said.

Eye specialists are the best source of health information and can advise you how your eyes develop as you grow. Good personal and environmental hygiene has been proven to be successful in helping combat eye diseases.