Eyes - Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Eyes
Virtually 80% of what we perceive and know about the world depends on our eyes. Like a camera, the eye has a single lens that focuses on objects and projects an image of those objects onto the retina, the light-sensitive region at the back of the eyeball. A normal clear lens allows light to pass through unobstructed. But for a number of reasons, the lens, cornea, iris, or eye muscle may develop problems and vision can become impaired.
Most common eye defects, if detected early enough, can be treated by an ophthalmologist, a specialist in diagnosing and treating eye diseases. Diagnosis normally consists of a vision test during which an ophthalmologist tests the patient's ability to focus on near and far objects. At the same time, the physician will check for signs of blood vessel damage, blank spots, and weakness of the eye muscles which can cause the retina to become detached.
Smoking Adversely Affects Vision
Dr. Richard Kavner suggests in Total Vision that people can improve their vision by eliminating smoking. He argues that smoking just one cigarette a day can measurably decrease visual acuity. He adds that tar and nicotine in smoke destroy large amounts of vitamin B 12 , which can dim vision and damage the optic nerve, a condition called tobacco amblyopia. By taking vitamin B 12 supplements early enough, nerve deterioration in some cases can be prevented, and complete recovery is possible.
A recent Gallup poll indicated that 75% of Americans value their eyesight above all other senses. Yet 85% admitted that they are not as careful in caring for their eyes as they should be. Virtually all eye injuries and half of the 50,000 cases of blindness which occur annually could be prevented, according to experts, with simple common-sense precautions.
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