Eyesight turning weak and wearing spectacles is a pretty common thing and generally no cause for alarm.
However, if the same number changes every six months or even earlier, then this calls for some investigation.
A clear and stable vision is a much needed requirement for every individual. However, patients generally don’t give this issue the attention it deserves. At all ages, it is advised to keep a regular check on your eye number. The constant change in power of glasses can be a serious outcome of an underlying ocular or systemic disease. Frequent change in eye power after 40 years may indicate development of cataract and needs to be addressed.
Corneal diseases like Keratoconus and Corneal Scarring can lead to frequent change of glass power as well. Dwindling eyesight may be the effect but the underlying cause might be diabetes, hypertension or other hereditary problems. It is seen individuals with diabetes have a higher tendency to develop cataract as well as glaucoma at a young age. The primary problem caused by diabetes in the eyes is Diabetic Retinopathy, which if not treated in time can lead to permanent blindness. The symptoms to diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy are blurred vision and irregular patches of vision. All these can lead to constant change in eye number.
Hypertension is another big reason for constant decline in vision. Some people suffering from hypertension don’t realise it but it shows up in the form of regular decline in the vision. This causes Hypertensive Retinopathy and severalother retinal diseases. Keeping a tab on your blood pressure can save you from the risk of developing such retinal diseases.
Swelling of retina due to blockage of retinal blood vessels because of various causes like anaemia, cardiac thromboembolism, carotid artery embolism etc are other major causes of changing eye power. Additionally, constant change in the eye number can be an outcome of hereditary problems too.
Precautions
Get your eyes tested once every six months, try to avoid spending too much time on computers and if you have to, it would be better to consult an eye specialist.
Indulge in a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamin A and vitamin K.
(The author is an ophthalmologist and Director, Save Sight Centre)
