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6 Useful Tips in Protecting Your Eyes While Undergoing Cancer Treatment
If you are undergoing treatments for cancer, you may experience abnormalities in some parts of your body. Issues with your eyes is one of the more common side effects for cancer treatments. It will help if you take extra efforts to mitigate these complications to increase the chances of successful treatment and avoid more pain. If the problem is your eyes, look for a competent optometrist.
Cancer is among the leading severe diseases in the U.S. Authorities claim around 1.8 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer in the country in 2019. Among the most common cancers are breast, colorectal, lung, and brain. If you are a cancer patient, try to prevent your complications to avoid additional health problems.
How to Take Care of Your Eyes to Keep Them Healthy
Your eyes are your windows to the world. Keeping them in the peak of health should be one of your priorities. Here are some tips for the proper care of your eyes:
- Keep your weight at a healthy level by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. If you are obese or overweight, you are at risk of diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk of eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
- Stop or avoid smoking. Based on studies, smokers are at a higher risk of age-related eye issues like cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Wear protective eyewear or sunglasses. Eye protection prevents possible eye injuries and the harmful effects of the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Make sure your hands are clean before putting in or taking out your contact lens. Also, follow your doctor’s instructions in cleaning and replacing your lenses.
- Practice the 20-20-20 rule to rest your eyes and avoid eye strain. The rule instructs you to look away around 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
- Have a regular eye check-up. One advantage of a periodic examination is the detection of eye diseases in their early phase.
Essential Tips in Safeguarding Your Eyes When Undergoing Cancer Treatment
According to a optometrist in Tucson AZ, cancer patients usually experience oculars complications while under treatment. Some are minor, like redness, dryness, ocular irritation, blurred vision, pain, and sensitivity to light. More severe problems include inflammation, bleeding, acute infection, and swelling in or around the eye. Here are some tips to protect your eyes to avoid these complications during your treatment:
- Avoid wearing contact lenses as they put you at a higher risk of developing severe eye infections.
- Always use UVA/UVB eyeglasses to prevent the onset of cataracts. These sunglasses protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV radiation.
- Utilize a baby-shampoo for cleaning your eyelids.
- Warm compress your eyes during bedtime to reduce the inflammation on your lid.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears to hydrate your eyes while undergoing treatment. You can buy these products over the counter.
- Visit your doctor immediately if you experience severe vision symptoms. Your physician will arrange an immediate ophthalmology evaluation if necessary.
Battling cancer is a painful and costly process. You can also experience various complications that hinder your successful treatment. But with faith and determination, good health practices, and the help of competent medical professionals, you can survive cancer.