Medical statistics indicate that vision impairment ranks among the top ten disabilities in adults aged 18 and over, and it is also a common disabling condition in children. Vision loss accounts for a significant social and economic burden, leading to disability, reduced productivity, and a lower quality of life for millions.
Therefore, regular vision testing should be a life priority, as it holds immense importance for individuals' well-being.
During the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, many have turned to puzzles, quizzes, optical illusions, brainteasers, and math problems as entertaining ways to pass time. However, these activities can also serve as effective tools for assessing vision and critical thinking skills.
Below are nine vision tricks to try when you are free from headaches or migraines and are well-rested:
1. Which line is longer?
At first glance, line 2 appears longer due to the slightly angled lines creating the illusion of an endless railroad. However, upon close inspection of the rail angles, one can determine that both lines are indeed the same length.
2. Are the lines straight?
The dominance of pink and gray boxes creates the illusion of curved, winding lines, leading many to initially believe these lines are not straight. In reality, they are perfectly straight; one can verify this by tracing the lines from both edges of the image.
3. Which shade of the boxes is lighter?
In the picture, one of the three boxes has a lighter shade than the others. The answer is the first one.
4. Which box's shade is lighter?
5. What is the number on the picture?
This method is effective for diagnosing red-green color blindness, also known as color vision deficiency. If the test is accurate, the individual will see all colors and the number 2; otherwise, they may have color blindness.
6. What is the number in the picture?
The correct answer is number 8; otherwise, it may indicate that the person is color-blind.
7. Are you able to discern the number that is etched into the background?
Individuals with a refractive error, such as astigmatism, may not be able to discern the number. The number depicted in the image is 571.
8. Seek out a distinct animal!
Upon close inspection of the picture, you'll notice the animal at the center is a dog!
9. Determine the specific shade of purple indicated by the red crosshair.
The shade that best matches the color indicated by the red crosshair is the second one from the right.
For those who find these tricks very hard to decipher, it is essential to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist to check their vision.
Recent studies in the United States have shown that eye disorders are prevalent and cost the US government about $139 billion annually.
Some Fast Facts of Common Eye Disorders According to the CDC:
– The number of people in the United States over 40 years old with vision impairment is 8 million due to uncorrected refractive error, 1 million are blind, and 3 million have vision impairment even after correction.
– Almost 6.8% of children under 18 years in the United States have a diagnosed eye and vision condition.
– The number of workers in the USA who sustain job-related eye injuries requiring medical treatment is approximately 2,000.
Approximately 93 million American adults are at a high risk of serious vision loss. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, are both effective and cost-efficient. Only 10% of diabetes-related blindness is unavoidable. State data indicates that over half of the adult Americans who forego eye care do so due to unawareness or cost issues.
Ophthalmologist Arun Sethi offers the following advice for workplace eye health:
- Exercise your neck by nodding up and down to increase blood circulation to your neck and eyes.
- Avoid staring directly at the sun, as it can harm your vision.
- Limit UV exposure to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Ensure your sunglasses block 99% to 100% of both UVB and UVA rays.
To further enhance your vision, ensure regular rest and sleep, consume foods rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, lutein, and beta carotene, and stay well-hydrated.
Additional Tips to Prevent Vision Loss
Your eyes are a vital part of your overall health, so it's important to take several steps to maintain their well-being:
- Get regular comprehensive dilated eye exams.
- Control your blood sugar levels; up to 90% of diabetes-related blindness is preventable.
- Be aware of your family's eye health history.
- Eat a balanced diet to protect your vision.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Use protective eyewear when necessary.
- Avoid smoking or choose not to start.
- Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation.
- Clean your hands and contact lenses properly to reduce the risk of infection. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses and disinfect them according to instructions.
Ensure workplace eye safety. Employers should provide a safe work environment as required.
