Eye health plays a fundamental role in children’s cognitive, academic, and psychosocial development. It directly affects essential skills such as learning, attention, focus, and healthy communication with the environment.

Refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) are critical conditions that, if not detected and treated early, can negatively impact a child’s academic performance and social life. Myopia typically emerges during school age and is characterized by the inability to clearly see distant objects. Children who have difficulty seeing the board or recognizing objects from afar may show noticeable behavioral signs. Hyperopia, on the other hand, involves difficulty seeing nearby objects. It may become apparent even at a very early age and can interfere with close-up activities such as reading, writing, or playing. When diagnosed early, both conditions usually respond well to treatment.

What are the Symptoms?
Here are some signs parents should pay attention to:

• Squinting: Children who can’t see distant objects clearly may squint to try to focus better.
• Frequent eye rubbing or blinking: Vision problems can cause eye fatigue and discomfort.
• Headaches: Headaches that occur after activities requiring long periods of focus may signal vision issues.
• Decline in school performance: Difficulty seeing the board or reading materials can hinder learning and concentration.
• Trouble with near vision: Children with hyperopia may struggle while reading books or writing.

Tips for Parents to Protect Their Child’s Eye Health
Early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems in children is vital for healthy development. Parents should keep the following in mind:

• Schedule regular eye exams: Children should have eye check-ups at ages 1, 3, and 5, and then annually during school years.
• Monitor symptoms: If your child frequently rubs their eyes, squints, complains of headaches, or has trouble focusing, consult an eye care professional without delay.
• Limit screen time: Excessive screen exposure can lead to eye fatigue and worsen refractive errors. Age-appropriate screen time limits should be set, and outdoor playtime should be encouraged whenever possible.

August 2025

Spending long hours on smart devices puts eye health at serious risk. Characterized by dryness, blurred vision, and headaches, digital eye strain is affecting more and more people every day.

Extended use of smartphones, computers, and tablets poses significant threats to our eye health. In recent years, a condition known as digital eye strain-also referred to as computer vision syndrome-has become increasingly common. It manifests through symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. Prolonged screen time directly contributes to this growing problem.

What Are the Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain?
Staring at digital screens for extended periods without breaks can strain the eye muscles, leading to a range of discomforts. This condition is especially prevalent among individuals who spend significant amounts of time in front of screens. Common symptoms include dryness or burning in the eyes, blurred or double vision, headaches, eye irritation or watering, and difficulty focusing. These symptoms tend to intensify with increased screen exposure.

How Can You Protect Your Eyes?
To help prevent or reduce digital eye strain, experts recommend the following strategies:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds.
• Adjust screen brightness and contrast to comfortable levels.
• Use anti-glare screen filters to reduce reflections.
• Blink more often: People tend to blink less while looking at screens, which leads to dryness. Consciously blinking more frequently can help.
• Schedule regular eye exams to monitor your vision health.

Remember, Your Eyes Need Rest Too
In the digital age, eye care demands greater attention. Simple but effective habits-such as limiting screen time, maintaining proper posture, and ensuring adequate lighting-can go a long way in protecting your eyes from the fatigue of modern life.

August 2025

Consuming instant coffee may increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye disease that can lead to vision loss in older adults.

A new study conducted by Chinese researchers revealed that individuals who prefer instant coffee are seven times more likely to develop AMD compared to those who consume other types of coffee. The study indicates that AMD causes gradual damage to the macula, the central part of the retina, which negatively affects daily functions such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

Dr. Qi Jia, the study’s lead author and an ophthalmologist, warned, “Instant coffee may raise the risk of age-related macular degeneration, and reducing its intake could help prevent this risk.” Dr. Jia especially emphasized that individuals at higher risk for AMD should avoid instant coffee altogether.

Who Is Most At Rısk?

Experts highlight that those with a family history of AMD, smokers, overweight individuals, and people with high blood pressure are more likely to develop the disease. Moreover, people with blue or green eyes are at increased risk due to lower pigmentation, which offers less protection against sunlight.

It is believed that acrylamide, a chemical formed during the production of instant coffee, may enter the bloodstream and harm the retina. Researchers suggest this chemical could play a role in the development of AMD.

The study is supported by genetic data from the UK Biobank and the FinnGen consortium in Finland. Rather than looking directly at participants’ coffee choices, the research examined their genetic predisposition to prefer certain types of coffee. Participants were grouped as consumers of instant, ground, or decaffeinated coffee based on their genetic tendencies. According to the findings, individuals genetically inclined to drink instant coffee had a 692% higher risk of developing dry AMD and a 159% increased risk for wet AMD. Among those inclined to drink decaffeinated coffee, the risk of dry AMD was elevated by 80%; however, this result was not found to be statistically significant.

August 2025

A good night’s sleep is not a luxury; it is essential for a healthy life. Recent studies have shed light on the relationship between sleep quality and chronic eye diseases. Significant connections have been found especially between glaucoma and various sleep disorders.

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief” because it shows no symptoms until it progresses. However, new data reveal that glaucoma affects not only vision loss but also individuals’ overall quality of life, daily functioning, and even mental health. As visual field loss advances, patients experience difficulties with basic tasks like driving at night, climbing stairs, reading, or recognizing faces. This loss of function can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and social isolation. When sleep disorders accompany glaucoma, this cycle worsens. Survey-based studies on glaucoma patients show that those with poor sleep quality have higher rates of depressive symptoms and difficulty in daily activities. Disruptions in melatonin release during sleep may affect not only the biological clock but also mood. Glaucoma is more than an eye disease; it has systemic effects and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Therefore, patients diagnosed with glaucoma should be assessed not only for intraocular pressure but also for lifestyle habits, sleep quality, risk of sleep apnea, and mental health in a holistic manner.

Glaucoma and Sleep Patterns: A Neurological Connection
While our body rests during sleep, the brain remains active; new neural connections are formed, memory is reinforced, and the nervous system is balanced. Poor sleep quality disrupts this balance and may trigger the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma. A large-scale study based on data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found significant links between sleep duration and quality, optic nerve damage, and visual field loss in glaucoma patients. Participants were evaluated through fundus photography and automated visual field tests, revealing the following findings:

• Individuals sleeping more than 10 hours per night are three times more likely to have glaucoma compared to those sleeping 7 hours.
• Those who fall asleep in less than 9 minutes or more than 30 minutes have double the risk of glaucoma.
• People sleeping less than 3 hours or more than 10 hours face three times the risk of vision loss compared to those with the ideal 7-hour sleep.
• People reporting daytime sleepiness with difficulty remembering things are twice as likely to experience visual field loss than those without sleepiness or memory problems.
• Those who feel sleepy during the day and struggle with hobbies are more likely to have vision loss compared to those without daytime sleepiness and no difficulty in hobbies.

These findings show that sleep duration and quality are critical not only for general health but also for eye health.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Glaucoma
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a serious disorder characterized by repeated airway blockage during sleep. OSAS is associated with systemic problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and also glaucoma. Studies suggest that individuals with sleep apnea may have a tenfold increased risk of developing glaucoma. Recently developed contact lens sensors (CLS) enable continuous 24-hour monitoring of intraocular pressure (IOP), especially at night. These technologies contribute to a better understanding of the link between glaucoma and sleep apnea.

Sleep Positions and Intraocular Pressure
Studies show that intraocular pressure is higher in the lying down position compared to sitting. This difference is more pronounced in glaucoma patients. Certain sleep positions, especially lying face down or on the side, may increase IOP in one eye, causing asymmetric optic nerve damage. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but factors such as increased episcleral venous pressure and changes in choroidal blood flow may play a role.

Prevention and Early Diagnosis: Regular Eye Exams Are Essential
Glaucoma usually progresses silently and shows symptoms late. For this reason, regular eye exams starting at age 40 are crucial for early diagnosis. Those with risk factors-such as sleep disorders or OSAS-should be monitored more frequently.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Sleep duration and quality are closely related to the development and progression of glaucoma.
• Managing systemic diseases like sleep apnea may reduce glaucoma risk.
• The effect of sleep positions, especially prolonged face-down sleeping, on intraocular pressure should be considered.
• Screening for glaucoma is advisable in individuals with sleep disorders.

Eye health professionals should educate patients about sleep hygiene and collaborate with sleep specialists when necessary.

July 2025

Summer is the season when people spend more time outdoors and are exposed to the sun for longer periods, putting eye health at risk. Protecting your eyes is critical both for preventing short-term discomfort and long-term eye conditions.

Op. Dr. Umut Akbaş emphasizes that one of the most effective ways to protect eye health in summer is to wear high-quality sunglasses. The sun’s UV rays can cause serious damage to the eyes. Therefore, sunglasses with UV 400 protection should be preferred. Low-quality sunglasses may actually cause more harm to your eyes. Rising temperatures in summer increase the body’s need for fluids. Adequate hydration is very important for maintaining eye health. Keeping your eyes sufficiently moist depends largely on drinking enough fluids. Water intake helps prevent dry eyes and keeps them healthy.

Swimming in the Sea and Pool
Swimming in the sea and pool is very common during summer. However, saltwater and chlorine in these environments can negatively affect eye health. To protect against possible irritation, rinse your eyes with clean water after swimming. It is also recommended to wear swimming goggles to protect your eyes while swimming.

Eye Makeup and Resting Your Eyes
Using eye makeup in summer requires extra care. Sweat can cause makeup products to irritate your eyes. Always remove eye makeup thoroughly before going to bed to protect your eyes. Prolonged sun exposure can cause eye fatigue, so make sure to rest your eyes by frequently moving into shaded areas and wearing sunglasses.

Proper Nutrition
Healthy nutrition plays a major role in eye health as well. Summer fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins that support eye health. During summer, you can take simple but effective measures to protect your eyes.

July 2025

Some mascaras known for their long-lasting effect can cause eye dryness and irritation around the eyes. For those wanting to protect their eye health, choosing the right products has become more important than ever.

Makeup is an indispensable part of daily life, and waterproof products stand out for their durability and long-lasting effect. However, eye health experts warn that these products may cause adverse effects on the delicate skin around the eyes over time. Some ingredients in waterproof mascaras can lead to dry eyes and various discomforts.

Risk of Dryness and Irritation
Waterproof mascaras are formulated with strong and drying ingredients to ensure long-lasting wear on lashes. However, these formulations can negatively affect the natural tear film that keeps the eye surface moist. Especially for people with sensitive eyes, this can cause complaints such as: Dry eyes, Burning and stinging sensations, Redness, Blurred vision.

Damage During the Removal Process
One major drawback of waterproof products is their challenging removal process. These mascaras often require vigorous rubbing or strong cleansers to be completely removed from the eye area. This can lead to: Irritation of the delicate skin around the eyes, Disruption of the tear film, Gradual decline in visual quality over time. Many users have recently shared on social media that their long-term dry eye complaints might actually be caused by these products.

Pay Attention to Chemical Ingredients
It’s not just the product type but also the ingredient list that matters greatly for eye health. Some chemicals found in mascaras and other eye makeup products can damage tear glands even at low doses. Notably, parabens, formaldehyde, and benzalkonium chloride are risky substances. These chemicals don’t only cause dryness and irritation but may also negatively affect hormonal balance.

For those who want to protect their eye health, it is recommended to choose water-soluble products considered safe for eye contact instead of waterproof ones. Product ingredients should be read carefully, unknown substances should be researched, or a specialist should be consulted. Makeup removal should be done gently with appropriate products suited to the eye area.

July 2025

Warm, sunny days have finally arrived — but while enjoying the sunshine, don’t put your eye health at risk. According to experts, counterfeit sunglasses that are widely sold on the market may open the door to serious eye diseases, including cataracts and macular degeneration.

Eye Health is Not Age-Dependent
With the sun now higher in the sky, UV rays hit more directly and can lead to serious eye conditions. Studies show that individuals exposed to UV radiation for prolonged periods have a 60% higher risk of developing cataracts. And this risk isn’t limited to older adults — people in their 20s and 30s are also considered high-risk. Sunglasses stand out as one of the most practical ways to protect your eyes. When properly chosen, they can help prevent UV-induced issues such as cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium (surfer’s eye), and corneal damage.

Symptoms May Vary
Depending on where the cataract forms in the lens, symptoms can differ. In myopic eyes, vision can worsen rapidly, and astigmatism may develop. Cataract patients may see shadows, perceive colors as dull or faded, and experience more difficulty seeing in either bright or dark environments. Other signs include double vision, blurred or distorted vision, loss of depth perception, eye fatigue, and headaches linked to developing astigmatism.

Why Are Fake Sunglasses Dangerous?

• Dilated pupils: Dark lenses trick the eyes into thinking there is less light, causing the pupils to dilate.
• More UV exposure: Dilated pupils allow more harmful UV rays to enter the eye.
• Lens and retina damage: As the eye struggles to filter this intense light, the lens and retina can be damaged, significantly increasing the risk of cataracts.

One of the rules to be considered when buying sunglasses should be antireflective and ultraviolet-blocking coating. It is necessary to use eyewear approved by the Ministry of Health. Eyewear bought cheaply from the street vendors often do not carry these features. This eyewear is very harmful to eye health. For this reason, you should definitely buy your sunglasses from optical stores.

June 2025