Healthy vision goes beyond sight, optometrist says
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Healthy vision is about far more than simply seeing clearly, according to optometrist and low vision specialist Dr Mayanna Francis, who is urging Jamaicans to take a more proactive approach to eye health beyond Healthy Vision Month, recognised in May. Today, she shares with Lifestyle key tips on maintaining healthy vision.
“Health is never just about ‘one thing’, it is multifaceted. Similarly, healthy vision means more than just seeing clearly,” she explained. From a clinical standpoint, Francis said eye health refers to the full functioning of the visual system, not just visual clarity.
“This includes clear eyesight, healthy eye structures, good eye coordination, appropriate focusing ability, healthy eye pressure, and the absence of eye disease or damage. A person may still have ‘20/20 vision’ and yet have an underlying eye condition,” she said, stressing the importance of routine examinations.
ROUTINE CHECKS ARE ESSENTIAL
Francis is encouraging both adults and children to prioritise regular eye exams, noting that many serious conditions develop silently.
“Children should have regular eye examinations throughout their developmental years, especially before starting school, as vision problems can affect learning and development,” she said.
She noted that children are not born with fully developed vision. “We monitor to ensure they are developing appropriately and to detect issues like amblyopia, where one eye may not develop properly if not identified early.”
For adults, she recommends eye exams every one to two years, with more frequent checks for those over 40 or living with chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. “Diabetes is the number one cause of blindness among the working-age population, so annual screening is essential,” she said.
MODERN HABITS AFFECTING EYE HEALTH
Francis warned that modern lifestyles are contributing significantly to eye strain and long-term vision issues. “Excessive screen time without breaks, poor nutrition, smoking, lack of UV protection, and poorly managed chronic diseases all negatively affect eye health,” she said.
She also pointed to common behaviours such as ignoring symptoms or rubbing the eyes excessively as contributing factors. “These can lead to eye strain, dryness, and progressive vision problems over time.”
According to Francis, early symptoms of eye problems are often subtle but important.
“Frequent headaches, blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, eye strain, and sensitivity to light are all warning signs,” she said.
In children, parents should watch for squinting, poor performance in school, or sitting too close to screens. “Any noticeable change in behaviour or visual habits should not be ignored,” she added.
SIMPLE HABITS
Francis shared that protecting vision does not have to be complicated. “Consistency is key when it comes to long-term eye health,” she said. She recommends regular eye exams, UV protection, proper lighting, hydration, and taking breaks from digital devices using the 20-20-20 rule. “Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds,” she explained.
Healthy vision is also strongly linked to diet, she noted, highlighting foods such as leafy greens, fish, eggs, nuts, and colourful vegetables, which are rich in key nutrients including vitamins A, C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
RISING CONCERNS
Francis also raised concerns about increasing screen exposure among children and young adults.
“Increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity are linked to rising rates of myopia, or short-sightedness, globally,” she explained. She encouraged more outdoor play, controlled screen use, and regular eye exams to help protect developing vision.
And, while some eye conditions are age-related or genetic, Francis stressed that early detection can significantly reduce the risk of severe vision loss.
“Glaucoma, for example, can progress silently, which is why routine screening is so important,” she said. She also urged Jamaicans to manage chronic illnesses and avoid smoking as part of overall eye health.
Beyond clinical guidance and everyday eye health habits, wider advocacy initiatives are also helping to raise awareness around vision care.
The Everyone’s A Winner initiative, scheduled for Father’s Day on June 21, will benefit the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB) through its annual 3K and 5K Run. This year, proceeds will go toward the establishment of an Entrepreneurial Grant Scheme, designed to support unemployed and underemployed blind and visually impaired Jamaicans with viable business ideas, helping to promote independence, inclusion, and long-term empowerment.
Francis has a professional connection with the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB) through her work as a low vision specialist, supporting patients with visual impairment and helping to improve access to care and rehabilitation services.