It is also important not to put powders, spices, herbal preparations, lemon juice, honey, garlic, or homemade mixtures directly into the eyes. The surface of the eye is extremely delicate, and non-sterile substances can cause irritation, inflammation, chemical injury, or infection.
People sometimes assume that because a product is natural, it must be safe for the eyes. That is not necessarily true. Something that is safe to eat may be completely inappropriate to place on the eye. The eye requires products specifically designed and manufactured for ophthalmic use when treatment is needed.
Reading glasses also deserve clarification. Cataracts can affect reading ability, but needing reading glasses is not itself proof of cataracts. Age-related changes in the eye’s ability to focus up close, known as presbyopia, are extremely common and are different from a cloudy lens.
If your vision has gradually become blurry or cloudy, an eye examination can determine whether the problem is cataracts, presbyopia, dry eye, an incorrect prescription, glaucoma, retinal disease, diabetes-related eye changes, or another condition. Proper diagnosis is much safer than trying an unverified remedy.
Sudden vision changes require even more caution. Sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, a dark curtain or shadow across your vision, or sudden double vision should receive urgent medical attention rather than being treated with a home remedy.
