Eye Health Tips

Regular eye check-ups are critical for detecting potential problems before they become serious.  Many eye conditions develop gradually, with no immediate symptoms, and can be detected during an eye exam.  Even if you think your vision is fine, certain conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration can develop without symptoms.  By visiting our Optometrist annually, you can:

• Catch early signs of eye diseases:
  Update prescriptions for glasses or contact lens
  Monitor eye health if you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that can affect your vision
  
  
• Prevention and Early Detection:
  Conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy may not show symptoms until significant damage is done.  An eye exam can catch these conditions early, potentially saving your vision.
  
  
• Monitor for Systemic Diseases:
  Our Optometrist can detect signs of serious health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases during your routine exam.
  
  
• Update Prescriptions:
  If you wear glasses or contact lenses, your prescription can change over time. Regular exams ensure that your vision is always optimised with the correct lenses.
  
  
• Children’s Eye Health:
  Eye check-ups are particularly important for children, as undetected vision problems can affect their learning and development.
• Myopic Management:
  Myopia management is a treatment program that aims to slow or stop the progression of myopia, or nearsightedness. It can involve a variety of strategies, including: 

   

   

  • Glasses: Specially designed glasses that change the focus of light in the peripheral vision 
     
     
  • Contact lenses: Soft contact lenses that change the focus of light in the peripheral vision, or rigid gaspermeable (RGP) lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea 
     
  • Lifestyle and environmental factors: Discussing how these factors can trigger myopia progression 
     

   

  Myopia management can help reduce the risk of developing more serious eye diseases later in life, such as cataracts, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration. The earlier myopia management is started, the better the results. 

   

  The success of myopia management depends on several factors, including:

   
• The age at which myopia first appears
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• The age at which myopia management begins
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• How well the treatment is followed
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• The amount of near work and outdoor activity 
   
   
   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   
   

Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Long-term exposure to UV light increases your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. To safeguard your eyes:

• Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Opt for polarised lenses to reduce glare if you spend time outdoors.
• Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection.

If you spend a lot of time staring at screens (computer, phone, or TV), your eyes are prone to digital eye strain. To reduce the strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple habit can help reduce eye fatigue and dryness.

A healthy diet contributes to good vision. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E are important for eye health and can help ward off age-related vision problems. Include these foods in your diet:

• Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna
• Nuts and seeds
• Citrus fruits like oranges
• Carrots and other bright-colored vegetables

Smoking is harmful to your eyes and can increase the risk of several eye diseases, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Quitting smoking not only benefits your eyes but also improves overall health.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, taking proper care of them will ensure they last longer and keep your vision clear. Here are some tips for caring for your eyewear:

1. Cleaning Glasses
   To avoid scratches and damage, it's important to clean your glasses properly:

• Use a microfibre cloth to wipe your lenses. Avoid using tissues, paper towels, or clothing that can scratch the surface.
• Wash lenses with warm water and a gentle lens cleaner, or use cleaning wipes specifically designed for glasses.
• Store your glasses in a protective case when not in use.

1. Caring for Contact Lenses
   Contact lenses require regular cleaning and proper storage to prevent eye infections if they are not daily lenses:

• Always wash your hands before handling contacts.
• Clean your lenses with the recommended solution—avoid using water or saliva.
• Replace your contact lens case every three months and clean it regularly.
• Never wear your lenses longer than recommended, as this can lead to eye irritation or infections.

1. Adjusting and Handling Glasses
   Handle your glasses with care to avoid bending the frames or damaging the lenses:

• Always use both hands to put on or remove your glasses.
• Avoid placing your glasses face-down, as this can lead to scratched lenses.
• Have your frames professionally adjusted if they become loose or crooked.

By following these tips and staying proactive with eye care, you can ensure long-term vision health and make the most of your eyewear.