Eye Care

Here you can learn how to protect your eyesight and prevent eye diseases. You may also find some eye care tips for children and the elderly.

Protecting Your Eyesight

It is very important to take good care of our eyes. Here are some tips:

• Maintain good posture by sitting upright and using chair and desk of suitable height.
• Place reading materials at least 30 cm from the eyes.
• Rest your eyes for 3 to 5 minutes after reading or using the computer for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Wear quality sunglasses with ultraviolet rays protection under strong sunlight.
• Keep a balanced diet, including taking appropriate amount of foods rich in vitamin A, e.g. water melons, tomatoes, papayas and carrots.
• Don’t read in moving vehicles or under strong lighting.
• Don’t buy eye drops off the counter when your eyes feel uncomfortable.
• If you have any eye discomfort or problems in seeing things, seek doctors’ advice early.

When You are Using Computers

• Reflection of the ceiling light or glare from windows may cause eye strain and blurred vision. Use lampshade to divert ceiling light downwards and avoid placing the screen by the window.
• Choose dark letters with light background on the screen to enhance contrast.
• Place the screen directly in front of the body and slightly below eye level so that the eyes are looking slightly downward.
• Regularly clean the screen to avoid dust affecting clarity of the screen display.
• Blink more often so that tears can moisturise your eyes. Use artificial tears if needed.

When You are Wearing Contact Lens

• Choose daily-wear contact lenses if possible. If you choose extended-wear contact lenses, remember to take them off every day before sleeping. Follow the wearing schedule as instructed by the optometrist.
• Cleanse, rinse and disinfect your contact lenses daily.
• For soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses, remove protein weekly.
• If you are sensitive to chemical disinfection solution, switch to hydrogen peroxide or heat disinfection, after having consulted the optometrist.
• Do not use hydrogen peroxide on coloured soft lenses or they will be bleached.
• Regular follow-up for checking of eyes and contact lens conditions.

To know more about the eye structure, common eye disorders and daily care tips, you can refer to the following links.

Common Eye Problems

When you are aging, your eyes may undergo some changes. Eye problems like presbyopia and cataract are common among the elderly. Check out for the warning signs and possible treatments.

Eye Care for Children

If you have a newborn baby, you could observe for signs of normal vision, for example, turning to diffuse light or looking at your face. For pre-school children, they should go for vision screening test so that any vision abnormalities can be discovered and treated in advance.