How to take care of your eyes

It is important to maintain the health of our eyes. If your vision is impaired, it may affect the quality of your life and your social well-being. Eye treatment can also be very costly. The best solution is to adopt a healthy lifestyle and prevent eye diseases before it happens. Follow the guidelines below:

* Invest in a pair of good sunglasses. Your eyes are worth it. Polarised (transparent) sunglasses are better than dark sunglasses.

* Never stare into direct sunlight or at any object reflecting the sun's rays. (Shiny metallic objects, sand/water, etc.)

* Use eye drops for itchy, dry, or red eyes. See a doctor for a proper prescription.

* Protect your eyes from eyestrain when sitting in front of the computer or watching television.

* Wear protective glasses/goggles to prevent particles and fumes from entering your eyes.

* Wear goggles in the pool to prevent your eyes from being hurt by chlorine.

* Get plenty of sleep to prevent eyestrain.

* Don't rub your eyes as it may cause eye infections.

* Visit an optometrist at least once a year to diagnose if there are any potential eye problems which may be fixed with glasses, contact lens, or surgery.

* Other possible problems include dry eyes, problems with your retina, diabetes and high blood pressure.

* Other conditions like glaucoma have no symptoms, but can lead to total blindness if left untreated.

Also read the article essential eye care.

Taken from: News Straits Times - 12 September 2012 (article), Google (images).