Dr Daphne Han, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Singapore Medical Specialists Centre, helps us debunk myths about eye health and gives us tips on how we can get better eye sight.
It can be very tempting to read up on this season’s beauty and fashion trends on the go, or check up the newest movie review in town, but, be sure to keep to the 20-20 rule; for every 20 minutes you look at a screen, take a 20-second break to look into the distance.
Good alternatives are to plug in to the latest hits or simply look out at nature which helps to refocus and relax your eyes. Moreover, when the ride gets bumpy, some may get discomfort and even feel nausea when trying to read. It is preferable to read only when stationary in such situations.
You’re tempted to grab your morning caffeine fix and there’s no harm to that – if you have it in moderation. A recent study out of Cornell University found that coffee’s strong antioxidant, chlorogenic acid (CLA), is actually therapeutic for our eyes, protecting the retina and preventing retinal degeneration in mice.
However, coffee filled with sugar, or fancy coffee drinks are a totally different story and are probably just as bad as soda which could increase the odds of obesity-related diseases like type 2 diabetes, resulting in eye-related conditions, like cataracts, in many adults.
No matter how tired you are, always remove your eye makeup before bed – your laziness could cause your eyesight.
While these products help us look our best, the chemicals present can cause eye irritation, allergic reactions, infections and even lead to your eyelashes becoming brittle and falling out.
It’s not the shade of things you look at that makes the difference – it’s how far away they are. Looking at nearer objects taxes your muscles of accommodation to a greater degree.
And because distant objects are often related to “trees and meadows”, it’s not surprising how this misconception came about.
While spending too much time staring at a TV screen can tire the eyes and exacerbate dry eyes by reducing blinking rate, there’s no evidence to show that it causes permanent damage.
As with every other activity, moderation is the key. If your eyes start to burn or feel strained, close your eyes for a couple of minutes to rest them.
There’s a lot more to an eye exam than just checking your prescription. During a comprehensive vision exam, your eye doctor will check your overall eye health, which can sometimes show signs of other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure as well as related diseases like cataracts.
Eye exams are an important part of taking care of your overall health, so make sure to get an eye screening once in every 1 to 2 years to detect silent eye diseases since early and timely treatment can save your vision.