Loving yourself: 7 tips to keep your eyes healthy

NOW, more than ever, is the apt time to be more conscious of our eyes’ health because of what this pandemic has brought us: the new normal. Studies and work are often done online, our recreation as well relies more on gadgets, adding burden to our already overworked eyes.

Dr. Lareen Dawn B. Tan, founder of the ultimate eye care center in Davao City, Eyecare Deluxe, gave these seven tips to keeping our eyes healthy.

1. Gadgets are a no-no for toddlers and with limitations for adults.

Photo from Eyecare Deluxe

This has been the advice not only from this pedia eye expert but from the pediatric association as well. Gadgets emit harmful blue light, as well as hamper kids’ cognitive function.

“Limit your exposure to gadgets or too much near-work activities like reading, writing,or drawing,” Tan said.

For children who needed to do near-work activities, parents should only limit their gadget exposure to not more than three hours a day. Along with this, patients must rest their eyes every 20 minutes of near work and look far away for 20 seconds before resuming their near task. This is to give their eyes time to relax.

“Long exposure to gadgets or near-work activities may induce eye problems, especially myopia or nearsightedness,” Tan added.

2. Relax your eyes.

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Resting our eyes is a much underrated action that we often forget about it. Looking at objects that are far away, like driving, physical sports, and biking, actually help relax the eyes and effectively prevent eyestrain and nearsightedness or myopia.

To relax one’s eyes, it is advised to look 20 feet away at things that are not so bright, like green trees and foliage. “When using a reading lamp, it should be pointed to where you are looking, like your book, and not to your eyes, as too much light damages our retina. When we are out in the sun, we should always protect our eyes with suitable sunglasses since ultraviolet light can cause early cataract and macular degeneration,” Tan said.

3. Sleep.

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Not everyone knows it, but getting enough sleep, especially for grownups, is beneficial to our eyes. “Children should get at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep a day and grownups 6 to 8 hours a day,” the 2015 optometry board topnotcher said. Sleep is a natural healer, even for your eyes. Sleep helps invigorate our tear glands which produces tears and tears help prevent eye infections. Fewer tears can open the door to eye infections.

She also added that not getting enough sleep could lead to serious eye problems sooner rather than later.

4. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.

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Contrary to old beliefs that only yellow fruits and vegetables are good for the eyes, all vegetables and fruits are in fact best for our eyes’ health.

“Different fruits and/or vegetables have different kinds of vitamins and minerals and even micro and macronutrients that are needed by each and every part of our eyes,” Dr. Tan said.

5. Physical activity.

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Many believe that physical exercises do not contribute any advantage to our eyes. But Tan said an hour and a half of spending time outdoors and doing some physical activities can help maintain our eye health.

According to several studies, since some of the eye problems stem from other health problems such as diabetes and hypertension, a healthy diet and regular exercise are also needed for our eyes’ health.

6. Wear eye protective gears or glasses.

Photo from Eyecare Deluxe
Photo from Eyecare Deluxe

Most of us undervalue the use of eye protection, thinking it as “just a fashion accessory,” but Tan strongly advises to wear such if we want our eyes to stay healthy.

“Among all sunglasses, the best that should be worn outdoor are the polarized lenses as it can block 50 percent of light and prevents glaring light from passing through our eyes,” she said.

Mirrorized sunglasses are also good as these reflect light away from your eyes. Tinted sunglasses are good during overcast days since these provide protection from the sun without being very dark.

7. Regular eye checkup.

Photo from Eyecare Deluxe

One does not need to feel something off in his eyes before he gets to see a doctor.

“The earliest a child’s eyes should be checked is when he is just six months old. Afterward, it will depend if the doctor finds any problem in his eyes,” Dr. Tan said.

However, for adults, she said “they must have an eye exam every two years unless they are advised by their doctor to get an eye exam more frequently.”

Photo from Eyecare Deluxe

Eyecare Deluxe, located on the second floor Expansion Wing of Abreeza Ayala Malls, has complete world-class facilities to ensure proper and correct diagnoses of your eyes’ health during comprehensive eye exam.

It also offers different kinds of best eye-protective sunglasses, some of which are specially made for children by employing pediatric lenses.

Pediatric lenses are made of a special material that is impact-resistant, ultra-thin, and lightweight, thus, very comfortable for everyone, especially for kids to wear.

To book an appointment, dial 0929-2279908 (Smart), 0995-4632319 (Globe), and (082) 225-9538 (landline).