How To Take Care of your Eyes

Proper eye care is important to keep your eyes healthy. It prevents common eye problems and preserves vision.

Protect the eyes from the sun
Sun exposure has been linked to:

• cataracts (clouding of the lens inside the eye)
• macular degeneration (deterioration of the part of the retina responsible for central vision)
• pterygium formation (fleshy mass on the surface of the eye)
• skin cancer

Protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation by wearing sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors.

Avoid smoking
Smoking is a risk factor for developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

Avoid eye strain
Eye strain is a common affliction that occurs when the eyes are taxed for prolonged periods, such as long hours in front of the computer or television, hours of close work or driving.

Wear the proper corrective lenses to minimize eye strain. Make sure there is adequate lighting when reading, watching TV, or working on the computer. Rest your eyes frequently while working. (See related brochure entitled “Eye health and computer work”)

Prevent eye injuries
Eye injuries are the most common preventable cause of blindness. Wear appropriate protective eyewear if your job exposes you to flying particles (grinding machines, hammering, power tools) and chemical substances.

In case foreign bodies or chemicals get in the eye, do not touch, press, or rub the eye. Flush the affected eye with clean water and see an ophthalmologist immediately.

When playing sports, wear the proper eye protection.

Keep dangerous toys, sharp and pointed objects and chemicals away from children. Never allow children to play with laser pointers. The light from a laser pointer aimed into the eye is more damaging than staring directly into the sun.

Protect the eye from infections
Proper hygiene is important in preventive eye care. Avoid touching and rubbing the eyes. Remove eye make-up and contact lenses before going to bed. Don't share face towels, hankies, or cosmetics.

Have regular eye exams
Vision screening is recommended for all children starting at around age 3, or earlier when problems are noted. Good vision is important in the early years to ensure the proper development of the eyes. Kids don't often realize there's a problem with their vision. Signs that may indicate that a child has trouble seeing include rubbing of the eyes, tilting of the head, squinting, looking at objects at close range, inward or outward turning of their eyes. For adolescents and adults, have a complete eye exam every one or two years. This will not only detect problems with your eyes but it can also uncover a number of other underlying health problems.

Seek early consultation for eye problems
If marked changes in your eyes and your vision are noted, consult an ophthalmologist immediately. Early detection and management of eye conditions are the best ways of taking care of one's eyes.

Myths and misconceptions about the eyes
1.   Reading in dim light can damage your eyesight.
Reading in dim light can cause eye fatigue but it will not harm or damage your vision. The eyes may get tired because of the extra effort to see clearly but no damage will occur.

2.   Sitting too close to the TV will hurt your eyes.
Children have a greater ability to focus up close without strain than adults and often develop the habit of sitting close to the TV.  But it may indicate poor vision in children. Children who are nearsighted often sit close to the TV to see the images better.

3.   Using computers can damage your eyes.
Radiation levels from the computer screen are low and will not cause eye damage. But you can develop eye strain after long periods in front of the computer.

4.   Wearing eyeglasses will make your vision worse over time.
Refractive errors change over time and its not because of your glasses. Also, once you have enjoyed clear vision with glasses, it may seem that your eyes are worse when you take them off.

5.   Children will outgrow crossed or misaligned eyes.
Children are rarely able to outgrow eye misalignment on their own. They should be examined early so the condition can be corrected. A child with misaligned eyes may develop lazy eye (amblyopia) and may never develop good vision. These children may need eyeglasses, eye drops or surgery to correct the misalignment.

How can The Medical City help you?
At The Medical City, we have a complete roster of competent ophthalmologists who may guide you in taking care of your eyes.

For any inquiries or if you would want to seek consult, please call:

EYE CENTER
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6252

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6444

Note:   This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.