Why Eye Health Matters
Eyes play a central role in how we experience the world and communicate with others. Facial expressions, emotions, and non-verbal cues are often conveyed through the eyes. They allow us not only to see, but to interpret what we see.
Eyesight vs. Vision: Eyesight is the ability to see an object, while vision is the brain’s ability to recognize and understand it. Approximately 80% of the information processed by the brain comes through the visual system.
Daily Habits for Healthy Eyes
Protective Coatings
Ensure your spectacles include UV protection and anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare and long-term sun damage.
The 30-Minute Rule
Take regular breaks every 30 minutes when using digital devices. Work in well-lit areas to minimize unnecessary strain.
Compare Your Vision
Periodically cover one eye at a time. Sudden changes in clarity or comfort between eyes require urgent professional attention.
Medication and Vision
Many systemic medications—including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal preparations—can affect eye comfort or tear production. Always read medication inserts and consult your eye-care practitioner if you notice changes.
| Medication Group | Known Ocular Effects |
|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Raised eye pressure and increased risk of cataracts. |
| SSRIs (e.g., Zoloft) | Focusing difficulty and occasional double vision. |
| Anticholinergics | Dry eyes and increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma. |
| Alpha-1 blockers | Pupil complications specifically during cataract surgery. |
| Amiodarone | Corneal deposits and potential optic nerve effects. |
Critical Safety Tip: Never store superglue near medications. It is frequently mistaken for eye ointment, leading to severe injury.
How to Instil Eye Drops Correctly
- Wash hands thoroughly before handling the bottle.
- Tilt your head back and pull the lower eyelid down to create a pocket.
- Instil one drop without touching the eye or lashes with the dropper tip.
- Close your eyes gently and apply light pressure at the inner corner for 2–3 minutes.
- If using multiple types of drops, wait 3–5 minutes between applications.
Caring for Your Spectacles
Proper maintenance ensures visual accuracy and extends the life of your lenses.
- Rinse first: Always rinse lenses with water before cleaning to remove grit.
- Microfiber only: Avoid paper towels, tissues, or clothing which can scratch the surface.
- Proper storage: Never place lenses face-down. Always store them in a protective case.
- Hold the bridge: When cleaning, hold frames by the bridge to prevent bending or misalignment.
Vision on the Road and in the Office
Driving Safety
90% of driving decisions rely on vision. Use sunglasses to reduce glare and allow yourself time to adapt to new spectacle prescriptions before driving in heavy traffic.
Digital Eye Strain
Up to 48% of office workers experience fatigue. Adjust your screen height so the top of the monitor is at or just above eye level to encourage a natural head position.
Clinical References
1. National Eye Institute (n.d.) Keep Your Eyes Healthy.
Available at:
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/keep-your-eyes-healthy
2. American Academy of Ophthalmology (n.d.) Eye Health Tips.
Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health
3. Review of Ophthalmology (Stephenson, M.)
Systemic Medications and Ocular Side Effects. Available at:
https://www.reviewofophthalmology.com
4. Optometry Australia (n.d.) Eye Health and Vision Care.
Available at: https://www.optometry.org.au/consumers/eye-health/