Vision impairment is one of the top Malaysian adults’ worst fears. It’s true that most people won’t lose their sight, but millions of them could be at serious risks for developing eye diseases.
The good news? There are simple steps you can take to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays and other environmental factors. The bad news? You may have to make some lifestyle changes.
Eat Well
Good eye health starts with the foods you eat. A diet rich in fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats could reduce your risk of developing age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Nutrients like omega-3, lutein, and vitamin C are thought to play a role in protecting against certain types of age-related vision loss. They’re found in green leafy vegetables, salmon, eggs, nuts, beans, seeds, and dark chocolate.
Wear Sunglasses
Your sunglasses are one of the most important things you’ll ever buy for your eye health. They’re the first thing you put on every day, and they’re probably the last thing you take off. But did you know that wearing the wrong ones could actually hurt your vision?
The best way to prevent damage caused by sunlight is to choose a pair of glasses that block out 99% to 100% UV radiation. This includes both UVA and UVB wavelengths. You want to look for a lens that offers wraparound coverage on each side of the frame. These lenses provide additional protection against the side effects of the sun’s harmful rays.
You might think polarized lenses are just for driving, but they do come in handy even when you’re outside. When it gets sunny, light bounces off surfaces like water, sand, snow, and grass. Reflected light can cause glare and make objects hard to see. A polarizing filter reduces reflections by up to 90%. So whether you’re hiking, biking, skiing, boating, fishing, golfing, or playing sports, you’ll appreciate having polarized lenses.
Avoid Looking at a Computer for Too Long
You’ve been staring at your computer screen for hours now. You’re tired, hungry, and your neck hurts. But you still haven’t finished what you came here to do. What gives? There’s no way you’ll finish your work today.
If you stare at a computer screen for too long, it can lead to eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, permanent damage to your eyes and generally bad news for your eye health. And while there are plenty of ways to avoid getting sick, one of the easiest things you can do is simply move your head every once in a while.
When you’re working on a computer, make sure your chair is comfortable and adjust it so your arms rest comfortably on the desk. Your keyboard shouldn’t be too high or low; keep it where you can reach it easily without having to lean forward or backward. When you sit down, don’t cross your legs—that puts pressure on your knees and hips. Instead, place your feet flat on the floor and let your legs dangle over the edge of the seat. This position helps prevent blood clots in your legs.
And finally, take breaks. Get up and walk around every hour or so. Stretch your neck and shoulders, rub your eyes, and blink frequently. These simple actions help reduce stress and fatigue and give your eyes a chance to relax.
Visit Optometrist Regularly
Everyone needs a regular eye exam to monitor your eye health. Even young children. It helps protect your sight, and it lets you see your best—even though you might not realize it. And it can help catch diseases, like glaucona, that have no signs or symptoms. So make sure you schedule an appointment every 2 years. If you don’t know where to go, ask your family doctor or call your local hospital.
If you want to learn more on how to take better care of your eyes, check out our other previous articles. Better yet, do give us a visit at Masdi Hazli Optometrist where our experts will happily give you a meaningful consultation. Call 0197505369 or email masdihazli@gmail.com for any questions or to make a reservation. Masdi Hazli eyewear store is located at No 167-G, Jalan PUJ 3/9, Taman Puncak Jalil, 43300, Seri Kembangan, Selangor and operates Monday to Friday from 11 am to 9 pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday on 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can also visit our website at http://masdihazliopto.com/ for more information.
