Most of our work is done on computers, and there is usually no escape from it. It is a visually intensive task and, unfortunately, our work pressure and lifestyles do not give us the opportunity to be kind to our eyes. Which is why these tips should come in handy.
I. Know Your Eyes
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Tears
The first line of defence, they also serve as lubrication by keeping the eyes moist and nourished; they also have a corrective lens function.
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Eyelids
Their main job is to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and harsh light.
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Eyelashes
A protective net for your eyes.
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Cornea
A refractive zone that guides light to reach the retina.
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Pupil
Controls the amount of light that enters your eyes.
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Lens
A refractive zone that also guides light into the retina.
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Retina and Optic Nerve
A bunch of intricate wiring that carries vision signals between your brain and eyes.
II. Exercise Your eyes
Regular work hours should be infused with short breaks. During such breaks, he suggests a small and easy exercise: “First, blink your eyes several times. While you keep your eyes closed, roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath. Gradually open your eyes while releasing your breath. This exercise lasts for a minute and you can repeat it three times before getting back to work.” It serves as a good workout for the eyes.
III. Look away
While working for long hours, look at distant objects either in your office or outside. Looking at a distant object and then returning to your task helps your eyes focus better. Try taking such visual breaks for about five to 10 minutes every hour.
IV. Palming
Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.
V. Splash Water On Your Face
During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.
VI. Take A Walk
After you’re done with lunch, take a stroll outside your office for a few minutes. This will give your eyes a much-needed break and get them some fresh air.
VII. Use Tea Bags
Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.
VIII. Drink Water
Drink plenty of water. It helps reduce puffiness. When a person is dehydrated, especially in an air-conditioned office, the body starts storing water as a defence mechanism. This adds to puffiness around the eyes.
IX. Eat Healthy
Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.
X. Eye Do’s and Don’ts
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Visit Your Doctor
“One should ideally visit their optometrist once 3 months, but if there is a problem with your eyes, visit sooner,”. There are several optometrists at Winter Park waiting to know how your eyes have been and eager to proffer solutions to any problem whatsoever.
In addition, before buying an eye-care product such as eye drops, always check the expiry date and don’t forget to check the prescription.
Using a pair of antiglare glasses while working on a computer can reduce the strain on the eyes.
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Use Re-Wetting eye Drops
An office environment that is predominantly air-conditioned, coupled with a computer intensive job, this is the perfect combination for dry eyes.
In such cases, you can use re-wetting eye drops to give relief to your eyes. Why? “When dry eyes occur, the aim is to get the tears back into our eyes — whether it is naturally (by simple blinking exercises), or artificially (if the problem aggravates),”
“Re-wetting eye drops have a similar in composition to natural tears. One should go for eye drops that do not have any preservatives. Eye drops with preservatives are toxic to the eyes in the long run. You can use re-wetting eye drops as and when reԛuired, but preferably span it to a minimum of four to six times a day. If the problem persists, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.”
The two most commonly used preservatives in all eye drops are Benz Alkonium Chloride and Chlorbutol. Read the contents of the bottle carefully and avoid eye drops with these preservatives.
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Reduce your Smoking and Alcohol Intake
“Smoking and alcohol consumption (either alone or combined) causes irreversible optic nerve damage. As both nicotine and alcohol are nerve toxins, they affect the nerves in the long run. Over a period of time, this can lead to poor or weak eyesight,” warns Dr Belvi.
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Never Rub your eyes!
If dirt enters your eyes, do not rub as this may cause the dirt to stick inside. “Blink several times to start your tears flowing; this will help flush out the dirt,” advises Dr Belvi. “If you rub your eyes, the dirt particle will keep disturbing your vision and irritate your eyes. In such cases, seek your ophthalmologist’s help immediately.”
Quick Tips
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Shelf life
Preservative-free re-wetting eye drops have a shelf life of about a year, if the seal is unopened. Those with preservatives last around two years, if unopened.
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Discard
All eye drops should be discarded within a month after opening their seals. Once opened, the medicinal properties tend to deteriorate due to exposure to the external atmosphere, making it unsuitable for your eyes.
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Protective eye gear
While driving, wear protective eye gear — especially if you are wearing contact lenses (for night driving) or sunglasses with UV protection (for day driving). Make sure the gear covers the sides of your eyes as well.
To book an appointment with an optometrist at winterpark, visit www.eyeswinterpark.com now.