The eyes serve more than just allowing us to see the beauty of this world. It can also be a window to our holistic health. The eyes are made up of a complex network of blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves that can signify certain diseases present in the body even before their signs appear. Hence, it is crucial that we take good care of our eyes.
An ophthalmologist clinic in Singapore is your best ally in helping you maintain excellent eye and vision health. In this article, we share 10 expert eyecare secrets that can change the way you see things, particularly in caring for your eyes–literally.
- Go for regular eye examinations – Many eye problems can exist without noticeable symptoms, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. By scheduling an annual eye exam in Singapore, these problems can be detected early and timely intervention can be done to manage its progression.
- Practice the 20-20-20 Rule for screen time – Our eyes are probably one of the most overworked body parts, no thanks to the digital age. Facing screens–from mobile phones to computers–digital devices are always a part of almost all of the waking hours in a day. Constant looking at the screen can cause various discomforts like blurred vision, dry eyes, and eye strain.
Give your set of peepers a break and remember to practice the 20-20-20 rule: Pause at every 20-minute mark, gaze at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This trick can reduce eye fatigue significantly when religiously done over time. To get yourself into the habit, set a timer for 20 minutes each time you use a digital device.
- Build up your natural eye defense by consuming nutritious foods – You can boost your eye health naturally by eating foods that are packed with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E. You can get these nutrients from citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, oily fish, and nuts.
Ophthalmologists also recommend supplements like lutein and zeaxanthin to support your eyes. However, before including any additional supplements to or tweaking your diet, consult with an ophthalmologist clinic in Singapore first to make sure that these will not cause any adverse reactions to existing medications or health conditions you may have.
- Do not overlook dry eyes – Dry eyes is a condition that is on the rise among many Singaporeans due to the screen-heavy activities and everyday exposure to air-conditioned environments. When left untreated, dry eyes can become a chronic condition that can negatively influence your productivity and overall quality of life. Ophthalmologist clinics in Singapore offer various treatments to combat dry eyes, including prescription eye drops, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, punctal plugs, and even dry eye spa therapy, which is a non-invasive approach that uses massage and warmth to alleviate symptoms.
- Be mindful about using over-the-counter eye drops without a consultation – Over-the-counter eye drops can offer instant relief for eye discomforts and getting your hands on them is easy since these do not require prescription. However, you should be aware that not all OTC eye drops can be safe to use for a long period of time. Some may contain ingredients that can aggravate dryness or even prevent the detection of existing conditions. Prioritise your safety and visit an ophthalmologist clinic in Singapore prior to using any type of eye drops from your local pharmacy.
- Be vigilant when undergoing aesthetic procedures involving your eyes – Aesthetic clinics nowadays offer services and products that enhance the appearance of the eyes. Coloured contact lenses, eyelash extensions, and prescription-free eye whitening drops are just some of them.
While these can alter your eyes and promise to make them look more tantalizing, the process in which they are performed may also place your eyes at risk of developing allergic reactions, corneal ulcers, or infections. This is true, especially when the procedure is not done or managed by a trained medical professional. Do your proper research and only allow licensed and certified aesthetic providers to work on beautifying your eyes.
- Lasik is not the only option for correcting your vision – Using a pair of eyeglasses can be a nuisance at times. You always have to remember to put them on, clean them regularly, and take extra precaution to not sit on or lose them. Life would be a lot more freeing if you can just open your eyes each day and see things crystal clear.
Lasik can be the answer to this problem, but sadly this procedure is not suitable for everyone. There are certain eye conditions that can disqualify you from a Lasik procedure. These include dry eyes and corneal thickness. Not to worry as there are other options that an ophthalmologist clinic in Singapore can offer, such as Implantable contact lenses (ICL), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE). Have your eyes evaluated by an eye specialist to see which of these treatments is compatible for your condition.
- Protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays – Singapore’s sunny climate can hurt your eyes without proper protection. The country’s UV index is one of the highest globally. Your risk of developing cataracts and pterygium increases with prolonged exposure to UV rays. To prevent eye damage, wear regular or prescription sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection not only when the sun is out, but during cloudy days too.
- Unhealthy habits equate to unhealthy eyes – Holistic health is essential in keeping your eyes in great condition. Preserve your eye function by getting the recommended 7- hours of sleep each day, staying hydrated, and controlling the levels of your blood sugar.
Quit harmful habits like excessive alcohol consumption, getting inadequate hours of sleep, reading in poorly lit environments, use of digital devices without breaks, and smoking. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, work with your ophthalmologist to create a treatment plan to manage your condition from advancing.
- Eye exams: start them young – For parents or guardians, it is important to be aware that pediatric eye care is critical to your child’s long-term eye health. Ophthalmologist clinics in Singapore can provide vision screening for children, as young as 3 years old. Amblyopia (lazy eye) and myopia (short-sightedness) are the common disorders that affect the eyesight and can be treated early.
If you have not yet scheduled an appointment with an ophthalmologist clinic in Singapore, then this is your sign to do it. Your future self will thank you for putting a premium on your eye health.
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Dr Chelvin Sng
38 Irrawaddy Road
Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialty Centre #06-25
Singapore 329563
Tel: +65 6334 2282
Whatsapp: +65 8129 6328
