Eye Health is something that we often tend to avoid. However, it is our vision that helps us see and navigate our day-to-day life. Protecting them is paramount.  Lack of knowledge or awareness threatens the safety of our vision. Here are few tips that must be considered to keep your vision protected.

• Excessive nonstop use of computers or video display units.
• Not taking frequent breaks in between using the computer and blinking and looking away at a long-distance object/target after every 20 minutes, blink for 20 seconds and go back to the computer
• Do not fall asleep with your contact lenses on
• Never put a CL on a red-eye
• Always remove eye makeup before going to sleep. This can clog up the openings of meibomian glands along the lid margins which causes chalazia or cysts
• Avoid dandruff. This is related to blepharitis along the lash line
• Do not rub the eyes habitually. This can cause floppy eyelids and eventually can affect the corneal curvature and elasticity.
• Do not watch TV or an iPad in a dark room causing eye strain and Computer Vision Syndrome
• Splash eyes with cool water. Occasionally do a warm compress of the eyelids with lid hygiene
• Take omega 3 in your diet. This is good for the overall health of the meibomian glands
• Not controlling diabetes and hypertension and not going for regular annual checkup’s can cause loss of vision from Retinopathy
• Being aware that other diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis can cause problems like Dry Eye disease is important
• Not knowing one’s family history of diseases like Glaucoma which can be hereditary can lead to blindness as regular eye checkups are needed

Also, periodic eye check-up is essential. Any form of eye irritation, pain, or other observed issues should be taken immediate care of.

About the author- Dr. Nandini Ray, ophthalmologist, Fortis Hospital, Kolkata