No one can dispute the importance of good vision, but some are unaware (or too casual) about taking steps to ensure their optical health. Unfortunately, many people do not visit eye doctors until they have problems with their vision.
It is vital to your well-being to make time for eye exams, even if your vision is good. Approximately 90 per cent of vision problems and blindness can be successfully treated or prevented if discovered in the beginning stages. This is where regular eye care becomes part of the equation. Our staff can track changes in your vision and detect slight differences that can lead to more significant problems if left unattended.
Regular Eye Tests
There is a common misconception that the eye screening where you read letters on a chart is on par with eye examinations by a trained professional. The simple screening may catch obvious vision problems, but it is not sophisticated enough to screen for numerous issues.
Our series of eye tests at E Eye Place help comprehensively assess your overall eye health and are intended to be adult and children’s eye tests. These include:
Evaluating the internal and external parts of the eye
Measuring eye pressure
Assessing visual functions such as colour vision, depth perception, visual fields, contrast sensitivity
Providing prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses
Performing tests to measure eye teaming and focusing
Measuring vision or visual acuity
Maintaining Eye Health
Having an annual eye exam is one way to ensure your eye health. Here are five additional ways to maintain your eye health.
Do not smoke as it increases the chance of numerous eye health issues
Wear sunglasses that are designed to protect against UVA and UVB rays, which can harm your eyes.
Wear a hat with a brim to shield your eyes from the sun’s rays
Exercise to improve your blood circulation and your overall well-being
Eat a well-balanced diet that includes vitamins A and C, which are found in foods like leafy, green vegetables and fish. Many foods – especially fish – contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that are important to eye health.
Five Ways to Rest Tired Eyes
We exist at a frantic pace that can impact many areas of life, including eyesight. While you may not be able to give your eyes a long, relaxing rest, here are five ways to comfort your weary eyes.
1. Adjust the Lighting
Doing activities like reading, watching television, or working on your computer with incorrect lighting is one of the most common reasons for tired eyes. Making sure you have enough light is one key to diminish eye strain. Adjusting the brightness, contrast and colour temperature on screens can also have a significant effect on eye tiredness.
2. Take Regular Breaks from the Screen
Whether you are working, studying, or watching funny cat videos, you can quickly lose track of time when you are in front of your screen. This is why you must take breaks to reduce eye fatigue. Ophthalmologists suggest the 20-20-20 rule, which consists of looking away from the screen after every 20 minutes. Then, focus on an object about 6 metres (20 feet) away for 20 seconds. You give your eyes a chance to reset and minimise the strain.
3. Use Warm and Cold Compresses
When your eyes feel strained and tired, take a short break to apply either a comfortably warm compress or a cold compress to your eyes. The warm compress will relax your eye muscles and help to take away the pain. Cold compresses will increase the blood flow and ease the discomfort.
4. Stay Hydrated
Dry eyes cause several eye strain problems. Maintaining an optimal level of hydration can help you with this problem. While there is no fixed amount of water individuals should drink, you can use this guide from Health Direct.
Males need about 10 cups (2.6 litres or 2600mL) of fluids every day
Females need about 8 cups (2.1 litres or 2100mL) of fluids a day
Children need about 4 to 5 cups of fluids a day
Teenagers need 6 to 8 cups of fluids a day
5. Have Eye Exams Regularly
An annual comprehensive eye exam is vital to maintaining your vision. When you schedule an eye test in Perth, you ensure that your glasses prescription is up to date and your eyes are healthy.
It is not too late to commit to healthy eyes this year. Our office has dozens of painless exams to ensure you are enjoying the best vision possible. If you do experience problems with your vision, E Eye Place has the latest technology and experienced eye care professionals to help you achieve healthy eyes and clear vision.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please reach out to your Perth Optometrist here at E Eye Place. Our team can help you see what you have been missing.
Stephanie is an owner optometrist, researcher and educator. She has held clinical, teaching and research roles in Australia and overseas, and has extensive training and clinical experience. Stephanie is also the head optometrist at E Eye Place, on top of this, she is also currently a PhD candidate at UNSW. Dr Stephanie Yeo Optometrist BOptom (HC1) GradCertOcTher DOPT (Merit) CO Ophthalmic Medicines Prescriber.