FAQ's

How should one administer eye drops

• Tilt your head back.
• Pull your lower lid away from the eye to form a pocket, using the index finger and thumb to pull it down and away.
• Use the index finger and the thumb to pull it down.
• Let the drop fall into the pocket without touching the eye or the lid.
• Close your eyes.
• Do not blink.
• Apply pressure to the point where the lid meets the nose.
• Hold for two to three minutes.
• Before opening the eye, wipe unabsorbed drops with a tissue.

Is watching TV bad for the eyes

There is no medical evidence that T.V. viewing is bad for the eyes. T.V. should be viewed from a distance of 8 to 10 feet and not continuously for hours together. This will prevent symptoms of discomfort from muscular strain of the eye, including headaches, redness, watering and dull ache. The same symptoms are experienced by those who do close reading and writing, or work with computers or video units for long hours at a stretch.

Relaxing strained eyes

Close your eyes. Cup your palms over the eyes and apply gentle pressure for some time. Focus on a distant object outside the room.

Does working on the computer strain the eyes

There is no convincing scientific evidence that Video Display Terminals or VDTs are harmful to the eyes. However, since complaints of eye discomfort and fatigue is increasing as VDT use increases, safety concerns are receiving more attention.

Some people see black and white objects tinged with colour after viewing VDT's for several hours. This happens mainly due to strain and is not a sign of any disease. Other symptoms include eye irritation, redness, watering, dry eyes, heaviness of the eyelids or the forehead, and difficulty in focussing. Headaches, backaches or muscle spasm may also occur. These complaints can often be relieved by either changing the arrangement of the workstation or providing proper antiglare glasses for the user.

Though eye strain is an annoying symptom, it does not mean that continuing to work on the VDT will damage the eye.

How can eye strain be prevented

At the workstation, most VDT users prefer their screen to be a little further away than the distance at which they normally read. The top of the VDT screen is most comfortably placed at or slightly below eye level. The reference material should be as close to the screen as possible to minimise head and eye movements and focussing changes. Lighting should be such that reflections and glare are minimised. Sometimes standard office lighting is too bright for comfort. If it is not practical to modify your office lighting, hoods and neutral density or micromesh filters for the VDT may help.

The VDT screen is a good dust collector and should be wiped often with an antiseptic cloth to improve visibility. Periodic rest breaks are important.

How should you protect your eyes from environmental pollution

Use sunglasses, preferably with a UV filter, while going outdoors. Wash and clean your eyes regularly with water or eye drops.

What is a stye

A sty is an infection of a gland in the eye. Swelling due to stye may subside with hot fomentation and antibiotic drops. Sometimes oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may be needed. In cases that do not respond to medication, a small incision may be required on the eye to drain out the pus.

How should you take care of your eyes

• Keep your eyes and face clean by regularly washing them with plenty of water. Use only clean individual towels.
• Avoid kajal or surma. If you must, then apply it on the outer side of the eyelid.
• When something falls into the eye, do not rub it. Lift the upper eyelid, pull it down over the lower eyelid and move the eyeball. This will help remove the foreign body. If tears do not naturally remove the offending particle, wash it out immediately with plenty of water. You can also take someone's help in gently removing the particle with the corner of a clean, wet cloth. If it does not come out easily, it is better to consult a doctor immediately.
• Get your eyes examined if you have frequent headaches, eye-strain, watering, redness, poor vision or irritation.
• Have lots of green vegetables and citrus fruits to avoid Vitamin A deficiency.
• Regular eye exercises can correct some conditions like eye strain.
• Keep your spectacles clean and free of dust and scratches.
• Go for regular eye checkups.

Some myths answered

• Reading in dim light is harmful to the eyes. – NO
• Using computers can damage the eyes – NO
• Taking breaks and looking up or across the room while working on the computer can help relieve the strain – YES
• Sitting close to a TV can damage children's eyes – NO
• People with weak eyes should avoid using finer print. – NO
• Cataract can be removed with laser – NO
• Cataract must be ripe before it is removed – NO
• Is honey, trifala, rose water, walking bare feet on grass and other such habits good for the eyes. NO