02/11/2025

ON SUNDAY November 2, 2025 theSunday Special V

“The most common eye conditions we see include uncorrected refractive errors (such as myopia, hyperopia and astig matism), dry eyes, cataracts and digital eye strain. Among the elderly, we often detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Prevention starts with regular eye exami nations, good visual habits, UV protection, reducing screen time, maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and managing chronic diseases like diabetes DQG K\SHUWHQVLRQ WKDW FDQ D̆ HFW YLVLRQ ´ he said. For children, an eye exam is recom mended at least once before starting school and then annually. Adults should have their eyes examined every two years. Those over 60 or individuals with risk fac tors such as diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye disease should get their eyes checked annually. Regular eye exams can detect vision issues early, often before symptoms appear. Now, more than ever, we should start managing the time that we spend in front of screens. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, with symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches and neck or shoulder pain. “We recommend following the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Adjust screen brightness, use proper lighting, maintain an ergonomic posture and blink more IUHTXHQWO\ WR UHOLHYH GU\QHVV ´ KH DGYLVHG On top of that, we also have to watch what we eat because diet plays a vital role in maintaining good vision and overall eye health. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc and vitamins C and E help reduce the risk of age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts. Leafy green vegetables, carrots, citrus fruits, nuts and ¿VK OLNH VDOPRQ DUH SDUWLFXODUO\ JRRG IRU eye health. Staying hydrated is equally important, especially for those experienc ing dry eyes.

Early detection and timely management can make a łÿ÷ěÿżÙ¾ěŊϰßÿööãľãěÙãμϰ not just in preserving vision but also in detecting underlying health issues.

The field of optometry continues to evolve rapidly with new advancements in eye care and vision correction. Some of the most recent ones include myopia control treatments for children, such as orthokeratology lenses and atropine drops, as well as advanced contact lens materials that enhance comfort and oxy JHQ ÀRZ 7HOH RSWRPHWU\ DQG $, EDVHG diagnostic tools are becoming increasingly prevalent, enabling optometrists to detect and manage eye conditions remotely with greater accuracy. These innovations are bridging the gap between early detection and timely intervention. Optometrist vs Ophthalmologist “ $ ORW RI SHRSOH FDQQRW WHOO WKH GL̆ HUHQFH between an optometrist and an ophthal mologist. An optometrist is a primary eye care provider trained to perform vi sion and eye exams, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, detect eye abnormalities and manage certain eye diseases. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can provide full medical and surgical eye care, including more complex cases and H\H VXUJHULHV ´ KH H[SODLQHG Recently, AMO launched the College of Optometrists, a landmark initiative under the organisation’s 40th anniversary cel ebrations, to further elevate professional GHYHORSPHQW DQG JRYHUQDQFH LQ WKH ¿HOG AMO is also closely aligned with the new Allied Health Professions Act (Act 774), ZKLFK Ṙ FLDOO\ UHFRJQLVHV RSWRPHWULVWV DV regulated healthcare professionals under Malaysian law. This progress marks a sig QL¿FDQW VWHS LQ HPSRZHULQJ RSWRPHWULVWV to contribute more actively to the national healthcare system. “For those who have never had an eye exam but are experiencing vision changes, they should not wait any longer. Vision changes could be due to something simple like needing corrective lenses, but they can also be an early warning sign of more seri RXV LVVXHV 9LVLW D TXDOL¿HG RSWRPHWULVW for a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection and timely management can PDNH D VLJQL¿FDQW GL̆ HUHQFH QRW MXVW LQ preserving vision but also in detecting underlying health issues like diabetes or KLJK EORRG SUHVVXUH ´ KH VDLG HPSKDVLV ing the importance of early action.

Habits for healthy eyes

1. Step outside Spending time outdoors, especially for children, helps slow the progression of myopia (short-sightedness). Natural light and looking at distant objects relax the eyes. 2. Take screen breaks Apart from the 20-20-20 rule, try using the “look, blink, stretch” method: Look away from your screen, blink slowly 10 times, then stretch your body to reduce tension. 3. Keep lenses clean Dirty spectacles or contact lenses can strain your eyes. Always clean glasses with a microfibre cloth and use approved contact lens solutions. 4. Check your lighting Avoid reading or working in dim light. Make sure light sources are behind you when reading printed material and behind your screen when using a computer. 5. Don’t ignore redness or irritation Persistent redness, dryness or eye discomfort could signal infection or allergies. Avoid self-medicating with over-the-counter drops and see an optometrist instead. 6. Get enough sleep Lack of sleep can lead to dry, puffy or twitching eyes. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of rest daily for better eye comfort and recovery. 7. Protect your eyes outdoors Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Follow the 20-20 20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce digital eye strain.”

“There is a common myth that makes a lot of people believe that wearing glasses makes their vision worse. This is untrue. Glasses correct your vision but do not worsen your eyes. Another misconception is that you only need an eye check if you DUH KDYLQJ SUREOHPV ,Q UHDOLW\ PDQ\ serious eye diseases show no symptoms in the early stages, so preventive eye care is essential. Also, blue light from screens is often blamed for permanent eye damage, but there is no conclusive HYLGHQFH ,W PDLQO\ FDXVHV H\H VWUDLQ ZKLFK LV PDQDJHDEOH ´ KH VDLG GLVSHOOLQJ the myths.