74 November 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Our eyes can process 36,000 bits of information every hour. They help us watch our favourite movies and even read this. That’s why it’s so important to protect our vision with good eye health habits. FASHION BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL protection can increase the likelihood of developing eye disorders like cataract, pterygium, skin cancer near the eyelids and snow blindness. In the modern world People who stare at computers for more than three hours a day may experience symptoms such as discomfort, itchiness, dryness or watering and burning sensations in the eyes. Headaches, blurred vision, difficulty in focusing and changes in colour perception are other side effects. “Eye strain is a very common problem. Whether it is from working on a computer, watching TV, driving or any other activity, your eyes can become fatigued and lose focus,” Dr Haitham explains. Serious eye strain can cause a number of other problems from short-term head and neck aches to severe long-term conditions like myopia. It may not permanently damage the eyes or cause loss of vision. However, it can be very uncomfortable and lead to loss of productivity. Call 17 812-000. Get an eye exam The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that you start with a comprehensive eye exam. This is always a good starting point anytime you experience symptoms like headaches, strain, blurred vision, irritation, double vision, excessive tears, dryness, pain, excessive blinking and squinting. The exam will help rule out any ocular conditions that may exist that are causing these symptoms. Measures to reduce eye discomfort: • Set the monitor, desk and chair at comfortable distances and heights. Change the distance frequently. • It is recommended that the computer screen should be 20 to 26 inches from your eyes. Your glasses can be made to accommodate this distance. • Take frequent short breaks from work by focusing on a distance object for a few seconds. Every 20 minutes, get up, stretch your back and neck and look around. • Move your eyes and your body. Change your position. • If the eyes are feeling increasingly fatigued, hold things further away rather than closer to you. Avoid getting very close to what you are reading. Easy on the Eye Dr Haitham Moued, ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon at Bahrain Specialist Hospital, helps us tackle common eye problems like stress and discusses the need for protection and checkups. “UV radiation, whether from natural sunlight or artificial UV rays, can damage the eye, affecting surface tissues and internal structures, such as the cornea and lens,” he explains. Long-term exposure to UV radiation can lead to cataracts, skin cancer around the eyelids, and other eye disorders. In the short term, excessive exposure from daily activities can burn the front surface of the eye, similar to sunburn on the skin. The cumulative effects of spending long hours in the sun without adequate eye Dr Haitham Moued showcase
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