5 min read
Give your eyes a break
Long hours on phones and computers cause tired, dry eyes. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds. Blink fully and keep screens about an arm's length away.
Protect against sun and injury
Strong equatorial sunlight can damage the eyes over many years.
- Choose sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays, and wear a hat.
- Use protective goggles for welding, grinding, spraying or farm work.
- Never rub an eye with something in it — rinse with clean water and seek help.
Safe habits
Wash hands before touching your eyes or contact lenses. Do not sleep in lenses unless advised, and never use eye drops prescribed for someone else. Traditional remedies or breast milk in the eye can cause serious infection.
Regular eye checks
Many eye diseases, like glaucoma, cause no pain in the early stages. Adults over 40 should have an eye check every one to two years. People with diabetes should have their eyes checked every year, because diabetes can damage the back of the eye before vision changes.
