Eye care tips

by Dr Audrey Chia

• Ensure your children get good lighting. Children should sit up to read, avoid reading in dim areas and maintain a good distance of 30 to 40 centimeters between their eyes and the book.


• When watching television, the room should be well lit and viewers should sit at least two meters away from a TV. The height of the television screen should also be positioned at or below eye level.


• Limit the time your child’s spends on the computer and plays with hand-held electronic games. Make sure there is a comfortable distance of about 40 centimeters between the computer screen and the eyes, and position the monitor to avoid glare from other sources of light.


• To help further reduce strain on the eyes, bigger fonts and monitors can be used. Computer users are encouraged to take regular visual rests and avoid playing games on the computer for long periods.


• Take visual breaks. Our eyes tire easily when we look intensely at something in close proximity. Take a break of three to five minutes after every 30 to 40 minutes of doing work such as reading, using the computer or watching TV.


• Allow your eyes to relax by looking into the distance or out of a window at buildings, trees, street lamps, people or vehicles on the road. Do not try to strain the eyes while doing this. Your eyes will feel more relaxed and less tired after three to five minutes.


• Reduce glare. Adjust the contrast setting on your computer monitor and television screen to a comfortable level for your eyes.


• Eat a balanced diet. A balanced diet is important for general health. Ensure that your child has a good balance of carbohydrates (rice or noodles), protein (lean meat and fish), and both green and colored vegetables such as carrots. This will ensure that your child has all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need for the proper functioning of their body and eyes.


• Encourage you children to maintain a good balance of outdoor play and indoor activities (reading, watching TV and playing computer games) to help prevent myopia and keep fit.