Dr. Chaim Golderg is a gifted Toronto laser eye surgery specialist who also provides caring and insightful ophthalmological treatment for a wide variety of visual disorders. In the paragraphs below, Dr. Goldberg provides insight about ways to maintain healthy eyes.
Play Safe
Work Safe
Eye injuries occur in Canadian workplaces every day. If your
job requires eye protection — wear it! Research shows that a
large percentage of workplace eye injuries result from
flying or falling objects, sparks striking the eye or from
chemicals splashed in the eye.
If your work requires prolonged use of a computer, you’re at
risk of damaging your eyesight. Paying attention to the
following will reduce your risk:
-
Have regular eye exams and specify to your
optometrist that you work on a computer
-
Reduce ambient lighting which can increase the
risks of eyestrain.
-
Reduce the brightness of your screen and
increase the contrast.
-
Reduce any glare on your screen or surrounding
environment. Do not shine desk lamps on your monitor.
-
Blink more often. Blinking wets your eyes and
helps to ward off dryness and irritation.
-
Look away from the computer screen every 20 or
30 minutes. Take a break for a minute or two and give your eyes
a chance to focus at different distances.
— Back to top —
Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects
Almost 50 per cent of all eye injuries in North America happen in
the home. And a large percentage of these are a result of
do-it-yourself (DIY) projects and work. Working on your vehicle,
woodworking or even refinishing a table can be potentially hazardous
to your eyes if you don’t take the proper precautions.
-
Flying objects such as metal or woodchips can
cause injuries so always wear protective goggles when necessary.
-
When welding – wear goggles under your face
helmet for added protection.
-
If you do a lot of DIY work, invest in an
eyewash kit for emergencies.
— Back to top —
Diet and vision
More and more clinical studies show that certain foods increase eye
health. The vegetables below will provide the best source of
nutrients when cooked lightly, not overcooked.
-
Lutein and zeaxanthin help to protect the eyes
against UV radiation from the sun. Lutein and zeaxanthin can be
found in many dark-coloured fruits and vegetables, including:
spinach, squash, broccoli, green beans, peas, sweet potatoes,
dark green lettuce, kiwis, mangoes, prunes, grapes, oranges and
peaches.
-
Vitamin A is essential for eye health. Foods
rich in vitamin A include: beef liver, chicken liver, carrots,
sweet potatoes, butternut squash, sweet red peppers, mangoes and
cantaloupes. If you drink alcohol, or smoke, you should add
extra vitamin A to your diet.
-
Vitamin C has also been shown to reduce the
occurance of both cataracts and macular degeneration. Foods high
in vitamin C include: sweet red peppers, kale, broccoli, sweet
green peppers, strawberries, oranges, cantaloupes, grapefruit,
mangoes and raspberries.
-
Vitamin E is another vitamin which aids in good
eye health. Vitamin E is found in nuts: sunflower seeds,
almonds,hazelnuts, peanuts, and mangoes.
— Back to top —
Your eyes and the sun
Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate deep into our eyes and can cause
damage.
- Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat during times of high UV
concentration -- between the hours of 10a.m. and 2p.m.
- Protect your eyes near reflective surfaces such as water, snow and
sand.
- Only wear UV-protective sunglasses. Proper sunglasses should block
out at least 75 per cent of visible light and no less than 99 per cent
of UV rays.
- Wraparound sunglasses are the best for protecting the eyes from UV
radiation.
— Back to top —
Children and eye health
Children should be taken for their first eye test by the age of
three years. After this, most eye care specialists recommend visits
every one to two years.
- Always have plenty of light available when your child is
reading or writing at home.
- If your child is having problems at school you may want to have his
or her eyes checked.
- Have your child wear proper protection in the sun — UV-protective
sunglasses and a baseball cap are perfect for bright summer days.
- Prepare eye-healthy foods and make sure your child is getting enough
vitamins in their diet.
- Ensure that your child sits an appropriate distance from the
television. Check the computer to ensure a safe computing environment –
as discussed in the Work Safe section.
- Make sure your child plays safe – when the sport dictates wearing
protective eyewear – make sure he or she wears it.
— Back to top —
The importance of eye tests
The importance of regular eye tests can not be overstated. If caught
early, many eye problems can be reversed. Eye tests can also detect
high blood pressure, liver damage and other health related
conditions.
-
Eye check ups should begin as early as the age
of three years.
-
In general, eye care specialists recommend
regular eye tests every one to two years to age 70, at which
time annual visits are encouraged.
Remember, your eyes are one of your most
precious senses – protect them for life!
— Back to top —
