Eyes / Vision

Be Smart in Eye Care

Functions of the Eyes

Differentiate between brightness and darkness Differentiate various colours
Differentiate various shapes Differentiate between coldness and warmth
Differentiate between far and near Differentiate between large and small
Balancing the body Determining a behaviour

We can use our eyes for …

  • Reading
  • Doing handicraft
  • Painting
  • Writing
  • Playing games
  • Sightseeing
  • Playing chess
  • Choosing clothing
  • Using the computer
  • Watching television (TV)
  • Buying groceries

Structure of the Eye

  • Sclera
  • Cornea
  • Choroid
  • Aqueous humor
  • Iris
  • Ciliary muscle
  • Suspensory ligament
  • Pupil
  • Lens
  • Retina
  • Macula
  • Vitreous body
  • Optic nerve

Visual Transmission

Object image captured by eye is projected on the retina through the pupil, and then transmitted to the brain by optic nerves. The image is finally perceived by the brain and we, in turn, will respond accordingly.

Common Eye Diseases of Students

1.

Refractive error

 

A. Myopia (short-sightedness)

  • Distant object: Image focused in front of the retina, resulting in a blurred vision
    Near object: Image can be seen clearly
  • Cause: Eyeball too long
  • Correction: Wear proper glasses with concave lenses for clear vision of distant object

B. Hyperopia (long-sightedness)

  • When looking at object: Image is focused behind the retina, resulting in a blurred vision
    When focusing with extra accommodation: Image becomes clear
  • Cause: Eyeball too short
  • Correction: Wear proper glasses with convex lenses for clear vision without extra accommodation of the eyes

C. Astigmatism

  • Unequal curvatures along the cornea causes rays from a luminous point not being focused at a single point on the retina, resulting in blurred images for both distant and near objects
   
2.

Strabismus (squint)
Misalignment or asymmetrical position of both eyes

3.

Red eyes
Conjunctiva or cornea suffers from viral or bacterial infection, trauma or allergic reaction, resulting in tearing, itching, redness and swelling of the eyes

4.

Eye injury

5.

Colour vision deficiency
Decreased ability to identify or distinguish certain colours

Ways to Take Care of Your Eyes – DOs

  1. Maintain good posture by sitting upright and using chair and desk of suitable height
  2. Place reading materials at least 30 cm from the eyes
  3. When you read, lighting should be sufficient, even and stable
  4. Rest your eyes regularly. After reading or using the computer for 20 to 30 minutes, take a break of 20 to 30 seconds or look at distant objects to relax your eyes
  5. When you watch television :
    - Switch on the light in the room
    - TV screen should be at eye level
    - Repair the TV if flashes and blurred images occur on the screen
  6. Wear quality sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) rays protection under strong sunlight
  7. Wear safety goggles if necessary, e.g. when playing squash
  8. Pay extra attention when using sharp or pointed objects
  9. Always be alert to home safety. Handle chemicals with care to avoid them getting into your eyes and causing injury
  10. Keep a balanced diet, including taking foods that are rich in vitamin A, e.g. water melon, tomato, papaya, carrot, other fruits or vegetables in red or orange
  11. Sufficient sleep can provide your eyes with a good rest
  12. Regular exercise provides opportunities for you to relax and also train the coordination ability of your eyes
  13. Have regular vision tests for early detection and treatment of any visual defects
  14. Wear appropriate glasses. Consult ophthalmologist or optometrist if your glasses are no longer suitable and have them replaced
  15. Seek advice from your doctor immediately in case of vision problem, red eyes or any eye discomfort
  16. Check the name, dosage and expiry date of eye drugs before applying to the eyes

Ways to Take Care of Your Eyes – DON'Ts

  1. Cover your eyes with your hair
  2. Read under strong lighting
  3. Read materials with small prints, poor printing quality, reflective papers or very bright colour
  4. Read with light shining directly into your eyes
  5. Read in moving vehicles
  6. Read or watch TV while lying down
  7. Look directly at strong light
  8. Rub your eyes with public towels
  9. Swim in contaminated beach
  10. Rub your eyes with your hands
  11. Use other people's eye ointments or buy eye drops off the counter when your eyes feel uncomfortable
  12. Engage in dangerous activities such as shooting or lighting firecrackers without safety measures

One-Minute Self-Reflection

Are you always under the following situations?

  1. When you read or concentrate on close objects, you
    always rub your eyes
    blink your eyes frequently
    move the book or objects close to your eyes
    always miss several rows when you read
    always frown
    feel tired, irritated, have a headache and eye discomfort


  2. When you look at distant objects (e.g. the blackboard in the classroom) , you
    screw your eyes
    have to move closer to the object
    see double images
    have difficulty in seeing clearly and always copy incorrectly or need to copy from classmates


  3. In your daily life, you
    are always tripped by small objects
    have difficulty catching moving objects, e.g. balls
    have a squint

If you find yourself suffering from any of the above problems, you may have visual defect. Please have your eyes checked as soon as possible.

Good eye sight is valuable. Eye care! I care!

(Revised in June 2022)

PDF Printable version