A talk titled “Safeguarding the Windows to the Soul: Secrets to Protecting Your Eyes” was held in Sibu, Sarawak, to raise awareness about eye health.
The event was organized by the PLUX Incubation Hub Committee and co-hosted by JCI Mandarin Sibu. It was conducted by Simon Tiong Yong Yee, the vice-president of the Sarawak Optical Traders Association.
Tiong emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy eyes in today’s modern lifestyle, which involves prolonged screen time, indoor environments, and varying light conditions.
He provided the following guidelines for maintaining good eye health:
> To reduce eye strain, smartphones and computer screens should be positioned around 35cm to 45cm away from the eyes.
> To alleviate eye fatigue, follow the 20-20-20 rule. After every 20 minutes of screen use, divert your gaze to an object at least 20ft (6m) away for 20 seconds.
> Avoid extremely dim or bright environments. When studying or working, use a desk lamp to illuminate reading materials.
> Perform daily eye muscle exercises, such as clockwise and anti-clockwise eye rolling for 30 cycles, and massage the eyes using the ring finger. These exercises stimulate blood circulation, reduce fatigue, and can help with concerns like dark circles.
> Consume foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and zinc to nourish the eyes. Good choices include fish, leafy greens, nuts, as well as fruits and vegetables that contain lutein and zeaxanthin.
> Wear sunglasses with UV protection when working or spending time outdoors to shield the eyes from harmful rays. This can help prevent eye damage and reduce the risk of conditions like cataract and pterygium.
> Regularly visit eye specialists or certified optometrists for early detection and management of vision-related issues.
> Those in need of vision correction should use glasses or contact lenses customized to their specific needs, instead of using eyewear intended for others.
> Get adequate sleep, ideally six to eight hours, to allow the eyes to rejuvenate and reduce overall fatigue. Quality sleep also supports the body’s detoxification processes.
