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)
B. Hyperopia (long-sightedness)
C. Astigmatism
|
|
2. |
Strabismus (squint) |
3. |
Red eyes |
4. |
Eye injury |
5. |
Colour vision deficiency |
Ways to Take Care of Your Eyes – DOs
- Maintain good posture by sitting upright and using chair and desk of suitable height
- Place reading materials at least 30 cm from the eyes
- When you read, lighting should be sufficient, even and stable
- 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
- 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 - Wear quality sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) rays protection under strong sunlight
- Wear safety goggles if necessary, e.g. when playing squash
- Pay extra attention when using sharp or pointed objects
- Always be alert to home safety. Handle chemicals with care to avoid them getting into your eyes and causing injury
- 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
- Sufficient sleep can provide your eyes with a good rest
- Regular exercise provides opportunities for you to relax and also train the coordination ability of your eyes
- Have regular vision tests for early detection and treatment of any visual defects
- Wear appropriate glasses. Consult ophthalmologist or optometrist if your glasses are no longer suitable and have them replaced
- Seek advice from your doctor immediately in case of vision problem, red eyes or any eye discomfort
- Check the name, dosage and expiry date of eye drugs before applying to the eyes
Ways to Take Care of Your Eyes – DON'Ts
- Cover your eyes with your hair
- Read under strong lighting
- Read materials with small prints, poor printing quality, reflective papers or very bright colour
- Read with light shining directly into your eyes
- Read in moving vehicles
- Read or watch TV while lying down
- Look directly at strong light
- Rub your eyes with public towels
- Swim in contaminated beach
- Rub your eyes with your hands
- Use other people's eye ointments or buy eye drops off the counter when your eyes feel uncomfortable
- Engage in dangerous activities such as shooting or lighting firecrackers without safety measures
One-Minute Self-Reflection
Are you always under the following situations?
- 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
- 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
- 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)