Australian health experts from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) said that one in every two Australians has eye problems. And it can be a minimal or major eye problem that requires medical attention. Meanwhile, in Sydney alone, more than 50 licensed optometrists operate to address this widespread problem. And if you ask any optometrist in Parramatta, they will say that they regularly receive more than a dozen patients with different vision problems.
So, this major commercial and business suburb in the Greater Western Sydney with a population of roughly 260,000 have their fair share of stories about dealing with their eye problems. However, today’s innovative medical technology makes it easier for optometrists to identify and diagnose their patients.
Since eye-related problems are very common among Australians, it would be best to take care of the eyes, which is an important body part. So, in this post, you will learn the four optometrists approved ways to take better care of the eyes.
- Remove Your Contact Lenses Before Showering, Swimming or Washing Your Face
It is a norm for people who wear contact lenses to remove them before they sleep, but many do not realise that removing them is vital every time they put water on their faces.
The contact lenses absorb water; hence, wearing them while swimming or showering will cause the same, and likewise absorbs germs, parasites, and bacteria. This will result in eye irritation or perhaps an eye infection. This can be treated with antibiotic eye drops and other medicines, but other types of eye infection can be very serious, as there are cases already that resulted in blindness and permanent eye damage. Thus, it is important to make it a habit for people who wear contact lenses to remove them before splashing water on their faces.
- Wear Safety Glasses When Working
There are several industries (particularly construction and manufacturing) that require their workers to wear safety glasses. It is because they are exposed to small projectiles and other objects that can injure the eye. However, people are encouraged to wear safety glasses even if they are only doing light work such as home improvements or even mowing their lawn because accidents can happen at any time.
Protecting the eyes is very important, especially if there are tools involved in the job. Each day, there are about 1,300 Australians who suffer from work-related eye injuries. And most of these injuries require immediate medical treatment, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
- Visit an Optometrist at Least Once aYear
Visiting a dentist is important, but it is also equally important to see an optometrist in Parramatta at least once a year. Also, the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) recommends regularly visiting an eye doctor or optometrist, especially people who are aged between 18 to 60 years old. And this is to examine their eyes and discover any problems and treat it before it gets worse.
- Relax the Eyelids With aWarm Compress Every Day
It may not be a popular pampering habit for many, but optometrists recommend that everyone compress a warm towel to their eyelids before going to sleep.
It is to pump oil onto the surface of the eyes through the eyelids’ Meibomian glands. As people get older, the Meibomian glands decrease their oil or lubricant production, which causes the eyes’ surface to dry up. As a result, people may develop blepharitis, a condition which inflames the eyelid. Thus, applying warmth to the eyelids helps in softening up the glands to produce more oil which ultimately helps the eye keep its natural lubrication.
Having an idea of how to protect the eyes is always better than none. So, the tips listed above will give everyone the best idea in starting to develop a habit to protect their eyes. And although eye problems may be widespread, they can be avoided by practising good eye care. Moreover, aside from following the tips, it would also be great to visit an optometrist to get the best medical advice.
