How should one administer eye drops?

• Tilt your head back.
• Pull your lower lid away from the eye to form a pocket, using the index finger and thumb to pull it down and away.
• Use the index finger and the thumb to pull it down.
• Let the drop fall into the pocket without touching the eye or the lid.
• Close your eyes.
• Do not blink.
• Apply pressure to the point where the lid meets the nose.
• Hold for two to three minutes.
• Before opening the eye, wipe unabsorbed drops with a tissue.

Is watching TV bad for the eyes?

There is no medical evidence that T.V. viewing is bad for the eyes. T.V. should be viewed from a distance of 8 to 10 feet and not continuously for hours together. This will prevent symptoms of discomfort from muscular strain of the eye, including headaches, redness, watering and dull ache. The same symptoms are experienced by those who do close reading and writing, or work with computers or video units for long hours at a stretch.

Does working on the computer strain the eyes?

There is no convincing scientific evidence that Video Display Terminals or VDTs are harmful to the eyes. However, since complaints of eye discomfort and fatigue is increasing as VDT use increases, safety concerns are receiving more attention.

Some people see black and white objects tinged with colour after viewing VDT's for several hours. This happens mainly due to strain and is not a sign of any disease. Other symptoms include eye irritation, redness, watering, dry eyes, heaviness of the eyelids or the forehead, and difficulty in focussing. Headaches, backaches or muscle spasm may also occur. These complaints can often be relieved by either changing the arrangement of the workstation or providing proper antiglare glasses for the user.

How can eye strain be prevented?

At the workstation, most VDT users prefer their screen to be a little further away than the distance at which they normally read. The top of the VDT screen is most comfortably placed at or slightly below eye level. The reference material should be as close to the screen as possible to minimise head and eye movements and focussing changes. Lighting should be such that reflections and glare are minimised. Sometimes standard office lighting is too bright for comfort. If it is not practical to modify your office lighting, hoods and neutral density or micromesh filters for the VDT may help.

How should you protect your eyes from environmental pollution?

Use sunglasses, preferably with a UV filter, while going outdoors. Wash and clean your eyes regularly with water or eye drops.

What is a stye?

A sty is an infection of a gland in the eye. Swelling due to stye may subside with hot fomentation and antibiotic drops. Sometimes oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may be needed. In cases that do not respond to medication, a small incision may be required on the eye to drain out the pus.

How should you take care of your eyes?

• Keep your eyes and face clean by regularly washing them with plenty of water. Use only clean individual towels.
• Avoid kajal or surma. If you must, then apply it on the outer side of the eyelid.
• When something falls into the eye, do not rub it. Lift the upper eyelid, pull it down over the lower eyelid and move the eyeball. This will help remove the foreign body. If tears do not naturally remove the offending particle, wash it out immediately with plenty of water. You can also take someone's help in gently removing the particle with the corner of a clean, wet cloth. If it does not come out easily, it is better to consult a doctor immediately.
• Get your eyes examined if you have frequent headaches, eye-strain, watering, redness, poor vision or irritation.
• Have lots of green vegetables and citrus fruits to avoid Vitamin A deficiency.
• Regular eye exercises can correct some conditions like eye strain.
• Keep your spectacles clean and free of dust and scratches.
• Go for regular eye checkups.

Some myths answered?

• Reading in dim light is harmful to the eyes. - NO
• Using computers can damage the eyes - NO
• Taking breaks and looking up or across the room while working on the computer can help relieve the strain - YES
• Sitting close to a TV can damage children's eyes - NO
• People with weak eyes should avoid using finer print. - NO
• Cataract can be removed with laser - NO
• Cataract must be ripe before it is removed - NO
• Is honey, trifala, rose water, walking bare feet on grass and other such habits good for the eyes. - NO

What is Laser Vision Correction?

Cause: Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, or Astigmatism
Effect: The reshaping of the cornea by laser pulsing
Result: Dramatically improved vision
Eye Care: Eye exam, evaluation & surgical referral

What is Dry Eye?

Cause: Any condition that causes scars of the cornea
Effect: Insufficient lubrication in the eye and the conjunctiva become less moist
Result: Pain and discomfort in the eyes
Eye Care: Eye exam, treatment with water-soluble polymers

What is a Cataract?

Cause: Advancing age, heredity, injury or disease
Effect: A chemical change in the normally clear lens of the eye
Result: Cloudy vision
Eye Care: Yearly eye exam, surgery

What is Glaucoma?

Cause: Increased pressure (fluid) inside the eye
Effect: Damage to the optic nerve (the optic nerve carries vision information to the brain)
Result: If left untreated - loss of vision, blindness
Eye Care:  Eye exam, eye drops, medicines, field of vision testing, surgery

What is Diabetic Eye Disease?

A GED candidate must earn a score of 2 or higher on the Language Arts, Writing Test, Part II essay in order to receive a composite score and obtain a passing score.

A candidate needs a score of 2 or higher to earn a passing score. States may set a composite passing score (multiple-choice and essay) that is higher than the current minimum GED passing score of 410. The composite passing score cannot be set lower than the GED Testing Service standard score.

What is Nearsightedness?

Cause: Refractive error
Effect: Light focused in front of the retina
Result: Ability to only see distinctly for short distances
Eye Care: Yearly eye exam, glasses, contact lenses, laser vision correction

What is Farsightedness?

Cause: Refractive error
Effect: Light focused behind the retina
Result: Ability to see distant objects clearly, but near objects are not focused properly
Eye Care: Yearly eye exam, glasses, contact lenses, laser vision correction