CARING FOR YOUR EYES

Visit an optometrist regularly. Optometrists are professionally trained not only to test sight and prescribe glasses and contact lenses; they can also spot eye problems and treat infections.

Parents, keep an eye on your children - don't forget, they don't know what "normal" vision is, so watch out for signs that there may be problems. These include instances where often like to watch TV at a very close distance, have to squint their eyes often or if they seem to shut one eye to see more clearly. The American Optometric Association (AOA) encourages parents to include a trip to the optometrist in the list of well-baby check-ups. Assessments at 6 to 12 months can determine healthy development of vision. Early detection of eye conditions is the best way to ensure your child has healthy vision.

Contact lens wearers - never wear anyone else's lenses, wash them in tap water or sleep in them (unless your optometrist says you can). For disposable CL wearers, change your lenses timely.

Buy good quality, UV protected sunglasses - Sunlight can damage the retina and the lens of the eye, and we risk causing long-term damage to our eyesight. Good sunglasses don't need to be expensive, but often the ones being sold at the street vendors don't have necessary UV protection.