This September, in support of National Eye Health Week, we spoke to Mr Emil Kurniawan, a highly accomplished consultant ophthalmologist with extensive training in Australia and the UK, specialising in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery, to answer some of the most common questions about maintaining good eye health and protecting your sight.
How often should I have my eyes tested, even if my vision seems fine?
How often you need an eye test really depends on your age and overall health. If you’re under 40, I usually recommend a check-up every two years, unless you have medical conditions like diabetes that can affect your eyes. Once you’re over 60, I suggest having your eyes tested annually. This is because conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration become more common as we age, and they can develop gradually without obvious symptoms.
Does too much screen time damage my eyes?
Spending long hours in front of screens doesn’t cause permanent damage to your eyes, but it can cause discomfort such as eye strain, blurred vision, headaches, and dryness. These symptoms usually improve when you take a break. To help prevent them, I recommend following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Make a conscious effort to blink regularly to encourage tear production and use lubricating drops if your eyes feel sore or tired. Also, adjusting your screen’s brightness and contrast can make a real difference.
Can certain foods or vitamins improve eye health?
Diet plays a significant role in maintaining healthy eyes. I always advise including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, trout, flaxseed, and fish oil, which are great for relieving dry eyes and also benefit your heart and brain. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli help protect the retina and may slow macular degeneration. For some patients, I also recommend AREDS2 supplements, which contain a combination of vitamins and minerals shown to slow the progression of macular degeneration.
Do lifestyle choices like smoking or lack of exercise affect eyesight?
Absolutely. Smoking is a major risk factor for cataracts and macular degeneration, and it can also slow healing after eye surgery. Lack of exercise can lead to problems like high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which can damage the retina and affect your vision. Leading a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and not smoking, is one of the best things you can do for your eyes.
