Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the common eye problems include dry eyes or red eyes, eye fatigue, and digital eye strain. Current lifestyle and irregular sleeping habits are some of the reasons attributing to the above common problems.

Dry eye disease affects the layers of tears that cover your cornea. It happens when you don’t have enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms include burning, itching, and a gritty feeling in your eye.

The symptoms:
• Burning or stinging.
• Feeling sensitive to light.
• Blurred or changed vision.
• Mucus that comes out of your eye.
• Watery eyes, with excess tears running down your cheeks.

The cause:
• Your eyes don’t produce enough tears.
• Your tears evaporate too quickly.
• Both of these happen together.

"Red eye” is a general term to describe red, irritated, and bloodshot eyes. The redness happens when tiny blood vessels under your eye’s surface get larger or become inflamed. Usually, it’s a reaction to something irritating your eye.
Redness can affect one or both eyes. It can develop over time or appear suddenly, such as with allergies or an eye injury.

The symptoms:
• Eye pain.
• Itching.
• Eye discharge.
• Swollen eyes.
• Changes in vision, like blurred vision.

The causes:
• Completely normal. In this case, you don’t know it’s red till you see it.
• Itchy or irritated, like something is in your eye.
• Very watery or very dry.
• Goopy or crusty, especially if there’s pus from an infection.

Conjunctivitis—often called “pink eye”—is inflammation of the conjunctiva from infection or allergies. Your eyes are red and swollen (inflamed), and sometimes they have a sticky discharge. You can have conjunctivitis in one or both eyes. Some types of pink eye are very contagious (easily spread from person to person), but many others are not.

The symptoms:
• The feeling that something is in your eye, or a gritty sensation in your eye.
• Red eyes.
• Burning eyes.
• Itchy eyes.
• Painful eyes (this is usually the bacterial form).
• Watery eyes.
• Puffy eyelids.
• Blurry or hazy vision.
• Being extra sensitive to light.
• Lots of mucus, pus, or thick yellow discharge from your eye. There can be so much that your eyelashes stick together.

The Causes: Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergies. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are easily spread from person to person. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Eye strain is a common condition caused by intense use of your eyes, such as by reading, using digital devices, or driving long distances. Other names for eye strain are eye fatigue and asthenopia.

The Symptoms:
• Watery eyes.
• Dry eyes.
• Blurred vision.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Burning eyes.
• Itching eyes.
• Difficulty keeping your eyes open.

Symptoms of eye strain that affect other parts of your body include:
• Headache.
• Neck pain.
• Shoulder pain.
• Back pain.
• Difficulty concentrating.

The causes:
• Driving.
• Reading.
• Computer and cell phone use.
• Playing video games.
• Doing detailed work, such as writing, sewing, or crafting.
• Not having enough available light while doing a task.
• Intensely focusing your eyes during a task.
• Not blinking enough.

Digital eye strain is the discomfort and visual disturbance experienced after prolonged screen use.

• Blurred vision
• Double vision
• Dry eye
• Eye discomfort
• Eye fatigue
• Eye itching
• Eye redness
• Eye tearing
• Headaches
• Neck and shoulder pain

• Screen glare
• Poor lighting
• Poor posture while using a computer
• Viewing a computer at the wrong distance and angle
• Uncorrected vision problems
• A combination of many of these factors

• Ensure regular eye surface lubrication with artificial tears such as I-DEW Eye Drops.
• Adopt the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye fatigue.
• Ensure your work environment is well-lit with balanced ambient lighting that minimises glare on your screen.
• The top of your computer screen should be at eye level or slightly below, allowing you to look slightly downward at your screen.
• Adjust your screen brightness to match the surrounding environment and increase text size and contrast for comfort.
• Try palming, blinking exercises, and focus change exercises. These can help refresh tired eyes and improve focus.
• Special glasses designed for computer use can help reduce glare and strain. Screen filters also decrease the amount of blue light emitted by digital devices.
• Blue light is a high-energy visible light that digital devices emit, which can contribute to eye strain and disrupt sleep cycles.
• Normally, aim to blink about 15 times per minute to keep your eyes moist and prevent dryness and irritation.
• Regular eye exams are crucial, as they can help identify and address vision issues that might contribute to digital eye strain.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, can help.

If symptoms persist, consult an eye care professional to rule out underlying conditions and explore further treatment options

• Wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes.
• Keep windows closed during high pollen times.
• Use air purifiers indoors to reduce pollen levels.

• Use artificial tears to soothe dry, itchy eyes.
• Rinse your eyes with saline solution to remove allergens.
• Consider allergy medications as recommended by your doctor.

• Yes, pet dander can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
• Regularly groom and bathe pets to reduce allergens in your home.
• Wash your hands after petting animals and avoid touching your eyes.

• Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
• Use wide-brimmed hats for added sun protection.
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours.

• Stay hydrated to prevent dry eyes.
• Use lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist.
• Take breaks from screens to reduce eye strain.

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air.
• Blink regularly to keep your eyes lubricated.
• Limit exposure to heaters and direct blowing air.

• Use artificial tears to relieve dryness and redness.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, as it can exacerbate irritation.
• Consult an eye doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

• Keep windows closed during windy days to reduce dust entry.
• Use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Clean and vacuum regularly to minimize dust accumulation.

• Yes, as pets may spend more time indoors during colder weather.
• Bathe and groom pets frequently to reduce allergens.
• Consider allergy shots or medications if pet allergies are severe.

Encourage regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule, ensure proper lighting to reduce glare, and adjust device screens to eye level to prevent strain.

Adults should have their eyes examined at least once every two years, or more frequently if they have existing eye conditions or are experiencing changes in vision.

Seniors should be vigilant about conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management.

Wear UV-protective sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats to shield eyes from harmful UV rays. Ensure that children’s sunglasses also provide 100% UV protection.

Regular vet check-ups should include eye examinations. Watch for signs of eye discomfort in pets, such as watering, redness, or frequent rubbing.

Consider anti-reflective coated lenses or blue light blocking glasses to reduce eye strain from prolonged screen use.

Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels, avoid direct airflow from heaters and air conditioners, and use lubricating eye drops if recommended by your eye doctor.

Avoid staring at screens at least an hour before bed to reduce blue light exposure, which can disrupt sleep patterns. Use adequate, gentle lighting if reading.

Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to dry eyes and other vision issues. Women experiencing these symptoms should consult with an eye care professional.

Eye hygiene is crucial for maintaining good eye health and preventing infections. Proper eye hygiene helps remove dirt, dust, and debris from the eyes, reducing the risk of irritation and infections.

Hand washing is crucial before using eye drops to prevent the introduction of bacteria or dirt into the eyes. Clean hands reduce the risk of eye infections and ensure the efficacy of the medication. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Pay attention to cleaning the front and back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Rinse your hands well and dry them with a clean towel or air dryer.

To clean your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water first. Then, wet a clean cloth with warm water and gently wipe your eyelids and eyelashes from the inner corner to the outer corner. Avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously, as this can cause irritation. It's a good practice to clean your eyes daily, particularly in the morning and before bed. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe the eyelids and eyelashes.

If you experience irritation or discomfort after using eye drops, stop using them immediately and rinse your eyes with clean water. Consult your eye doctor if the irritation persists or worsens.

Eye drops should be stored according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, they should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Make sure to close the bottle tightly after each use to prevent contamination.

To apply eye drops, tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the eye drop bottle upside down over your eye and squeeze out the prescribed number of drops into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid. Blink gently to distribute the drops evenly.

No, sharing eye drops with others can spread infections. Eye drops are meant for individual use only, and sharing them can increase the risk of transmitting bacteria or viruses.

While hand sanitizer can be used as an alternative when soap and water are not available, washing hands with soap and water is preferred before using eye drops. Hand sanitizer may not effectively remove dirt or debris from hands, which could potentially contaminate the eye drops.

Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good vision and eye health. Adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, depending on age, risk factors, and whether they currently wear glasses or contact lenses. An eye exam usually includes a discussion of your health and vision history, vision tests to check for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia, and examinations to check for eye diseases and other problems.

Common vision correction options include eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgical procedures such as LASIK. The best choice depends on your vision needs, lifestyle, and eye health.

Signs that your child might need glasses include squinting, sitting too close to the television, frequent eye rubbing, or complaints of headaches and eye strain.

Rinse your glasses under lukewarm water, apply a small amount of mild soap, gently rub the lenses and frame, rinse, and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Always use a gentle, eye-safe makeup remover. Apply remover to a cotton pad and gently press to the eyelid and lashes for a few seconds before wiping away makeup. Avoid rubbing the eyes harshly.

Do: Wash your hands before handling contacts, follow the recommended schedule, and use proper lens solution. Don't: Sleep in contacts unless they are designed for overnight wear, use water or saliva to wet them, or wear them longer than advised.

Yes, UV rays can penetrate clouds, so wearing UV-protective sunglasses on cloudy days helps protect your eyes from potential damage.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems. Green leafy vegetables, salmon, eggs, nuts, and citrus fruits are excellent choices.

Yes, exercises like focusing on a distant object for a few seconds then refocusing on a near object can help with eye strain. The "20-20-20 rule" (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) also helps reduce eye strain.

It's best to follow the dosage on the label or consult with a healthcare provider, as it can vary based on individual needs and existing health conditions.

Diabetes can lead to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, where high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management.

Rinse your eyes with plenty of clean water or saline solution immediately for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Preservatives are substances added to eye drops to prevent microbial growth and contamination in the bottle. They help prolong the shelf life of the product.

Preservative-free eye drops are formulations that do not contain any preservatives. They are designed for those who are sensitive to or allergic to preservatives or need to use eye drops frequently.

Eye drops often come in multidose bottles and contain preservatives that discourage the growth of bacteria once the bottle has been opened. However, long-term use of eye drops with added preservatives may damage your corneal layer and irritate your eyes, especially if you have moderate or severe dry eyes. Moreover, they may also irritate your eyes if you have moderate or severe dry eyes.

Preservative-free eye drops are generally safe for most people, including those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers. However, it's essential to check with your eye care professional before use, especially if you have any underlying eye conditions.

Preservative-free eyedrops are usually prescribed if you have glaucoma (a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is necessary for vision); or if you use artificial tears more than four times a day. Preservative-free artificial tears don't feature preservatives, so you can use them as many times as you like throughout the day.

Pro: Eye drops with added preservatives often have a longer shelf life once opened and can be more cost-effective for occasional use. Con: Some people may experience irritation, burning, or redness from preservatives in eye drops, especially with prolonged use.