10 Things You Should Not Do To Your Eyes

Having healthy vision is not just about getting your eyes checked and eating healthy. There are actions or habits that may affect your vision or eye health.

We asked Dr. Luisa Solis, a Cornea and Refractive Specialist and Comprehensive Ophthalmologist at Asian Eye Institute, and here are the bad-for-your-eyes habits and the reasons why you should stop doing them!

Rubbing your eyes

We get it – rubbing your eyes can be soothing. But it increases your risks of getting scratches on your cornea (the clear dome-shaped layer of your eye) and eye infections. When you rub your eyes, dirt or debris may scratch your cornea and lead to eye redness and irritation. Extreme cases may also lead to scars and long-term eye problems. And since you use your hands for many different activities, your hands are likely to have different bacteria that can transfer to your eyes. If your eye is really itchy, flush it with clean water or a sterile saline solution. Remember to also wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes.

Smoking

Smoking is linked to higher risk of developing a number of eye conditions, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Quitting smoking will help protect your eyes.

Sleeping with your contact lenses

It may be late and you may be tired, but that is not an excuse for sleeping with your contact lenses still on. Doing so increases your risk for eye infections and threatens your vision. Contact lens packaging indicates how long you can wear them. It usually ranges from daily, weekly or monthly variants. Your eye doctor may also have specific advice on which type is best to use,and remember to use proper contact lens hygiene.

Swimming or showering with contact lenses

It’s important to remember that contact lenses sit on the surface of the eye so exposure to dirty water can allow bacteria to get in your eyes and lead to eye infection. Remove your contacts first and store them properly before you get in the water. If you are swimming, you may want to consider getting yourself prescription swimming goggles or using Ortho-K lenses the night before

Using eye drops not prescribed by your eye doctor

Eye drops are medicated so they contain ingredients that are meant to address specific symptoms or conditions. . Using one that is not prescribed by your doctor can put your sight at risk of unintended side effects. So before you grab that bottle from the store or from a friend or family member, talk to your eye doctor about your symptoms and request for a prescription. Make sure to also use them exactly as your eye doctor tells you.

Doing unsafe or unproven home remedies

Home remedies, such as using breast milk to cure sore eyes or frozen meat for a black eye, could do more harm than good. These can carry harmful bacteria that may lead to eye infection. It is always better to consult your eye doctor and apply sterile items on or around your eyes.

Forgetting to wear protective eyewear at work or at play

Are you into sports? Do you like home DIYs? Do you work with chemicals? Eye injuries can happen just about anywhere. Wearing protective eyewear like protective glasses or goggles can help prevent injuries from happening.

If you feel like something is wrong with your eyes, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor as soon as possible. It is easier to correct or treat eye problems when they are caught early.

Asian Eye has clinics at Rockwell Center, Makati; TriNoma; Mall of Asia and Commercenter Alabang. To set an appointment, you may call 8-898-2020 or 0918-898-2020; email [email protected]; or send a message at facebook.com/AsianEyeInstitute.

Asian Eye’s Dr. Robert Ang Wins Gold Medal at Cataract Olympics

At the recent American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting on April 8, 2024, Dr. Robert Ang of Asian Eye was awarded a prestigious Gold medal in the Cataract Olympics for his video presentation titled “Cataract Technology Hurdles.”

Held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA from April 05 to 08, 2024, the annual meeting featured the participation of outstanding ophthalmologists and eye care professionals from across the globe. The Cataract Olympics symposium provided a platform for teams from leading organizations such as ASCRS, APACRS, ESCRS, and LASCRS to showcase their expertise and compete in various cataract categories making Dr. Ang’s achievement even more remarkable.

Dr. Ang’s award-winning video focused on the critical aspect of astigmatism correction during cataract surgery and offered valuable insights into using Toric (astigmatism) IOLs. His impressive win coincides with Cataract Awareness Month this June, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cataracts and educating the public about available treatment options.

This video competition not only showcases the expertise and skills of specialists like Dr. Ang but also provides a platform for sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas with doctors worldwide regarding new technologies and surgical techniques. By leveraging the power of visual media, these educational resources help advance the field of cataract surgery and benefit patients globally.

Cataracts are an age-related eye condition, where the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Sometimes, it feels like looking at a fogged-up glass. If not treated, it can lead to blindness. Fortunately, surgery can be done to remove it. The ophthalmologist will remove the lens with cataract and replace it with an IOL. There are different kinds of IOLs available, all designed to improve vision.

Asian Eye takes great pride in the exceptional skills and expertise of their esteemed medical team, exemplified by the contributions of Dr. Robert Ang. Dedicated to providing patients with the highest standard of care, patients can have peace of mind when it comes to cataract surgery and other vision-related procedures at Asian Eye.

For more information about Dr. Robert Ang and the advanced ophthalmological services offered at Asian Eye, please visit www.asianeyeinstitute.com.

Cataract Awareness Month: Reclaim Your Freedom, Restore Your Sight

June is Cataract Awareness Month, and as a leading eye center in the Philippines, Asian Eye aims to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of cataract screenings and drive more individuals to seek timely treatment for cataracts. Cataracts are a common concern among older Filipinos and one of the major causes of visual impairment. According to the Philippine Eye Research Institute, there are 1.18 million people suffering from cataracts, with roughly 400,000 needing surgery.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, and increased sensitivity to glare. It can lead to blindness if left untreated, so it’s essential to have them removed when they begin to interfere with your daily activities, such as driving, watching TV, or cooking.

Cataract surgery is a common procedure that involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. Laser cataract surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgery, and Asian Eye is proud to offer patients with cutting-edge solutions for their eye care needs.

Asian Eye utilizes VICTUS Femtolaser technology from the renowned German brand Bausch + Lomb. This advanced technology is able to break up and remove the cloudy lens using significantly less energy, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and promoting quicker healing.

Regular visits to your eye doctor are paramount, as they can advise you on the timing of the surgery and explain the benefits and risks involved. If you have an elderly loved one who complains of cloudy or blurry vision, consider giving them the gift of sight with the following Cataract Screening and Surgery deals:

40% off for one (1) cataract screening

50% off for two (2) or more cataract screenings

20% off on cataract surgery

*if scheduled within one (1) week after the screening or deposit is given within (2) weeks

It’s important to make informed decisions with a trusted eye care specialist and to book an appointment with Asian Eye to take proactive steps towards better vision and eye health.

Asian Eye Institute is located at Phinma Plaza, Rockwell Center, Makati with satellite offices located in TriNoma, Quezon City, and Mall of Asia, Pasay City. For inquiries and appointments, you may call 8898- 2020 or send an email to [email protected].

Dr. Robert Ang Recognized as one of the Top 100 in “The Power List 2024” by The Ophthalmologist

Dr. Robert Edward Ang, a distinguished specialist in Cataract, Glaucoma, and Cornea and Refractive Surgery (LASIK) at the Asian Eye Institute, has been honored once again by The Ophthalmologist Magazine in its prestigious 2024 Power List as one of the top 100 most influential eye care professionals in the world. Dr. Ang, notably the only Filipino listed, reaffirms his status with this second recognition. The first time he was listed in the top 100 was in 2018, highlighting his sustained contributions and leadership in the global ophthalmology community.

About Dr. Robert Edward Ang

As the Director of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service at the Asian Eye Institute, Dr. Ang is celebrated for his expertise in LASIK surgery and his pioneering research on technologies that enhance the diagnosis and treatment of various eye conditions. As the Director for Research and Training, his collaborative work with leading pharmaceutical and medical device companies has led to innovations in cataract intraocular lenses, presbyopic laser treatments, and minimally invasive glaucoma devices.

His accolades include multiple Best Paper of Session Awards from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the Certified Educator Award from the Asia Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (APACRS), the Presidential Recognition Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), the Geminiano de Ocampo Outstanding Researcher in Ophthalmology Award from the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) and the Senior Achievement Award from the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO).

Dr. Ang’s consistent recognition on such a significant global platform not only underscores his dedication and skill but also serves as an inspiration to current and aspiring ophthalmologists worldwide. His achievements continue to showcase the excellence and innovation present in Philippine medical practices.

Explore and Connect

Dr. Robert Ang has ongoing research projects on cataract, glaucoma, refractive lenses and laser eye surgery. To learn more about Dr. Ang’s impactful work and explore if, as a patient, you would like to be part of the pioneering research and eye care services at the Asian Eye Institute, please visit our website at asianeyeinstitute.com. For appointments, please refer to the contact details below:

ROCKWELL (Main Clinic)

8th, 9th, and 10th Floors, PHINMA Plaza

Rockwell Center, Makati City

LANDLINE (02) 8-898-2020

MOBILE 0918-898-2020

EMAIL [email protected]

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