Life Protection
Protect yourself and your loved ones from life's uncertainties with AIA's life insurance and takaful plans.
{{title}}
{{label}}
While most eye problems like glaucoma and loss of vision occur in old age, many young people are now increasingly prone to eye diseases largely because of excessive screen times.
A NATION OF SCREEN-ADDICTS
Malaysians spend an average of almost 14 hours a day on digital devices while the average Malaysian
2-year old child spends 6 hours on screen
per day.
WHY DO WE NEED A DIGITAL DETOX?
On average, 3 out of 10 patients have vision problems caused by long usage of electronic gadgets.
Near to a million children below 12 years wear glasses in Malaysia because they spend too much time on electronic gadgets such as tablets, handphones and video games.
MOST COMMON
EYE PROBLEMS
Myopia
also called short/near sightedness. It is where people can see clearly at short distances, but are not able to see distant objects clearly. Even though myopia may be inherited, individuals who spend considerable time reading, working long hours in front of a screen, or doing other intense close visual work are more likely to develop myopia. Symptoms of myopia include squinting, eye strain and headaches.
Dry eyes
is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don't make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This results in itchy, red eyes with the feeling of grit or sand in the eyes. Prolonged staring at computer and television screens decreases the frequency of blinking and thus set the stage for dry eyes.
Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome
is caused by overexposure to high-energy visible light or “blue light” emitted by digital devices. Includes symptoms like headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, eye irritation, double vision, excessive tearing or dry eyes.
5 QUICK TIPS FOR
AN EYE FIX
The constant need to check our emails, social media newsfeeds, surf the internet, play video games, watch movies, series and also work glues us to our screens. Here are some tips to help keep your eyes healthy.
Avoid ‘Computer Stare’
Don’t forget to blink often when viewing screens. Blinking provides moisture to the eye and also protects the eye from irritants.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
For every 20 minutes spent using a screen, you should try to look away at something that is 20 feet away from you for a total of 20 seconds. It will help reduce eye strain and eye fatigue.
‘Roll your eyes’ once a while
Exercise your eye muscles. When you "exercise" your eyes, you move your eye muscles to create up-and-down, side-to-side or circular motion. While it may not fix serious eye problems, it can prevent them and keep your eyes strong.
Proper Lighting
Lighting is the most essential element for vision. Without it, we cannot see and if it’s too bright, we will end up hurting our eyes. Avoid excessive dim or bright lighting and opt for lighting that is comfortable for your eyes. Natural light is best to sooth eye strains.
Eat healthy
Good eye health starts with healthy eating. Consume foods rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and E, Zinc and Omega-3. These include fish, green leafy vegetables, carrots, eggs, nuts, legumes, citrus fruits, protein-rich red meat and oysters.
WHY YOUR EYE HEALTH MATTERS?
Too often we take our ability to see for granted. Our eyes aren’t just performing a task, they are the portals through which our brains can interpret to tell us about our world and also tell us about our own internal health. You will be surprised to know that a routine eye exam is capable of detecting hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver problems and even cancer.
Whether you have perfect vision or not, taking care of your sight is one of the most important things you can do to uphold your quality of life. Eat a nutritious diet, take a break from your gadgets and give your eyes the rest and exercise it requires to maintain a healthy sight for a healthy future.
Did you know that AIA customers can now enjoy shorter waiting time with a single guarantee letter for cataract surgery (monofocal lens only)? Find out more from our healthcare partners: ISEC (International Specialist Eye Centre), Pantai Hospital Ipoh, Island Hospital, Sunway Medical Centre, or call our Care Line at 1300 88 1899.
References
https://www.malaymail.com/s/1251245/malaysians-spend-14-hours-per-day-on-digital-devices
http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/08/10/screens-damaging-to-our-young-children/
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/10/06/country-seeing-more-young-children-wearing-glasses/
https://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/03/217734/one-10-children-malaysia-has-undiagnosed-vision-problem-study
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2011/12/25/a-shortsighted-problem/
http://www.amoptom.org/eyes-vision/common-eye-conditions/dry-eyes/
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/computer-vision-syndrome#1
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/electronic-screen-alert-avoid-this-vision-risk
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/good-eyesight#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375556
The above articles are intended for informational purposes only. AIA accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from reliance on information contained in the articles.
AIA Vitality is a unique insurance and health programme that actively supports and rewards you for making healthier choices every day so you can live a healthier, longer and better life.