PHOTO BY SUZANNE SAMSEN
While Shakespeare told us that “eyes are the window to your soul,” the opposite is also true–they are our window for our bodies and minds outward. It often isn’t until something goes wrong with our eyes that we fully appreciate their essential role. So, what can we do to take better care of our eyes? The Inside Press spoke with Westchester optometrist Dr. Janet Woo, of Eye Designs.
What do you wish folks knew about eye health?
Eyes are affected by our whole-body health. Issues like hypertension, diabetes, nutrition, living a sedentary lifestyle–all affect our eyes. In addition to making sure you’re getting regular eye exams, getting regular exercise, staying hydrated, eating healthy foods, etc., all contribute to ocular health.
What’s important when it comes to getting eye exams?
Your glasses should match your lifestyle. When patients come to see me, I inquire about their hobbies, interests, workplace, and diet in order to assess them holistically and functionally. Ideally, the lenses for working at a screen all day and playing golf are going to be different. Plus, folks are staring at different kinds of screens for so long, it is especially important that they have the lenses that will protect their eyes. Sharon Decker (Eye Designs owner and optician) is passionate about staying up to date with the latest in both lens and frame innovation, bringing the latest to our patients.
What’s most important for protecting our eyes from screen exposure?
The blue light emitted from screens is damaging. While there are many “blue light protective lenses” on the market, not all are. A professional optician or optometrist can help with making sure the lenses are protecting you. Enlarging the font on your phone will only get you so far. Come in for an exam.
Taking breaks ensures you are blinking. When on screens, our blink reflex slows down which dries out the eyes. Many people suffer from dry eye disease and need to be evaluated for the direct cause; artificial tears alone may not be effective. So, take short breaks and blink–full complete blinks! If you are working near an AC or heating vent, you may want to place a humidifier in the room to keep the air from getting too dry.
Our eyes are also meant to see near and far. Oftentimes folks are looking at their screens very close up for long periods of time, which can be damaging. Again, taking frequent visual breaks is important, remembering to look as far away as possible. For kids, being outdoors is great for their vision because everything is far away.
What are the signs that someone may need glasses?
If you’re driving and notice that signs are harder to read or notice when you’re at a computer that your eyes are more fatigued, are red, burning, or your vision is blurring, these are all signs you’re experiencing eye strain. Even if you are unsure, it’s best to get checked out.
At what age should kids start getting their eyes checked?
I usually start seeing kids around 5 years old or when they know their letters. Kids should get their eyes checked yearly, if not more often, because they are growing at a rapid pace and their prescription may evolve faster than adults. We are cognizant that kids may be resistant to glasses, so we make it a priority to ensure the kids love their glasses. That just means they’re more likely to keep them on! Plus, we can order glasses for sports and other extracurriculars they’re involved in as well as fit them for contact lenses.
Dr. Janet Woo can be seen at the Armonk Eye Designs location on Thursdays and Saturdays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. She holds a Masters in Human Clinical Nutrition, bringing a holistic perspective to her practice.
Eye Designs Locations
Armonk
575 Main Street
914-273-7337
Mamaroneck
323 Mamaroneck Avenue
914-698-2111
Scarsdale
747 White Plains Road
914-723-5800
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