Working with computers - The easiest and best way to avoid sore or tired eyes resulting from staring at your computer monitor is to give your eyes a rest every hour or so.

Twice every hour, for 5 to 10 minutes each time, look away from the monitor-ideally (if possible) switching your gaze to scenery outside such as trees, hillsides or some other peaceful object. Also, you should avoid working in front of your computer for more than eight hours.

The brightness of your computer screen is an important factor; this should be set up correctly to minimise eyestrain. The position of the computer is also important. The screen should be positioned at arms length and should be at approximately a 20° angle below level sight.

Finally, the computer screen should be cleaned regularly.

Nutrition and your eyesight

Maintaining a good, healthy diet, with special attention to elements that nourish the eyes, is important for avoiding all kinds of eye problems.

Vitamins A, C and E are perfect nutrition for the eyes. Vitamin A can be found in animal products (liver, egg yolk, milk, butter and cod-liver oil) and Carotene-type vegetables (morning glory, papaya, pumpkin, cantaloupe melon, mango, kale, spinach, peas and carrots). Liver is also rich in Vitamin C, as is a wide range of fruits. Beware, though, that Vitamin C in fruits and vegetables can be degraded by long storage or some methods of cooking. Rich sources of Vitamin E are oils such as sunflower oil and the oil derived from most nuts and seeds.

How to choose the right glasses for you

Comfort, the correct weight and the durability of the frames are the most important factors in choosing the right glasses. Then there is the 'fashion factor'. These days glasses are more than just a solution to an optical problem; they have become a fashion statement. In this context, it is important to take the shape of your face into account in the choice.

Choosing glasses that suit the shape of your face

• If you have a long, thin face, your should choose curved glasses, which will make your face seem wider and more balanced.
  
  
• Square shaped glasses, with high or middle bridge position, are best for a round shaped face, giving the impression of less width.
  
  
• A square-ish face is best suited to curved glasses with oval frames, introducing the appearance of more curvature to the overall lines.
  
  
• If you have an oval face, you're lucky. Anything works!
  
  
• Butterfly shaped, or rimless, glasses work if you have a long, square-ish face.
  

Some information about frames

• Monel & Nickel What does it mean when you see the words 'Monel' or 'Nickel' on the frames? 'Monel' is an alloy of Copper and Nickel that is corrosion-resistant. Nickel, used in the coin production industry, is also corrosion-resistant, but is cheaper and heavier than 'Monel'. Both metals may cause skin irritation or fungus, caused by sweat or inadequate cleaning.
  
  
• Stainless Steel & Aluminium What about Stainless Steel or Aluminium in frames? Chromium-plated Stainless Steel, normally used for container production, offers protection against corrosion, while Aluminium affords the highest level of corrosion-resistance. Both these metals are of a higher grade than Monel or Nickel; they are brighter, lighter-and more expensive.
  
  
• Titanium What are the advantages and disadvantages of frames with Titanium? What is the difference between Beta Titanium and Pure Titanium? Pure (100%) Titanium is lighter than other metals, is more resistant to corrosion and less likely to cause skin irritation. On the downside, it's more expensive than other metals and can't be repaired because of the high temperatures needed to achieve a weld. Beta Titanium (B-Titanium), sometimes known as 'Memory Titanium' is an alloy with other metals, such as stainless steel. It is used in shaping the bridge design and can be bent easily into the right shape. Pure Titanium (P-Titanium) is generally too light for use in areas such as the bridge or hinges/springs, where tensile strength is important.
  
  
• Magnesium What about 'Magnesium' in frames? Magnesium is a white metal used in making fireworks. Magnesium frames are exceptionally light, but rare because of the high cost. They are sold under the brand 'Japonism', from Japan where the technology for using Magnesium was developed.
  

UV-absorption-the cost factor

What is the difference between the UV-absorption lenses in professional optical shops and cheap UV-lenses, found in general shopes? All UV-absorption lenses and optical lenses sold in professional optical shops are approved to ISO 9002 standard offer 100% UV protection; those sold elsewhere generally offer little or no UV protection. Particularly look out for cheap imports as these rarely meet minimum standards and can have a detrimental effect on the health of your eyes.

Normally, faced with very bright light, our natural reaction is to partially close our eyes. But if you wear sunglasses with nothing more than tinted lenses (no UV-absorption) the reflexive eye-closing is inhibited, allowing potentially harmful UV rays to penetrate the eyes.

Buying in the bazaar?

Cheap and inferior eyeglasses are widely sold in Thailand at sidewalk stalls and night bazaars. These are usually poor quality (especially the lenses) and come with no warranty whatsoever.

To protect yourself, you should buy glasses only from legitimate optical dealers, and only after a professional eye test has been carried out. These days most professional optical shops offer very competitive prices, at the same time offering a valid warranty for their products. Of course, your should pick an optical shop with a good track record like KT Optics, in the business for about more than 30 years.

The DOs and DON'Ts of eyecare

Do For reading books, the distance between your eyes and book should be 1.1 ft with suitable lighting. Wear sun glasses when outdoors in strong sunlight. If you are long-sighted or short-sighted have your eyes tested and wear glasses or contact lenses approved by a professional ophthalmologist. Wear your glasses regularly. Wearing glasses only occasionally can lead to increased optical problems. Take an optical test and calibration once a year because your eyesight can change over time. Eat nutritious food, especially food rich in Vitamin A.

DON'T Stare for a long time at a computer screen or read for extended periods without taking 5-10 minutes out to rest your eyes. Stare for a long time at anything white or reflecting strong sunlight. Over-use eye-drops without consulting an ophthalmologist. Risk serious injury to the area around your eyes.

KT Optics has nationwide chain of over 180 shops. Contact them at 0 7660 0102 or www.kt-optic.com