All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark.
– Swami Vivekananda

Indeed, we have the power to own our habits. So it’s best to stop complaining and consider opting for short-term instructions into long-term lifestyle. Let’s begin with an un-instructive guide to eye care: COVID-19 and beyond

The world wide web is exploding with innumerable ‘dos and don’ts’, especially since we were stuck by COVID-19. There are limitless instructions on how to take care of ourselves, in particular our eyes:

• We should wash our hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, and dry them completely.
• We should use daily disposable contact lenses, if possible.
• We should not re-use contact lens cleaning solutions.
• We should replace contact lens cases monthly, even fortnightly.
• We should not to wear contact lenses when we are sick.
• We should clean our glasses and sunglasses regularly.
• Finally, we should not use standard glasses and contact lenses as PPE (I am sure everyone has heard about Personal Protective Equipment!).

But are we ready to change our lifestyle as per these instructions?

Cultural psychologist Michele Gelfland says, New Zealanders, traditionally, tend not to follow rules (NPR’s Hidden Brain ‘Tight and Loose’ Podcast). Indians, on the other hand, conventionally, tend to follow rules.

As Kiwi-Indians, we are in a unique position of absorbing the best of both worlds: loosely following the tight culture!

Dr Stuti Misra, an optometrist-scientist, is a Senior Lecturer at The University of Auckland.

Photo courtesy: Freepik.com

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