It is important to get your eyes regularly examined. Prevention is better than cure, and as we know many eye problems can be tackled if detected early. Symptoms that indicate trouble for your eyes are mainly changes in vision -- blurred vision, dimness, blind spots, redness or feeling of discomfort or pain in the eyes that persists for a few days. You should consult your ophthalmologist immediately to avoid any serious damage to your eyes. You must go for periodic checkups – every one-two years if you wear glasses or lens, and every four-five years if you don’t. You may be higher risk for eye problems if you suffer from diabetes, hypertension, a family history of eye disease such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration – in such cases, you must talk to your doctor about how often you should get your eyes checked. People who have diabetes must go for regular eye examination so that the early stages of diabetic retinopathy can be detected and treated.
Your eyes are the window to your soul. Just like the rest of your body, your eyes too need special care to keep them safe from damage or degeneration. Long hours spent looking at the computer screen, could, for instance strain your eyes, or a slip in care of your contact lenses, for example, could affect your eyes. Follow these simple practices to keep your eyes protected.
Exposure to sunrays, pollution, and television and computer screens strains your eyes. Splash cold water into your eyes three to four times a day and keep them closed for a while. You can also apply cotton pads soaked in rose water or chilled milk, or refrigerated tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes. This not only soothes your eyes but also reduces puffiness.
One of the reasons why your eyes get strained is long hours spent before computer screens. When you stare at the computer, you barely blink, and this causes your eyes to dry. Blinking lubricates your eyes -- the eyelids draw the fluid from the tear ducts and keep your eyes moisturized. Blinking also prevents foreign particles from entering your eyes.
Exercises are meant to not only keep your body fit and healthy but also your eyes. You should take short breaks during your work hours and exercise your eyes to relax the eye nerves. Try these:
Close your eyes tightly and then open immediately after so that you feel the stretch. Next, arch the brows and stretch your face.
Blink your eyes several times. Keep your eyes closed and then roll your eyeballs clockwise and anticlockwise and gradually open your eyes. Repeat three times a day.
Rub your palms together till you feel the warmth. Place them on your eyes. The warmth of your palms will soothe and relax your tired eyes. You can cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 30 seconds. Repeat whenever you feel the strain in your eyes.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can burn the skin on your eyelids and damage your eyes much in the same way as it would burn your skin. The result is your eyes may experience itchiness or redness. Even though such discomfort is short-lived, it is said that long term exposure to the UV rays of the sun can cause irreversible damage to the retina. It may cause cataracts or macular degeneration – a leading cause of blindness – in the elderly. UV rays can be reflected off surfaces such as the ground, water, snow, sand, and other bright surfaces. Wear sunglasses when you are out in the sun, even when it is cloudy to protect your eyes. Opt for shades that block 90-95 percent of both UVB and UVA rays.
A nutritious diet is necessary for good vision. Carrots are good for your eyes – you were always told. Carrots contain carotenoids that are naturally found in the eyes, and can prevent macular degeneration of the eyes. Carotenoids are abundant in leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and tomatoes. A vitamin A, C and E-rich diet is good for eye health. Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish, also contribute to retinal health. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day to help reduce puffiness – dehydration is common in air-conditioned offices, and results in puffiness around the eyes.
While there is no doubt that eye makeup enhances the beauty of your eyes, it is better to be aware of what you’re using and how you can prevent makeup from harming your eyes. In some case, the ingredients used in certain products may cause an allergic reaction manifesting in itchiness, redness, burning or watery discharge from your eyes. Be sure of the ingredients used, the brands you pick, and handle them with care. Avoid using eye makeup if you have an eye infection. As a rule of thumb, do not share eye makeup with others. Use contact lenses with caution – especially when using makeup. Avoid using makeup that will run into your eyes. Always wash, rinse and dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses. Certain chores or sports pose threat to your eyes. Use safety glasses / protective eye gear during such times.
It is important to get your eyes regularly examined. Prevention is better than cure, and as we know many eye problems can be tackled if detected early. Symptoms that indicate trouble for your eyes are mainly changes in vision -- blurred vision, dimness, blind spots, redness or feeling of discomfort or pain in the eyes that persists for a few days. You should consult your ophthalmologist immediately to avoid any serious damage to your eyes. You must go for periodic checkups – every one-two years if you wear glasses or lens, and every four-five years if you don’t. You may be higher risk for eye problems if you suffer from diabetes, hypertension, a family history of eye disease such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration – in such cases, you must talk to your doctor about how often you should get your eyes checked. People who have diabetes must go for regular eye examination so that the early stages of diabetic retinopathy can be detected and treated.
