All About Eye Care

Eye Care of Pets

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:56:54 +0000

As a loving cat owner, you want your feline friend to be as healthy as possible, and a big part of that means taking care of her eyes. You should frequently inspect your cat’s eyes, and if you notice any changes or problems, seek prompt medical care, before your cat’s health is impacted. There are many things that you can do for your cat on a regular basis that can help keep her eyes healthy, but are you willing to invest the time to do them?
One of the easiest things that you can do for your cat is to keep her eyes clean and free of mucous, which could build up and turn into a raging eye infection. Use a damp cloth and gently wipe her eyes at least once a day or whenever you notice mucous. This small step goes a long way in caring for your cat’s eyes.
You should also protect your cat’s eyes anytime that you need to use chemical treatments on her skin, such as flea dips. Talk to your veterinarian before treatment, and ask him for suggestions on how to protect your cat’s eyes from the chemicals. He will likely give you a neutralizing ointment, which you will apply to your cat’s eyes before using the chemicals, and will neutralize any chemicals that may inadvertently come into contact with her eyes.
If your cat has long hair, you should keep in trimmed so that it stays out of her eyes. Anything that comes into contact with the eyes can cause irritation, and even lead to infection, so this is an important step in your cat’s eye care.
When you look at your cat’s eyes, they should be moist and clear, as well as free of mucous. Anything to the contrary could indicate a problem that may need veterinary treatment.
Although your cat won’t enjoy it, you should clean her eyes at least once a week, even if you wash then with a cloth and water everyday, they still need to be cleaned. You can ask your veterinarian for tips on doing this, and he may suggest a commercial product that you can use, or you can make your own. To make your own cat eye cleaning solution, mix about 1 capful of baby shampoo with about 20 capfuls of water. Dip a cotton ball or Q-tip into the solution, and use it to clean your cat’s eyes, starting with the eyeball and working outward. Once you have finished, use another cotton ball with just water and rinse the eyes in the same manner.
If your cat develops an eye infection, your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotic medication, which you apply directly to her eye in the form of eye drops. Again, your cat will not like this treatment, but it is for her own good, and something that you must do if you want her to be healthy. Eye ointments are much easier to use, however if you apply too much at once, you could worsen the problem, so you have to be careful.
Few people realize how important it is to take care of their cat’s eyes, and often don’t even think about it until a problem develops. By properly performing cat eye care, and seeking veterinary care for any problems promptly, you are ensuring that your cat stays healthy and happy, so that she can be with you for a long time to come!

Eye Care remedies Herbal & Ayurvedic ways

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:54:35 +0000

The importance of the eyes to the human beings need not be emphasized. Eyes provide us sight, without which life would lose most of its meaning. But at the same time, eyes are constantly exposed to the external environment. Almost everyone in the world overworks their eyes, due to which several eye problems occur. The list of problems that occur with the eyes is almost endless. But even then, are we taking adequate care of our eyes? This article provides some valuable tips on care of the eyes.
Some common eye problems are:- § Cataract § Conjunctivitis § Glaucoma § Myopia § Stye
Let us see how Ayurveda helps in the prevention and treatment of these eye problems.
Useful Herbs for Eye Care
- Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) Aniseed is especially beneficial in the treatment of cataract. The powder of its seeds is taken in a tablespoon quantity every morning and evening.
- Babul (Acacia arabica) Babul can treat conjunctivitis. A paste of the babul leaves must be applied on the eyes before going to sleep at night. It will lessen the itchiness, wateriness and the redness of the sore eyes.
- Carrot (Daucus carota) Carrot is so beneficial in eye care that its virtues are taught to school students also. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is the precursor of vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is responsible for strengthening the eyes and protecting them from night blindness.
- Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) A decoction prepared from coriander can be used as an eyewash for people with conjunctivitis. There will be immediate reduction in the burning, redness and swelling of the eyes.
- Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) The Indian gooseberry, known as amalaki, is exceptional in treating ocular problems. It can bring relief in both conjunctivitis and glaucoma. Its juice is taken with honey for better effects.
- Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata) The Indian Sorrel has exceptional properties in the treatment of several eye problems. A few drops of the juice of its leaves must be put in the eyes everyday to keep them free from strain. They can also be a good prevention for cataract.
- Marigold (Calendula officinalis) Marigold is taken as a cold infusion for washing eyes that are stressed. This brings a cooling effect to the eyes. It is also effective in cases of conjunctivitis.
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) The raw juice of parsley is effective for eye care. It can relieve the eyes of problems such as corneal ulcers, cataracts, weak eyes, conjunctivitis, opthalmia and sluggishness of the pupils.
Dietary Tips for Eye Care
Vitamin A is directly responsible for the strength and power of the eyes. Hence, foods that are rich in vitamin A must be taken. Vitamin A is contained in all orange and yellow colored vegetables such as carrots, oranges and pumpkins and in fruits like mangoes, papayas and oranges. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, coriander and colocasia also contain vitamin A. Among non-vegetarian foods, fish, liver and eggs contain vitamin A. Dairy products also have a fair amount of vitamin A in them.
The risk of cataracts is reduced by including vitamin C in the diet. Foods containing vitamin C such as Indian gooseberry, guava, orange, lemon and tomato, capsicum, cabbage, etc. must be included in the diet.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Eye Problems
The triphala lotion is generally prescribed in case of eye problems. Triphala is a mixture of the two myroblans – belleric and chebula – and the Indian gooseberry. The choorna is soaked in water for half an hour to get the lotion. This lotion is used as an eye-wash three or four times in a day. Triphala lotion has potency to treat eye problems such as cataract and conjunctivitis. Washing the eyes regularly with triphala also keeps them moist and healthy.
Chandrodaya vati is another important Ayurvedic preparation used in eye care. It is made into a paste in water and then applied externally over the eyes. Chandrodaya vati is beneficial in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis and cataract.
Home Remedies for Common Eye Problems
- Prepare a mixture of equal proportions of aniseed powder and coriander seed powder. Mix it with an equal weight of unrefined sugar. Take it in doses of 12 grams every morning and evening. It is beneficial for people with cataract.
- For people with weak eyesight, taking a mixture of the juices of raw parsley and carrots in a glassful amount everyday will provide great benefits.
- Mix one part of sugar with three parts of coriander. Grind them into a fine powder and put this mixture in boiling water. Keep it covered for one hour. Then filter it with a clean cloth. Use the filtrate as eye drops. This is an effective treatment for conjunctivitis.
- Immerse almonds in milk and keep them overnight. In the morning, mix this milk with sandalwood. Apply this on the eyelids. This reduces redness of the eyes due to exertion.
- Inhaling the odors of sesame mixed in honey reduces the excessive wateriness of the eyes.
- Take two small pieces of cardamom. Grind them and dissolve the powder in milk. Boil the milk and drink it at night. This makes the eyes healthier.

Research to take care of your Eyes

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:52:42 +0000

Looking after your eyes is vital to your overall health and well-being and there are various things that you can do to ensure they function correctly, even into old age. This is vita - try to imagine how you would cope without your eyesight! So, ask yourself this question, “Do you know your eye care associates?”
Eye Care Associates: who are they and what do they do?
First up, is the ophthalmologist. This professional deals with medical eye care and is the person who you should see in connection with eye diseases or injury - they deal with the visual system. They provide primary, secondary and tertiary eye care services. They are highly-trained individuals who have gone through nearly twelve years of pre-med and medical school:
1. Specialized training for the eye.
2. Surgical training.
3. Passed a state board examination.
Quite a requirement, isn’t it? Once they’ve gone through this training they are then qualified to practice a wide spectrum of eye care services. Because of the strenuous requirements of their profession you can be assured of a first-class service from somebody who knows what they are talking about.
Other eye care associates include the optometrist. This is a professional who is trained to treat and diagnose certain eye problems and diseases. They don’t, however, attend a medical school for their training, but they do go to a college of optometry where they receive a degree. Their main duties, once qualified, are to determine visual problems and visual acuity. If you find that you need contact lenses or glasses, then they are the ones who will give you a prescription. Also, they are trained to dispense medication for certain eye problems as well as provide vision therapy, low vision aids and eye exercises.
Finally, everybody has heard of the optician. This professional works with the optometrist and ophthalmologist in order to provide vision care services. Their training consists of a technical course lasting for two years. During this course, they learn to dispense, repair, adjust and reproduce frames, contact lenses and glasses.
So, together, these three eye care associates provide a comprehensive level of service for those in need of eye care services.
Basic Eye Care
Always remember that your eyes are extremely fragile and easily damaged. Eye care associates always recommend that you avoid rubbing your eyes harshly, especially when you have something caught in them (grit, etc). This could easily scratch the cornea and lead to future eye problems. Also, first thing in the morning, you should wash your face gently to soften the crust in your eyes for the same reason.
Also, bear in mind that if you have eye, or vision, problems, you should see immediately, an eye doctor. If you have no vision problems, then it is still recommended to have an eye examination every two to four years if you are, shall we say, getting on a bit! Folks suffering from diabetes should have frequent eye examinations to maintain a healthy vision and optimal eye care.

Healthy Eyes by Eye Care products

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:46:15 +0000

Eyes are one of the most important parts of our body. Among the five sensory organs, eyes are the ones that let us see the world. Without them, we could never have known how this beautiful world looks like. It is very essential to take care of them so that one does not suffer any eye problems. There are a variety of Eye Care Products available these days which help you take the best care of this most important organ. They help to keep your eyes safe.
You would need your eyes for the rest of your life so you should take proper care of them. One can maintain healthy eyes with the usage of specific products made for them. You need to protect your eyes from any kind of injury that may lead to serious consequences. There are people who loose their eyes due to accidents or diseases. So give special attention to your eyes.
Nutrition is a very important factor that plays a good role in eye health care. One needs to take proper green vegetables that are beneficial in strengthening the eyesight. You should take vitamins A, C and E and minerals available in the form of tablets and syrup.
Ensure that you have a proper diet as this is one of the best ways to keep eyes functioning properly. You eye sight also affects due to improper lighting. Hence, one should work in proper lighting which reduces the strain caused in the eyes. Do proper eye exercises and enhance your vision.
These necessary sense organs of the human body need to be properly taken care of. The sense of sight is important for all. Just as you take care of rest of your body, proper eye care is also important. You need to know what steps are involved in good eye care. Follow the healthy tips which will help making your eyes a valuable organ for your entire life. Our eyes are constantly exposed to the external environment so you need to protect them from the outside elements like dust which may affect them.
Discover the range of eye care products available at the online shops. Get discounts, free gifts, schemes and lots more.

Eye Care access is good for you

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:40:44 +0000

Access To Eye Care Is Important For Your Family.
When children are young they are unable to describe how well they can see things, particularly in the early learning stages and it is virtually impossible for parent to recognize a visual disability in the early stages thus impairing the child’s development.
Ensuring that your family has regular access to eye care is perhaps one of the most important things for a family’s health. Without proper eye care, children are too often forced to enter school with untreated sight deficiencies, and in turn do not get the education they deserve. Access to eye care is equally important for adults. Even if you need glasses or contacts, allowing your eyes to go unchecked for long can lead to much more serious sight loss.
Choosing An Eye Care Professional
1. To ensure that your family has proper access to eye care, you need to choose an eye care professional that can work with your entire family, regardless of age. Children require a different approach to eye care than adults do, and not all eye care professionals will work with kids. Or, some will work with older children, but not with toddlers, who need access to eye care as well. Before you settle on an eye care professional, ask around to see which ones in your area accept children.
2. In order to ensure that your family has proper access to eye care, choose an eye care professional that offers several different types of payments options. The eye doctor you choose should accept several different insurance companies, as well as offer cash only payment plans. If you have a large family, you may want to look for an eye doctor that offers family discounts as well.
When You Can’t Afford Eye Care
For those who do not have proper access to eye care due to financial difficulties, there are alternative options, as well. Every state has a low income, state funded, and health insurance program. Although these programs do not cover much, they do cover annual eye exams in most states. This is true for both adults that qualify, as well as children. Although glasses, contacts, and other specialized optometric procedures are not necessarily covered, the basic yearly visit is. This is one way our government has opted to ensure access to eye care for everyone.
When You Should Start
Although its never too early to start making sure your eyes are in good health, you should provide access to eye care to your children as early as twelve months. It is most important that children have access to eye care as early as possible to help protect against future eye problems. Your entire family’s eye care should be one of your highest priorities. Thanks to the efforts of many eye care professionals to provide access to eye care to everyone, this is now easier than ever!
If your vision is blurry, you are finding it hard to read or make out objects on the horizon or are suffering from head aches then good access to eye care will provide you with the necessary help you need.

Insurance coverage: A step to Eye Care

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:38:22 +0000

Supplemental eye care insurance just like any other supplemental medical insurance is meant to cover the cost that your primary eye care insurance does not cover. Many expensive treatments and surgeries may not be covered under your normal eye care insurance. Here, it is important for you to purchase a supplemental eye care insurance policy for yourself and your family members.
The concept of eye care insurance though sounds fantastic; the reality may altogether be different. Many insurance providers will not provide an extensive coverage to your eye care medical insurance and even they will put innumerable restrictions on what they will and will not be covering. Supplemental eye care insurance will fill up these gaps of normal eye care insurance and will give you an extensive coverage. A supplemental insurance will make sure that you receive coverage even for disabilities and serious accidents.
Many people suffer from weak eye sights because of various reasons like sitting in front of the computers for long hours; watching televisions for long, pollution etc. But because of the inconvenience of wearing and maintaining glasses and contact lenses, today many people are turning to laser eye surgeries known as LASIK eye surgery to improve their vision. But because of its high cost and its failure to meet the conservative therapy test., many insurance companies do not provide cover for this type of treatment.
Apart from that, many companies do not provide eye insurance cover to serious accidents and disabilities arising out of these accidents. Again many insurance companies fix up a limit to the number of visits that a person can undertake during a time period to an eye specialist. But old people who have a very weak eye sights and who have to depend all the time on eye treatments, may need more visits to an eye specialist. All these can be covered by supplemental eye care insurance.
To find for the perfect quote, you need to do some research. Since supplemental eye care insurance is not so easy to locate, a thorough study of all the companies that provide you with supplemental eye care insurance is a must. Nowadays, with internet facilities, you can easily search supplemental eye care insurance policy for your eyes. Many companies offer discounts, if you buy supplemental eye care insurance through the internet.

Medical Insurance for Eye Care

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:33:58 +0000

Our eyes are the most beautiful possessions that God has given to us. Without this priced possession we will never be able to view and cherish the wonders of this breathtaking world. Thus taking good care of our eyes is one of our primary responsibilities. Along with our own eyes, our loved ones’ eyes also need constant care and checkups. But together with the rise in other consuming goods and facilities, the cost of eye care treatments and facilities are also in rise. This is where we need a proper eye care medical insurance.
No doubt there is a tremendous advancement in technology. This technology has given us computers, television, laptops etc, which has made our lives mush more comfortable and easy. But every coin has two sides, so also the impact of technology has two sides – one positive and the other negative. We have discussed about the positive sides, but its negative effects cannot be underestimated.
Too much indulgence in computers and television can bring a great danger to your precious eyes. This is where the need for regular eye care facilities has come up. With the increase in eye problems, eye care medical treatments are also on a rise. Now, with eye care medical insurances your tensions of paying for high cost eye treatments will vanish in thin air
Eye care medical insurance is different from normal health insurance policies. Eye problems are generally predictable. Therefore eye care medical facilities do not cover emergency treatments.
There are usually two plans that come under eye care medical insurance.
The first plan comprises of the basic eye care relief or treatment. But it does not include the cost of extensive or any high-priced eye treatment. This is covered under the second plan.
The second plan therefore comprises coverage for eye surgeries like LASIK surgery or any other retinal or cornea surgery. Such plans may generally demand a substantially higher premium than the first plan.
Most vision insurance plans require you to get your check-ups from optometrists registered with the insurance company. Your prescription glasses also need to be bought from the opticians who are included in the specific network stated by the insurance company.
No doubt there is a tremendous advancement in technology. This technology has given us computers, television, laptops etc, which has made our lives mush more comfortable and easy. But every coin has two sides, so also the impact of technology has two sides – one positive and the other negative. We have discussed about the positive sides, but its negative effects cannot be underestimated.
Too much indulgence in computers and television can bring a great danger to your precious eyes. This is where the need for regular eye care facilities has come up. With the increase in eye problems, eye care medical treatments are also on a rise. Now, with eye care medical insurances your tensions of paying for high cost eye treatments will vanish in thin air.
Eye care medical insurances come in group, family or individual categories. Most of the times it is an employer that provides for eye care medical facilities. But it can be bought by individuals for himself or his family.
It is one of the most important jobs to compare various quotes available in the market of vision insurance. Almost all companies now have internet facilities and they have provided all information in the net. All you have to do is go online and search for the perfect quote that will suit you and your family members.

Don’t miss out Eye Care in your Health Plans

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:28:12 +0000

Eye care refers to the comprehensive measures adopted to protect eye from damage. Eye care is significant since any damage to eye may result in impaired vision. Eye care has to be included as a routine practice, in the health care of a person. Eye care mainly includes the regular check up, maintenance and specialized care for the diseased conditions. The recent developments in the eye care have put forward many effective treatments for particular eye diseases.
For a comprehensive eye care, it is better to go to eye care centers. The eye care centers provide the service of either ophthalmologists or optometrists, or both, who are qualified practitioners to take care of the eye problems. They carry out comprehensive eye care including check up, diagnosis and treatment. The eye disorders are categorized into refractive errors, pathogenic infections, optic nerve problems, structural abnormalities, cancer, effect of other diseases and ageing problems. They find out the disease with the help of symptoms and confirm it through diagnostic tests such as visual acuity, refractions, orthoptic examination, slit lamp biomicroscopy, fundus examination, and intra-ocular pressure examination. The common eye diseases include hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, glaucoma, cataract, corneal dystrophy, optic atrophy, dry eye syndrome, retinal detachments and vitreous disorders. The physicians carry out diagnostic test for other life style diseases such as diabetes and hypertension since they are also affecting the functioning of eye.
Eye care practitioners prescribe lenses, surgery, medications and eye care products, as remedy, according to the requirement of the condition. With a focus on comprehensive eye care service, most of the eye care centers include eye product shop and lens clinic with the center. Eye care products include anti-infection eye drops, eye creams, lotions, and under eye creams. Now, most of the eye products provide cosmetic effect since they are also focused to cure puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles, in and around the eye.
Proper eye health care can help a person, by preventing major eye problems. A diet, rich with vitamin A such as green leafy vegetables, carrot, broccoli, egg, cheese, butter, fish and milk, can remain the sparkle and vision of eyes for longer period, as vitamin A is necessary for proper functioning of eye. Take adequate rest and practice proper eye exercises, to avoid the new types of occupational eye diseases. Avoid unhealthy habits as alkaloids and alcohol can harmfully affect eyes.
These days there are several eye care centers offering a wide range of eye care services and refractive surgery procedures. Majority of today’s eye care center offers treatment for eye disorders, corrective lenses or contacts, routine eye exam, and the latest advanced laser vision correction surgery. However it is advisable to select an eye care center which features advanced facilities and experts who provide personal attention to you and your eyes.
Eye care reminds us about the proverb ‘a stitch in time saves nine’. Proper eye care at the correct time provides us the luxury of vision for a longer period. Remember, your eyes are your most precious gift, so make sure that you are taking care of your eyes.
Regardless of your age or physical health, it is important for everyone to have regular eye exams. When an eye doctor examines your eyes, he or she is doing more than checking to see if you need glasses. During a complete eye exam, your eye doctor will not only determine your prescription for glasses or contacts, but will also check your eyes for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.
Eye examinations are an important part of health maintenance for everyone. Adults should have their eyes tested to keep their prescriptions current and to check for early signs of eye disease. For children, eye exams can play an important role in normal development.

Importance of Eye Care exam

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:25:19 +0000

Like every other part of our bodies our eyes are also subject to wear and tear be it from the ultra violet rays of the sun, pollution and dust in the air, transmittable diseases or stress from looking at a computer screen all day.
Most of us go to our family doctors to undertake a physical exam to see how our overall health is. Other people take their health for granted. Why is it then that many of us disregard our eyesight? To guarantee healthy and normal vision, an annual visit to your eye doctor for your eye care exam is necessary.
Your eyes are like your windows to the world; our brain receives sensory information daily from our eyes therefore keeping them in an optimum shape will ensure proper signals being received by the brain and consequent action and reactions. If your vision is sub par this will obviously affect your life performance.
Eye care exams should start from a very early age, babies of 2-6 months should have their eyes checked to correct any abnormalities, children entering primary school and again when entering secondary school should undergo eye care exams which will also detect any vision problems and corrective action can be taken to rectify the problem.
As we get older it is of vital importance to have an eye care exam performed yearly because every time you visit your eye doctor they will evaluate any changes in your vision system and they can help you correct any difficulties that you may have with your sight. Early diagnosis of any potential problems will decrease the chance of severe damage to our sight.
Elderly citizens are more susceptible to vision loss, they should be aware that the probability of having vision disorders increases with age. The threat is still there even though you might not be experiencing any problem; therefore you should visit your eye doctor regularly for an eye care exam.
An eye care exam is a painless and informative method for the assessment of your eyes. The eye doctors will test your visual acuity, which is the clarity of your vision. During the eye care exam, the doctor will also check the muscles of the eyes, eye pressure, fluid circulation, retina and general condition of your eyes.. The routine eye examination is not painful or uncomfortable.
Eye Care Exam Doctors
Doctor’s who specialize in the comprehensive care of the eyes and visual system in the prevention of eye disease injury is the ophthalmologist. They are medically trained specialists who can deliver total eye care exams, primary, secondary and tertiary care services and diagnose general diseases of the eyes.
Whereas the health care professional who provides only primary care services is the optometrist. Services included are the comprehensive eye health and vision examinations: treatment and diagnosis of the vision disorders and eye diseases; the detection of general health problems; they prescribe the glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, low vision rehabilitation and medications.
How Often Should You Have An Eye Care Exam?
If you note that you are having eye difficulty, pain or visual disturbances or any other problem in the eyes, you should immediately see an eye doctor. However, if you are in good health and no known ailments, no vision problems, you can have an eye exam every two to four years provided your age is below forty. For people with diabetes, you need frequent eye examinations to maintain good eye health.
Remember prevention is better than a cure, so make sure you are aware of your vision and if you note any deterioration get on down and have an eye care exam.

Eye-care information & Do’s - Dont Do’s

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:21:34 +0000

Eye care for computer users
Most of our work is done on computers, and there is usually no escape from it. It is a visually intensive task and, unfortunately, our work pressure and lifestyles do not give us the opportunity to be kind to our eyes.
Which is why these tips should come in handy?
i. Know your eyes
Tears: The first line of defense, they also serve as lubrication by keeping the eyes moist and nourished; they also have a corrective lens function.
Eyelids: Their main job is to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and harsh light.
Eyelashes: A protective net for your eyes.
Cornea: A refractive zone that guides light to reach the retina.
Pupil: Controls the amount of light that enters your eyes.
Lens: A refractive zone that also guides light into the retina.
Retina and Optic Nerve: A bunch of intricate wiring that carries vision signals between your brain and eyes.
ii. Exercise your eyes
Regular work hours should be infused with short breaks. During such breaks, he suggests a small and easy exercise: “First, blink your eyes several times. While you keep your eyes closed, roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath. Gradually open your eyes while releasing your breath. This exercise lasts for a minute and you can repeat it three times before getting back to work.” It serves as a good workout for the eyes.
iii. Look away
While working for long hours, look at distant objects either in your office or outside. Looking at a distant object and then returning to your task helps your eyes focus better. Try taking such visual breaks for about five to 10 minutes every hour.
iv. Palming
Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.
v. Splash water on your face
During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed.
vi. Take a walk
After you’re done with lunch, take a stroll outside your office for a few minutes. This will give your eyes a much-needed break and get them some fresh air.
vii. Use tea bags
Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.
viii. Drink water
Drink plenty of water. It helps reduce puffiness. When a person is dehydrated, especially in an air-conditioned office, the body starts storing water as a defense mechanism. This adds to puffiness around the eyes.
ix. Eat healthy
Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.
x. Know your contact lenses
“Ideally, a person who uses lenses should wear it for not more than 10-12 hours a day and occasionally for 14 hours a day,”
Never wear your contact lenses while swimming. The pool water houses various micro-organisms as there are several people using it. This may lead to fungal infections in the eyes. In addition, the chlorine in the water can damage your contact lenses.
“Lenses are like sponge, making them susceptible to attracting dirt,”
xi. Eye dos and don’ts
~ Visit your doctor
“One should ideally visit their Optician / ophthalmologist once a year, but if there is a problem with your eyes, visit sooner,”
In addition, before buying an eye-care product such as eye drops, always check the expiry date and don’t forget to check the prescription.
~ Wear antiglare glasses while driving or at work
“Antiglare glasses are mainly used for focused light such as full beam car headlights and serve well for night driving. These can also be used while working on the computer,”
Using a pair of antiglare glasses while working on a computer can reduce the strain on the eyes to a certain extent. If you wear contact lenses, wear a pair of zero powered antiglare glasses for the same purpose.
~ Use re-wetting eye drops
An office environment that is predominantly air-conditioned, coupled with a computer intensive job, this is the perfect combination for dry eyes.
In such cases, you can use re-wetting eye drops to give relief to your eyes. Why? “When dry eyes occur, the aim is to get the tears back into our eyes whether it is naturally (by simple blinking exercises), or artificially (if the problem aggravates),”
“Re-wetting eye drops have a similar in composition to natural tears. One should go for eye drops that do not have any preservatives. Eye drops with preservatives are toxic to the eyes in the long run. You can use re-wetting eye drops as and when required, but preferably span it to a minimum of four to six times a day. If the problem persists, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.”
The two most commonly used preservatives in all eye drops are Benz Alkonium Chloride and Chlorbutol. Read the contents of the bottle carefully and avoid eye drops with these preservatives.
~ Reduce your smoking and alcohol intake
“Smoking and alcohol consumption (either alone or combined) causes irreversible optic nerve damage. As both nicotine and alcohol are nerve toxins, they affect the nerves in the long run. Over a period of time, this can lead to poor or weak eyesight,” warns Dr Belvi.
~ Never rub your eyes
If dirt enters your eyes, do not rub as this may cause the dirt to stick inside. “Blink several times to start your tears flowing; this will help flush out the dirt,” advises Dr Belvi. “If you rub your eyes, the dirt particle will keep disturbing your vision and irritate your eyes. In such cases, seek your ophthalmologist’s help immediately.”
Quick tips
~ Shelf life
Preservative-free re-wetting eye drops have a shelf life of about a year, if the seal is unopened. Those with preservatives last around two years, if unopened.
~ Discard
All eye drops should be discarded within a month after opening their seals. Once opened, the medicinal properties tend to deteriorate due to exposure to the external atmosphere, making it unsuitable for your eyes.
~ Protective eye gear
While driving, wear protective eye gear especially if you are wearing contact lenses (for night driving) or sunglasses with UV protection (for day driving). Make sure the gear covers the sides of your eyes as well.
Being healthy is a personal choice and one has to work hard at it. A balanced diet, regular sleep habits, a balance between work and rest, ad exercises all play a vital role in restoring our health and helping us maintain our eyesight