Pepping Up Eye Resources

April 18, 2011 by  
Filed under Acne, Health, Medicine

Nathan Mathew asked:


With the fall of age, most body parts need greater attention. The drought of ageing is such that body begins to lose the bounce it once had. All that was within the realms of possible suddenly becomes improbable and even impossible. We fight till we can but finally give up. Enhanced care, drugs, and surgeries can perhaps still help living beings get on with the equation of time. Eye is one such part which needs utmost care. We can’t obviously let the light of life go away from us.

In youth, eyes shelter themselves adequately against the oxidizing agents but with the passage of time the oxidative pull begins to get worse. Oxygen along with sunlight oxidizes cells through chemical reactions. Lens cushions the retina against any excess amount of solar radiation. It bears the largest brunt. The oxidizing agent paralyses the operations of enzymes thus nipping the metabolism in cells. When we age, blood circulation in the body decreases, eyes pray for essential nutrients but it does not happen that way. This causes the eye to get disease prone. One such common eye disease is cataract.

Cataract covers the lens of the eye making vision vague. The lens as we know is made of water and protein. With age, the cumulative protein gets denser and creates haziness in vision. So we can conclude that cataract is the result of natural process of ageing. Sometimes both the eyes get drawn to cataracts; this is a more severe situation. At other times the protein completely shrouds the iris leading to a near-full vision loss. Symptoms for cataracts are spread out. Cataracts can come with haziness of visions or even double vision. Sometimes it causes living beings to see an ambiguous diffused halo around a light surface. This experience is similar to seeing a light bulb with watery eyes.

Pets are just as prone to cataracts as humans and they suffer more silently. Their voices are miffed and with the cloudy eye, their zeal for life gets further shattered. Cataract surgeries for pets include removing the natural clouded lens with a new artificial lens. The surgery is done applying local anesthesia and takes less than an hour. There are also various eye drops available which use the formula of Carsinosine to fight ageing of eye. It treats senile cataracts by increasing lens transparency.

A product for pet cataracts doing the rounds these days is Bright eye drops for Pet cataracts. Its usage is certified by American associations. It is a non-toxic, completely hypoallergenic drop and does not contain animal ingredients. It protects the eye against the free radicals( the oxidizing agents) with its amalgam of agents of anti-glycation, lubricants, and agents of oxidation. The first one frees sugar from protein and thus protects the tissue. The last protects the lipolytes in the eye against any damage. It is advisable to give a couple of drops to the pets daily. With more severe symptoms persisting, the dosage can be increased in accordance.



Eye Care

April 18, 2011 by  
Filed under Health

Barbara Crow asked:


Your eyes may be a tiny part of your body, but they play a large role in how you experience the world. They help you sense motion and color, intuit ****** expressions and body language and see the wonders of your life in three dimensions. Here’s what you need to know to keep your peepers in top form.

* Exam Essentials

Even if you have no problem with your vision, regular eye exams are critical to eye health, says Justin L. Gottlieb, M.D., a retina specialist and associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison.

* Who Provides Eye Care?

Ophthalmologists-medical doctors who specialize in eyes-provide total eye care, prescribing corrective lenses, diagnosing and treating eye problems, and performing surgery. Optometrists assess vision, prescribe corrective lenses and diagnose and sometimes treat eye problems. Opticians fill prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses.

* What Happens during an Eye Exam?

In a standard eye exam, the practitioner gives tests that measure visual acuity, or vision; evaluates refraction, which helps determine a person’s prescription for glasses or contacts; and checks for eye problems. An ophthalmologist also checks eye movement and peripheral vision and examines the front and back of the eye.

“Ophthalmologists [and optometrists] use a slit lamp, which shines an intense line of light to illuminate the cornea, iris and other structures located at the front of the eye,” says Dr. Gottlieb. Special drops dilate the pupil and let the doctor view the retina and other structures at the back of the eye with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope. Doctors also examine the skin around the eye.

* When Should I Get a Vision Exam?

If you don’t wear corrective lenses or have a family history of eye disease or a condition that can affect vision, such as diabetes, get an eye exam every two to four years between the ages of 40 and 64. Starting at age 65, get one every year to two years. If you wear glasses or contacts, ask your eye doctor how often you should have an exam. You may need more frequent exams if you have a family history of eye disease or a condition that can affect vision. If you are African American, get more frequent eye exams, since your risk of glaucoma is higher.

* Why is Proper Eye Care Important?

The right corrective lenses can enhance your quality of life. More important, early diagnosis of eye disease can prevent vision loss.

Make an appointment today for an eye exam. Then, you can relax and enjoy the wonderful sights around you.

Writer: Barbara Crow

©MediZine’s Healthy Living, Second Quarter 2007



Your Essential Eye Care Tips

April 18, 2011 by  
Filed under Health

May Penisa asked:


The eye is an important part of the body. It is likewise said to be the window to one’s soul. With the advent of modern technology, computers and other technological gadgets are nowadays widely available. However, the abuse in the use of these technological accessories often leads to the problems that deal with one’s eyesight.

So, how should you take care of your eyes to guarantee good eyesight?

Getting Rid of Tired Eyes

Nevertheless, an unhygienic setting worsens the deterioration phase of the eye. This should then drive you to concert a valuable effort to ensure that you properly take care of your own eyes. After all, they are said to be the strongest among your senses. The following are the important tips for caring for your eyes which you need to follow.

In case of the formation of the dark circles under the eyes, a good tip to follow is placing two slices of potatoes over the eyes. Leave them for around 20 minutes. The results likewise appear in no time at all.

An alternative to the use of potatoes is the use of warm tea bags. Leave the tea bag over the eyes for about 15 minutes. This is similarly another effective method which you can trust.

After a long and hard day, your mind and body get drained off energy. And such feeling shows through your eyes. In order for you to refresh them, squeeze out ice water from the cotton pads and then place them over the eyelids for approximately 20 minutes. You will then feel a soothing and calming effect to the eyes.

You can therefore try the traditional remedy which concerns the use of slices of cucumber onto the eyelids. These are best used when taking a hot bath or simply relaxing for quite some time.

Most importantly, don’t sleep with your makeup on. Wash your face before bedtime especially those that are within the eye area. Washing off the makeup allows your skin to breathe.

Other Eye Care Tips for You

Through all of the electronic and visual appliances and elements that totally pose an effect on the eyes, it is but very important that you know of the ways on how to keep away this integral organ away from damages. The rays of these electronic gadgets can harm your sensitive eyes, so to speak.

For one, sitting in front of the television set for long hours or watching a book gives you the tired eyes look. Overworking your eyes is never a sensible idea. It is essential that you spare at least a couple of minutes to rest them. Here are some other eye care tips which you must keep in mind.

Give your eyes ample time to rest.

Wear sunglasses to keep your eyes away from direct exposure to sunlight.

Regularly wash your eyes using cold and clean water.

Do some eye exercises.

Use a couple of eye drop products which contain minerals.

Protect your eyes from dust particles.

Eat vegetables and fruits which promote good eyesight.

You are only endowed with one pair of eyes. Thus, do your best to take care of it.



Healthy Tips for Eye Care

April 18, 2011 by  
Filed under Health

eye_care_tips
peterhutch asked:

Prevention is better than cure .This is applicable for eye health too. Eye care is better than eye cure. So do take good care of your eyes. This can be done by taking in lot of vitamins especially vitamin A into your diet. Other diets that are rich in minerals are also good to eyes .Some of the exercises can also ensure good eye health .

Eat lots of green, leafy veggies, says Lylas Mogk, M.D., an ophthalmologist who practices in Livonia, Mich. These include kale, collard greens and spinach, which are rich in lutein, an antioxidant that research shows may help preserve eye health and deter the risk of macular degeneration. Wolfberries, which are rich in zeaxanthin, also may be beneficial.

To protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, you need to make sure your regular glasses and sunglasses have 100% UV protection. “That is completely separate from any tint. The fact is that you can have clear lenses with UV coating that will protect you from the harmful rays of the sun,”

We can benefit from Vitamins A, E, and C for overall eye health care. Vitamin A may help reduce risks of night blindness and cataracts. For people who have Vitamin A deficiency, this deficiency has been implicated in blindness and corneal ulcers .For reducing the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, Vitamin E plays an important role.

Pressure in glaucoma will be reduced when you take Vitamin C and it also helps slow age related degeneration and provides resistance to cataracts. Vitamins are rich source of antioxidants and they can help in eye health care because antioxidant helps fight the effects of oxidation that contributes to the destruction of healthy tissues and is strongly implicated in macular degeneration

Deficiency of vitamin A can lead to nightblindess, xerophthalmia including dryness of eyes and corneal ulcer formation leading to blindness. Vitamin A helps to prevent the progression of age related macular degeneration (ARMD) which is the leading cause of blindness in the world.

Smokers and those consuming alcohol need extra vitamin supplement as tobacco prevents absorption of vitamin A and alcohol depletes it from the body. However smokers should avoid beta carotene supplement as it increases the risk of lung cancer in them.

Food sources: Carrot, mango, sweet potato, papaya, cod liver oil, liver, beef.

Another way to relax your eyes is to place sliced cucumber on the eyelids while you are relaxing in a bath tub.

Try taking short breaks after long hours of working. It is better to do few small eye exercises like blinking eyes several times, rolling the eyeballs while keeping your eyes closed.

Try looking at a distant object in your office or somewhere outside after long working hours. This would help you in improving your eyes focus.

Don’t keep your eyes focused in one place for a sustained period of time. Change your focus. Look up out a window periodically when you’re doing close work, to give your eyes a break. Sustained contraction of the eyes can also lead to a contraction of your upper body and neck. Don’t stare continuously without breaks, as that causes tension on the visual system, and can contribute to vision problems.

Improving eyesight, the alternative way

April 18, 2011 by  
Filed under Alternative Medicine, Health

improving eyesight

improving eyesight

One of the most important senses is our very own eyesight, hence this article covers some tips on how can take care, maintain improve our vision.

This info will also mainly cover alternative or the natural way of looking after our eyesights, without the use of synthetic drugs.One of the alternative ways to maintain good vision is to eat lots of blueberries. They contain anthocyanosides, which are antioxidants that help improve the flow of blood through the capillaries in eyes. Studies show that blueberries are effective in slowing and even stopping the progression of cataracts. When eaten with vitamin E-rich foods, berries can also prevent macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

One of th eeffective ways to soothe strained eyes naturally is to make a tea from dried eyebright, allow it to cool, then strain.  Use the liquid in an eye bath or soak cotton balls in tea and apply to eyes as a compress.

Everyone has the ability to see things clearly and should do so in a relaxed state of mind. Looking at any object in a relaxed state alleviates any strain caused to the eyes, and it is the natural way in which the eyes are meant to operate.

Without the stress of focusing on things we cannot see results in the ability to see.

There are 4 practices ( from Bates Methods) used as an alternative way in improving eyesisght

(1) Palming – done by sitting on the table with the  head resting on the hand, making sure that your fingers are set against your forhead. The eyes are then covered so that no light can penetrate, again making sure your hand do no touch the eyes at all. Maintain this for a few minutes. This method of relaxing your eyes have proven to be relaxing.

(2) Sunning – Studies have shown that this method is necessary and valuable to the eyes. Go out on a sunny day, close your eyes and point your head up to the sun. Gently sway back and forth as the suns light bathes the eyes

(3) Swinging – As you hold your index finger in front of your eyes, rock back and forth. Bates determined that this helps to incorporate both peripheral vision and focus at the same time.

(4) Blinking – Not only is this method known to lubricate the eyes but when combined with rythmic breathing exercises, it also promotes massaging and thus relaxation of a strained eye.

It would be worthile applying these eye exercises as part of your daily routine. It may well lead to longevity of an eyesight with a healthy and a clear vision

Medicines Used to Treat Eye Diseases

April 18, 2011 by  
Filed under Health, Medicine

eyesmedAlien asked:

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the tension inside the eyeball is raised causing damage to the innermost layer of eye i.e. retina. Major risk factors for the development of glaucomatous optic nerve damage include the level of intra-ocular pressure, increasing age, black race, and a family history of glaucoma. Broadly it can be classified into various types, of which POAG (primary open angle glaucoma) is an acquired condition, with onset typically after age 40. It affects both eyes but often asymmetrically. In early and even moderate stages, the patient is usually asymptomatic. Abnormalities of the visual field occur. In more advanced stages, the patient may become aware of an enlarging scotoma (defect in visual field) particularly when it encroaches on fixation. If left untreated, vision may be lost. Angle-closure glaucoma can be devastating. Bilateral blindness can result in 2 to 3 days from onset. The patient has severe pain in eye associated with redness, watering. Glaucoma can be treated with long-term medication or surgically.

Commonly used drugs for chronic open angle glaucoma are Timolol meleate 0.5%, Betaxolol 0.5% (Batapress, Optipress), Levobunolol 0.1 % (Betagan), Brimonidin eye drop 0.2% (Alghagan) or Latanoprost eye drop 0.005% (Xalatan) used once a day. Pilocarpine 2% and for Acute glaucoma (narrow angle type) 3-4 times a day provides quick relief and reduction of eye-pressure. Surgical iridectomy (removing a piece of iris) or laser iridotomy (cutting a hole in iris) provide drainage pathway to the eye fluid so pressure decreases.

Injuries

Injury to eye can be due to roadside accidents, bums or foreign bodies.

Roadside Accidents: The eyes are generally well protected by the bony structure surrounding them. A large blunt object can only damage the eyelids. A black eye (black area below or on side of the eye), which commonly occurs during roadside accidents, is due to blood beneath the thin skin of the eyelids and is usually associated with swelling. The vision may be unaffected. Cold compresses for 10 minutes every hour for a day will reduce the swelling. If the injury is severe or the vision is affected, the doctor should be consulted.

Burns: Chemical substances bum the eye and require thorough washing with water. No time should be wasted in finding a neutralizing agent for the chemical substance. The most effective method is to plunge the entire face into a container of water and then open the eye under Water. Heat burn requires treatment similar to chemical burns. Bandaging or closing both the eyes will prevent the movement of eyeballs and reduce pain. No lotion should be used for washing the eyes.

Foreign Bodies: Dirt or dust in the eye may cause sensation of a foreign body being in the eye. It may come out by washing the eyes. If not, it should be removed by a physician.

Vitamin-A Deficiency

Vitamin-A deficiency most commonly affects the eyes, the clinical condition being xerophthalmia and kratomalacia. Xerophthalmia denotes the entire spectrum of ocular abnormalities arising from vitamin A deficiency. These include night blindness, retinopathy, conjunctival and corneal xerosis (dryness), corneal ulceration and softening. The eye instead of looking clear appears muddy and wrinkled. It becomes dry, hazy (like ground grass) and unwettable. There may be grayish, triangular, foamy, rough and raised patches on the eye (Bitot’s spots). These are present in both the eyes. It may progress to ulcer in the eyes. Severe deficiency of vitamin A may cause keratomalacia (softening of a part or the entire eyeball). The process is rapid one. It is a grave medical emergency and if not treated promptly, may lead to necrosis and perforation of the eye ball resulting in blindness. It is often associated with protein energy malnutrition.

Treatment: The symptoms of vitamin A deficiency can be prevented by adequate nutrition contained in the food mentioned above. A shortcut has been suggested by National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, which consists of the administration of 200,000 IU (66,000 ug) of vitamin A every six months to pre school children who are unlikely to have adequate nutrition. Excess of vitamin A may produce toxic effects. Commonly available preparations such as AQUASOL-A contains 50,000 IU of vitamin A.

Diseases of the Eye

April 18, 2011 by  
Filed under Health

eye-diseases2
Carolina Eye Prosthetics asked:

There are many reasons why people need artificial eyes or ocular prosthesis. Thankfully, advancements in science now allow people that have lost an eye to often adapt to their limited vision. A skilled ocularist can now create artificial eyes that so closely match the natural eye, that they typically go unnoticed. The most common cause of eye loss is trauma or injury, but many chronic eye diseases can also lead to eye removal. Five common eye diseases that can ultimately result in the removal of an eye are Painful Blind Eye, Ocular Melanoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Tumors and Cataracts.

Blindness is defined by the lack of light perception. If a person is completely blind, they suffer from “no light perception” or NLP. Often NLP is accompanied by pain which can be caused by a number of conditions, most commonly the pain associated with the increased eye pressure of glaucoma, a common cause of blindness. In these cases, since there is already no vision in the affected eye, the eye can be removed and replaced with an ocular prosthesis, allowing the sufferer to appear normal and to eliminate the pain.

Ocular melanoma is the most common type of eye cancer. Like other melanomas typically occurring on the skin, ocular melanoma is the result of cancer developing in I , which produce melanin, a pigment which colors the skin. In types of intraocular melanoma, meaning that the cancer occurs inside the eye rather than on the eyelid or other outer parts of the eye, the eye may be removed in order to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body, particularly the liver, where it can be fatal.

Diabetic Retinopathy, a diabetes related eye disease, results from the hemorrhaging of the small blood vessels in the eye which causes blood to leak into the eye blocking vision. The hemorrhaging is the result of poor blood glucose control, a challenge of all people with diabetes. When blood glucose levels become too high, the pressure inside the blood vessels of the body increases and the small blood vessels found in the eyes are particularly susceptible to hemorrhaging as a result of this increased pressure. Diabetic Retinopathy is reversible to a certain extent, but once extensive hemorrhaging has taken place, scarring can occur which may cause the retina to detach. This can sometimes be corrected with surgery, but if the surgery is not successful vision will be lost and the eye can be painful or unpleasing aesthetically. In these cases, removal of the eye may be a good option.

Besides Ocular Melanoma, there are other types of eye cancers that can result in the removal of an eye such as Retinoblastoma, which is most common in children. Retinoblastoma is a tumor that develops in the eye’s retina, or the light-sensing part of the eye. It grows rapidly and while preserving the sight of the child is a priority, the eye is sometimes removed if the life of the child is in danger.

Finally, the development of cataracts can also lead to eye removal. Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye which in extreme cases can completely block the passage of light, resulting in blindness. Cataracts can develop for a variety of reasons including exposure of ultraviolet light, exposure to radiation and many other reasons, some of which are understood and some of which aren’t understood. However, the likelihood of developing cataracts increases with age. In addition to causing blindness, cataracts also given the eye a cloudy appearance and in advanced cases, the eye is sometimes removed for cosmetic reasons.

The removal of an eye is usually a last resort in the treatment of any of these conditions because it results in complete blindness in that eye and the preservation of vision is usually a goal in the treatment of eye diseases. However, when necessary, removal of a diseased eye often provides relief from pain, prevention of the spreading of a disease to other body parts, and in some cases, thanks to ocular prostheses, improved appearance.

Eye Care for Computer Users

April 18, 2011 by  
Filed under Eye Infections, Health

Status Eye Care asked:


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.

Source: www.statuseyecare.com

i. Know your eyes

Tears: The first line of defence, 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.

Source: www.statuseyecare.com

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 defence 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

Source: www.statuseyecare.com



Do You Know Your Eye Care Associates?

April 18, 2011 by  
Filed under Health

eye
Earl Moore asked:

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.

Inexpensive And Natural Eye Care Tips

April 18, 2011 by  
Filed under Health

Madonna Jeffries asked:


Do you suffer from sore irritable eyes? Are your eyes often red and swollen and do you suffer from dark rings and puffiness around your eyes? Well there are quite a number of ways you can treat sore eyes without having to resort to expensive creams and lotions.

Very few people realize that there are a number of specific exercises and regular steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy and working properly. If you start a regular regime of self-administered eye related treatments you can reduce soreness and swelling quite quickly and maintain the proper function of your eyes. Although there are many such treatments we have dealt with some of the more simple and inexpensive options that are available to you.

Easy And Inexpensive Eye Care Tips

One of the best ways for you to keep eyes functioning properly is to ensure that you have a diet that is rich in beta-carotene. Many fruits and vegetables are beta-carotene rich including carrots, spinach, papaya and mangoes.

Another important recommendation to assist in eliminating sore and red eyes is to keep your eyes protected against the harsh rays of the sun. Whenever you are out in the sun for extended periods of time you should, wherever possible, always wear UV protection enhanced sunglasses. If you are lying on the beach for example you should also cover your eyes with a towel or hat so as to avoid the sun’s piercing rays.

When you are at home and about to retire to bed for the night it is a good idea to place small slices of cucumber on your eyes. This helps to reduce puffiness and bags from under the eyes and also relieves soreness. During the day you will find that by gently applying the juice from crushed cucumber around the eyes any irritation or dryness will be reduced.

You could also start a daily routine of very simple exercises to help improve your eyes and the appearance of the surrounding skin. One excellent exercise involves sitting down and rubbing your hands together. The friction from the rubbing will heat your palms. Once your palms are warm place one palm over each eye and let the warmth flow into the skin surrounding your eyes. Ensure that your eyes are fully covered and that no light gets into your eyes. While you are doing this take slow, even deep breaths and relax yourself. Repeat this process for around 15 minutes each day and after a week or so you will notice the improvement in the inflammation around the eyes.

So by eating the right beta-carotene rich foods, using natural products on your eyes and surrounding skin as well as some simple daily exercises your eyes will show marked signs of improvements within a relatively short period. Remember that your eyes are very important to your overall health so if you notice any unusual symptoms like a discharge from the eye or repeated redness and soreness please consult with your doctor as you may be suffering from a more serious problem.



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