You are what you eat – and this has an impact on your vision, especially in future years. By regularly eating the following foods, researchers have found that vision-related diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration (a leading cause of blindness) could be prevented. In some cases, vision can actually be enhanced, particularly night vision. These foods are rich in some super compounds that benefit eye health.
Top Vision Foods
Blueberries – one of the best antioxidants (compounds that deter cell damage) which strengthen capillaries for healthier eyes and veins
Bilberry – related to blueberries, the bilberry is an herb that also strengthens capillary walls within the retina, help with night vision, and can delay the progression of retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disorder that starts with night blindness and ultimately results in total blindness
Carrots – these have always had a reputation as being “good for the eyes”
Corn – corn contains the powerful antioxidant zeaxanthin that combats age-related eye disorders
Leafy, dark green vegetables such as kale, Swiss chard, collard greens and spinach – great sources of lutein, another eye-protective antioxidant.
Omega-3 – from seafood, orange, yellow and dark-green fruits and vegetables may also avert eye disease and deter macular degeneration
Kiwis, Grapes, Orange Juice, Mangoes
Celery, Yellow and Red Peppers, Okra, Peas, Romaine Lettuce, Broccoli, Avocadoes, Plums, Pumpkin, Brussels Sprouts, yellow and red peppers, broccoli, peas, Romaine lettuce, Brussels sprouts, celery, pumpkin, okra, plums – provide protection from macular degeneration
One of the most irritating things to suffer from is a twitching eyelid. They can persist for months for some people, and becomes annoying and can even make a person self conscious. For some people it is intermittent, or it may affect them only once.
What is an aye twitch and why does it happen?
An eyelid twitch is an involuntary spasm of one of the small muslces. There can be many causes of this, becuse of tiredness, too much caffeine, or stress. Some nutritional deficiency such as calcium and magnesium can also be a factor. There has also been some evidence to it being a genetic trait, so you may be more susceptible if your parents or grandparents regularly suffered from it.
Is it serious
In most cases the twitch is not serious and can be simply alleviated by small changes to the diet, reducing stress, more rest, relaxation, sleep, or reducing caffeine.
If there is a more pronounced degree of twitch, such as the eyelid becoming forced to close entirely or the symptoms last for more than a few days, the cause may relate to an irritation to the cornea or conjunctiva. If this is the case a visit to your optician or doctor may be advisable to determine if this is the case and further treatment or investigation may be needed.
If you believe stress is the cause for the twitching, it is vital that you assess your stress level and try and find ways of either reducing the stress you are exposed to or finding better ways of managing the stress you do receive as eyelid twitching is only a minor side-effect of stress and the other possible reactions going on in your body may be a lot more serious including high blood pressure, altered mental state and an increased risk of damage to your heart.
In most cases, the twitching can be relieved by simply allowing yourself more time to rest and unwind. Try getting a few more hours sleep or changing your routine so that your can get a little more sleep each night.
In many cases sleep is enough but if the twitching continues it could be that you are drinking too much tea or coffee as caffeine has also been identified as a risk. Switch to decaffeinated products or even better, exchange the tea or coffee for herbal teas or drinks that induce sleep and benefit in both ways.
With rising numbers of people using computers a definite increase in the numbers of people with tired eyes and eyestrain has occurred. There is no scientific link between using computers and permanent eye damage, however you do not need a scientist to prove the fact that using a monitor for any great length of time results in tired, red, and sometimes dry eyes.
There is also something called Computer vision syndrome, which is a common eye condition amongst computer screen users. Symptoms can range from tired eyes to blurred vision. If you do experience any of the following symptoms you could have computer vision syndrome. If you find it difficult to focus on distant objects after using a computer, you have headaches, eyestrain or dry eyes you need to take extra care when using a monitor to avoid getting computer vision syndrome. It is also best to visit your optician for an eye test to rule out anything more serious.
Here are some tips to help with tired eyes:
Take breaks. Focusing on the screen for long periods can lead to computer vision syndrome so it is important to take regular breaks. You should rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking away from the screen. You can also use the 10-10-10 rule, every ten minutes focus on something at least 10 feet away for at least 10 seconds.
Adjust your monitor settings and position. You should adjust your computer so that the monitor settings are comfortable for you. The brightness and contrast can be adjusted so that you are not straining your eyes. Try using a larger font size or using the zoom option on the page layout to make it easier on your eyes. The screen should also be kept clean using special wipes. Your health and safety manager at work will be able to help you ensure the screen is positioned correctly. The screen should be at least at arms lenght away from you, and also new research has discovered that the verticle centre of the monitor should be at eye level.
Check the lighting around the computer. There should not be any bright sunlight reflecting onto your screen. Using an anti-glare screen which is fixed onto your monitor is a good idea to reduce any glare and will block any reflections.
Blink frequently. Remember to blink at regular intervals. When you are concentrating for a long time at a computer your blink rate slows down. Some people also find that they get dry eyes when using computers. This is one of the symptoms of computer vision syndrome but it can be relieved by using eye drops. Ask your optician for advice if you get dry eyes. Those who wear contact lenses may be more prone to dry eye.
Have regular eye tests. Experts recommend that adults should have an eye test at least every two years. An eye test will check your eyesight and will also look for signs of eye disease. Other health problems may also be detected during an eye test.
If you use computers for work you may be entitled to a free eye test, paid for by your employer. Under European legislation employees who use VDUs are entitled to an eye test when they begin using VDUs and at regular intervals throughout their employment. If you experience eye problems which may be a result of using VDUs then you will be entitled to a free eye test. If you then need to wear glasses your employer must pay for a basic pair of glasses or you can pay the difference for a pair of your choice.
There is nothing more exciting than bright sparkling eyes. Your eyes should reflect your inner self and inner beauty. Lifes stresses and strains can however reduce the vitality of your eyes. There are many kits and kinds of makeup cosmetics on the market, but rather than using sythetic products there are natural things you can use to treat your eyes.
Natural Remedies
Try taking triphala powder for 2-3 months to promote a healthy system from within. You can even use this herb in an eyewash form to treat diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis.
After washing the eyes with triphala water apply olive or almond oil around the eyes and massage gently. It makes eye muscles strong and soft and the skin around the eyes looks healthy.
Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Apply cucumber juice on the black circles with cotton for 2-3 weeks regularly.
Mix equal amount of almond oil and honey and apply a few drops on black circles for 2-3 weeks.
Dip five almonds in water, peel them and chew nicely in the morning or make a paste and take along with 250 grams of milk.
Take 125 gm of tomato juice and squeeze half a lemon in it. Mash 5-7 leaves of spearmint in it. Add black salt according to taste. Drink this once on the morning and evening to be relieved of constipation, worm infection and acne.
Take iron and calcium rich diet as their shortage are one of the dominant factors for black circles under the eyes.
This is one of the most amazing natural sight rebuilding example I have ever heard. Meir Schneider was born without sight, yet now he can see. Meir refused to give in to his blindness and instead began an intensive exploration of sight and self-healing systems. Miracle Eyesight Method is Meir Schneider’s original bestselling audio program for better eye health. It covers the full theoretical foundations of natural eyesight improvement plus Schneider’s complete set of techniques for exercising your eyes back to health. It also includes an eye chart.
This uniquely qualified authority on vision teaches his innovative methods for improving vision naturally. This step-by-step course comes complete with special charts for exercising the eyes back to health. Listeners can use these techniques to see the world with less strain, greater acuity, and a more spacious visual field.
Eyes can become red, swollen, watery, and itchy from an allergic reaction. Severe allergic eye symptoms can be very distressing and could even cause serious damage that can threaten eyesight. It is estimated that approximately 54 million people (about 20% of the U.S. population) have allergies. Almost half of these have allergic eye disease.
Eye allergies usually are associated with other allergic conditions, particularly hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and atopic eczema (dermatitis). Not only this but medications and cosmetics could also play a significant role in causing eye allergies. Reactions to eye irritants and other eye conditions (for example, infections such as pinkeye) are often confused with eye allergy.
The eyes are an easy target for allergies. When you open your eyes, the conjunctiva becomes directly exposed to the environment. The scenario for developing allergy symptoms is much the same for the eyes as that for the nose. Allergens cause the allergy antibody IgE to coat numerous mast cells in the conjunctiva. Upon reexposure to the allergen, the mast cell is prompted to release histamine and other mediators. The result is itching, burning, and runny eyes that become red and irritated due to inflammation, which results in congestion. The eyelids may swell, even to the point of closing altogether. Sometimes, the conjunctiva swells with fluid and protrudes from the surface of the eye, resembling a “hive” on the eye. These reactions may also induce light sensitivity. Typically, both eyes are affected by an allergic reaction. Occasionally, only one eye is involved, particularly when only one eye is rubbed with an allergen, as this causes mast cells to release more histamine.
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis, also called “allergic rhinoconjunctivitis,” is the most common allergic eye disorder. The condition is usually seasonal and is associated with hay fever. The main cause is pollens, although indoor allergens such as dust mites, molds, and dander from household pets such as cats and dogs may affect the eyes year-round. Typical complaints include itching, redness, tearing, burning, watery discharge, and eyelid swelling. To a large degree, the acute (initial) symptoms appear related to histamine release.
The treatments of choice are topical antihistamine drops such as olopatadine (Patanol), decongestants, and the newer mast-cell stabilizer medications. Topical steroids should be used only if prescribed by a doctor for severe reactions and on a short-term basis because of the potential for side effects. In general, oral antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) are the least effective option, but they are often used for treating allergic rhinitis together with allergic conjunctivitis.
Rubbing itchy eyes is a natural response. However, rubbing usually worsens the allergic reaction due to the physical impact on the mast cells, which causes them to release more mediators of the immune response. So do not rub your eyes!
Conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis
Commonly called “atopic keratoconjunctivitis,” this condition is a notorious cause of severe eye changes, particularly in young adults. Atopic keratoconjunctivitis implies inflammation of both the conjunctiva and cornea. “Kerato” means pertaining to the cornea. This form of conjunctivitis usually affects adolescent boys (three times more frequently than girls) and is more common in those who had atopic dermatitis in early childhood. The condition is characterized by intensely itchy, red areas that appear on the eyelids. A heavy discharge from the eyes can occur, and the skin of the eyelid may show scales and crusts. In severe cases, the eyes become sensitive to light, and the eyelids noticeably thicken. If managed poorly, there can be permanent scarring of the cornea due to chronic rubbing and scratching of the eyes. This scarring can cause visual changes.
The triggers for atopic keratoconjunctivitis appear to be similar to those of atopic dermatitis. A search for common food allergies, such as eggs, peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, or fish is important. Airborne allergens, particularly dust mites and pet dander, have been overlooked as a significant contributing factor and should be evaluated and controlled.
The hallmark of treatment for allergic conjunctivitis is the use of potent antihistamines (similar to those used in atopic dermatitis) to subdue the itching. Topical antihistamines, mast-cell stabilizers, and the short-term use of oral steroids are all beneficial for relief of the itching. Occasionally, an infection of the area (usually with staphylococcus, commonly referred to as “staph”) worsens the symptoms, and antibiotic treatment may help control the itching. Allergy shots are useful in selected cases.
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis can lead to cataract formation in up to 10% of cases. In rare cases, blindness can occur.
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is an uncommon condition that tends to occur in preadolescent boys (3:1 male to female ratio) and is usually outgrown during the late teens or early adulthood. (Vernal is another term for “spring.”) Vernal keratoconjunctivitis usually appears in the late spring and particularly occurs in rural areas where dry, dusty, windy, and warm conditions prevail. The eyes become intensely itchy, sensitive to light, and the lids feel uncomfortable and droopy. The eyes produce a “stringy” discharge and, when examined, the surface under the upper eyelids appears “cobblestoned.” A closer examination of the eye reveals severe inflammation due to the vast number of mast cells and accumulated eosinophils, producing so-called called “Trantas dots.”
Improper treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis can lead to permanent visual impairment. The most effective treatment appears to be a short-term course of low-dose topical steroids. Topical mast-cell stabilizers and topical antihistamines can also be beneficial. Wraparound sunglasses are helpful to protect the eyes against wind and dust.
Keratitis, or the inflammation of the cornea, in vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis is largely caused by a substance that is released from the eosinophils, called major basic protein.
Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC)
This condition is named for its typical feature, large papillae, or bumps, on the conjunctiva under the upper eyelid. These bumps are likely the result of irritation from a foreign substance, such as contact lenses. Hard, soft, and rigid gas-permeable lenses are all associated with the condition. The reaction is possibly linked to the protein buildup on the contact lens surface. This condition is believed, in part, to be due to an allergic reaction to either the contact lens itself, protein deposits on the contact lens, or the preservative in the solution for the contact lenses. Redness and itching of the eye develop, along with a thick discharge.
Allergy to contact lenses is most common among wearers of hard contact lenses and is least common among those who use disposable lenses, especially the one-day or one-week types. Sleeping with the contact lenses on greatly increases the risk of developing GPC.
The most effective treatment is to stop wearing the contact lenses. Occasionally, changing the type of lens in addition to more frequent cleaning or using disposable daily wear lenses will prevent the condition from recurring.
The giant papillae on the conjunctiva, which are characteristic of GPC, however, may persist for months despite these measures. Eye medications, such as cromolyn (Opticrom) or lodoxamide (Alomide), often are used in this condition, sometimes for several months. Contact lenses should not be worn while these medications are being used.
Pinhole glasses, also known as stenopeic glasses (from Greek meaning “little opening”), are eyeglasses with a series of pinhole-sized perforations filling an opaque sheet of plastic in place of each lens. It works on the same principle of the pinhole camera; each hole allows only a very narrow beam of light to enter the eye which focuses on the retina and increases the depth of field. In eyes with refractive error, the result is often a clearer image. Unlike conventional prescription glasses, pinhole glasses produce a clear image without the pincushion effect around the edges (which makes straight lines appear curved). While pinhole glasses are useful for people who are both near- and far-sighted, they are not recommended for people with over 6 diopters of myopia. It should also be noted that pinhole glasses reduce brightness and peripheral vision, and thus should not be used for driving or when operating machinery.
Pinhole glasses have been marketed by various companies on the claim that—combined with certain eye exercises—they could permanently improve eyesight. These claims have been analyzed, but no scientific evidence has been found to support them, and the claims are no longer allowed to be made in the United States under the terms of a legal settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.
