Eye Care

The following suggestions are for information purposes only and meant for healthy and normal eyes which do not have any complications. Those with specific eye related problems should consult their ophthalmologist or health care providers before doing any particular exercise.

  1. Adequate rest and relaxation are very important for the proper care of your eyes. Stress and strain result in building up of pressure on the optic nerve, the eye muscles and the retina as well as cause changes in the flow of blood in the veins that supply blood to the eyes. So keep yourself and your eyes well relaxed most of the times. If you feel tired and stressed take rest, so that you will feel charged and ready to face the world again.

  2. During the day, especially when you have no work to do, give rest to your eyes intermittently. You can do this even amidst busy schedule taking a moment off. The best way to rest your eyes is to temporarily close them. Do this whenever possible for a few minutes each time. By doing this you will be helping your eyes to work more efficiently and providing the nerve cells the much need temporary relief. (Well, you won't practice this when you are driving a car or walking down a road or climbing up or down a stair case, etc. !)

  3. Do not practice self-medication when there is any problem in your eyes. Consult always a qualified ophthalmologist. Do not use any eye drops or ointments or medicines, unless prescribed and recommended by your ophthalmologist. This may not save your purse and your time, but definitely your eyes !

  4. We do not like people staring at us, do we ? (Unless of course by a person whom you are attracted to !) Blink your eyes frequently and help your eyes relax and remain moistened. People with increased eye sight have a tendency not to blink for longer durations. See whether you too have developed this habit unconsciously.

  5. Do some eye exercises if possible every day. There are many and your ophthalmologist can suggest you some specific ones. One good exercise I found useful is the palming exercise. In this exercise you sit comfortably, close both your eyes, cover your eyes lightly (no pressure whatsoever) with your palms and keep looking into the darkness in front of your eyes, in a complete state of relaxation, without forcing your mind to think any particular line of thoughts or subjecting yourselves to any strain. If you practice this exercise sincerely you will soon see the results for yourself.

  6. If you have vision related problems, and if you are a middle aged person, keep your eyes examined by a qualified ophthalmologist at least once in a year.

  7. Avoid looking at the sun directly even for a moment at any time of the day. The glaring light of the sun is said to be very harmful to your eyes, especially to the cells in your retina. It is also advisable to use sunglasses whenever you feel that the light is causing irritation in your eyes.

  8. But it is useful to close your eyes completely and turn your face towards the sun. The warmth of the sun light will increase the flow of blood in your eyes and stimulate the nerve cells in your eyes. When you do this please see that no light enters your eyes directly.

  9. You must have read this a hundred times and even got tired of it. But I must state it here again. Eat plenty of vegetables and food items that contain Vitamin A : eggs, fish, milk, leafy vegetables, carrot, to suggest a few.

  10. Keep sharp objects, harmful toys (like toy pistols that throw objects, dart boards, arrows and bows etc.) and similar devices away from your children, if you want to protect their eyes as well as yours. They have a tendency to play with them with great enthusiasm, without bothering about the consequences!

Protect Your Eyes From the Sun

Like your skin, your eyes never forget UV exposure. Studies show that exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), both leading causes of vision loss among older adults. UV exposure, wind and dust can also cause pterygiam, benign growths on the eye's surface.

Select sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays. Don't be deceived by colour or cost. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens or the price tag. Regular exercise, moderation in your habits, positive state of mind, loving and caring nature, contentment in life, cleanliness, harmony in your environment and in your actions, a certain degree of interest in leading a meaningful and useful life, etc., also contribute greatly to your over all health and there by to the general welfare of your eyes also.