Dry Eyes Syndrome

                             Dry eyes syndrome is characterized by eye irritation resulting from a change in tear film. It can either result from decreased tear production as in many diseases or it can be a effect of  some external factors like use of contact lenses or excessive use of computers. 


SYMPTOMS :- 

           A person with dry eyes typically complains of

1. Itching 
   
2. Burning
3. Redness
4. Tiredness of eyes
5. Foreign body sensation 
6. Photo phobia sometimes

Usually the symptoms progress over the day with relief after a good night's sleep.


CAUSES :-

• Extended contact lens use.
• Long working hours on computer.
• Post lasik surgery.
• Drivers exposed to excessive air.
• Then there are disorders like sjogren's syndrome which causes dry eyes.

TREATMENT :-

1. The best thing one can do is blink more frequently while working on computer. The normal blink rate is 15 -18 per minute but we forget that while staring at computer. 
2. Use contact lens judiciously with adequate breaks in between.
3. Use artificial tear preparations which are preservative free. They can be used without any harm for sometime. If it still persist then a visit to an Ophthalmologist is necessary.       

Exercise For Eye

                      We all do some thing or the other to keep our body fit like going to gym, swimming, jogging and brisk walking. But, did you know our eyes also need some exercise to remain healthy. So today, I am going to talk about some eye exercises which you can do any time anywhere.

FIRST EXERCISE -        

Rotate your eyes first clockwise, then anti-clockwise. Repeat this exercise 5 times a day, but remember to blink in between so that your wont feel dryness.







SECOND EXERCISE -

Keep your head straight, move your first up then down. Repeat it 5 times a day. Then again keep your head straight and move your eyes starting from left to right, then right to left. Repeat it 5 times a day. Keep one thing in mind do not force your eyes further than they want to go in any direction, its not good for them.




THIRD EXERCISE - 

Stand on a window and focus on a distant object for 10 to 15 seconds. Then slowly without moving your head focus on a nearby object for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat it 5 times a day.









THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND :-

1..

You should know about your family history if your parents or grand parents have diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, early aged cataract etc because all these diseases have hereditary components.

2.

You must eat healthy, nutritious and balanced diet to keep your self and you eyes healthy life long.

  3.

Wear sunglasses when ever you are in sunlight to protect your eyes from UV rays which can harm your eyes in the long run.


4.

Always wash your hands before you use contact lenses to prevent them from infection. You should know that your contacts are not too tight or too loose to cause discomfort. Always consult your ophthalmologist regarding contacts expiry date. Maximum use of contacts per day is 6 to 8 hrs.


5.

When ever you feel like your eyes are too tired and dried up, may be because of working long on computer, or reading for hours etc, just close your eyes for 5 minutes and just let them relax. You will feel relaxed for sure.


6.

Never ignore dry and irritated eyes, pay attention and visit a doctor.


7.

If you sit in front of computer for so long, then don't forget to take a break in between to prevent eyes from excessive strain.

8.

Smoking makes you more likely to get cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. So if you want your eyes to be healthy, then quit smoking.

Eyesight "A Precious Gift"

                             Eyesight is a precious gift. Many of us are given the gift from birth, but many others are not. Others have this gift fade over the years because of various reasons. Just think how

lucky we are, that we can see the beauty around us. So don't you think we should pay a little attention to them. Usually if you eat balanced diet then no need to go extra miles for more nutrition because the amount of vitamins, minerals our eyes require is very less which can be full filled by a proper diet. 

                 Anti-oxidants are natural substances that exists as vitamins, minerals and other other compounds in food. As they are essential to delay aging, same way they delay aging of macula (most important part of retina responsible for our vision).  You can add these food items to your routine if already you are not consuming them -

VITAMIN A - It is a basic requirement for proper visual functioning of our eyes. It participates in the visual cycle and helps form visual purple. This process in the cells of our retina, is the basis of our vision. Some sources of vitamin A are : liver (beef, pork, chicken, turkey,fish) Carrot, sweet potatoes, mango, lettuce, dried apricots, cantaloupe, butter, pumpkin, seasonal vegetables.

VITAMIN C -  Some sources of vitamin C are: Red and green hot chili, guavas, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, kiwi fruit, papaya, oranges, strawberries.

VITAMIN E -  Some sources of vitamin E are: Almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, pickled green olives, cooked spinach.

COPPER -  Some sources of copper are:  Animal liver, oysters, sesame seeds, cocoa powder, chocolate, nuts, lobsters, sun dried tomatoes.

MAGNESIUM -  Some sources of magnesium are: Rice, wheat, oat, dark chocolate, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, dry roasted soybeans.

ZINC - It slows down retinal degeneration in old age.  Some sources of zinc are: Oysters, roast beef, dried watermelon seeds, dark chocolates, mutton, crabs.