CARE YOUR EYES

No doubt you know the value of your eyes. They are precious. But unfortunately, our work pressure and lifestyles do not give us the opportunity to be kind to our eyes.
Specially computer users must keep in mind the exercises of eyes.

A step by step guide for the protection of you precious eyes.


Function of your eyes :

Ø 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.

Ø Eyelids: Their main job is to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and harsh light.

Ø Eyelashes: A protective net for your eyes.

Ø Cornea: A refractive zone that guides light to reach the retina

Ø Pupil: Controls the amount of light that enters your eyes.

Ø Lens: A refractive zone that also guides light into the retina.


Exercise your eyes

Ø Regular work hours should be infused with short breaks

Ø During such breaks I suggests a small and easy exercise
1. First, blink your eyes several times.
2. While you keep your eyes closed, roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath.
3. 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

Ø 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.

Ø 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.

Ø During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed

Ø Place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.

Ø 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.

Ø 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.


Advise for Contact Lenses users

Ø 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
Ø 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.
Ø Lenses are like sponge, making them susceptible to attracting dirt


Home remedies for common ailments

Ø 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”.

Ø Never rub your eyesIf 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.

Precautions

Ø Visit your doctor"One should ideally visit their ophthalmologist once a year, but if there is a problem with your eyes, visit sooner,"

Ø 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.

Ø Use re-wetting eye dropsAn office environment that is predominantly air-conditioned, coupled with a computer intensive job, this is the perfect combination for dry eyes.