There are many fruits and vegetables that are known for their healing properties. Studies show us that to get the most benefit from these foods that they should be eaten raw and freshly picked.
Some vegetables have vitamins that seem to specifically target certain parts of the body. when I was growing up I was always told to eat my carrots, they were good for my eyes. Well, now science has caught up with my mom's knowledge!
Not only does a sliced carrot look like the human eye. The center (pupil) iris and radiating lines coming from the pupil, but the carrot greatly enhances blood flow and the overall function of the eye.Being a good source of beta-carotine.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Planning a strategy Against Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
The retina is the area of the eye that is light sensitive. It has been compared to the lens of a camera. The macula is the tiny area of the retina that is the most sensitive to light. Using the same comparison to a camera, you could say the macula is the shutter. It is responsible for you being able to see objects clearly and distinctly. Age-related macular degeneration affects, as you would suppose, the macula.
Just as other diseases such as high blood pressure, or diabetes are known to target certain ethnic groups, this disease (AMD) accounts for 54% of all blindness in white Americans over the age of 40. That is a staggering statistic! But thankfully it is one that can be lowered.
Research has learned the underlying causes of AMD as we will see later, and what can be done to prevent it to a large degree. One of the most comprehensive studies done was the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) sponsored by the National Institute of Health. It took over eight years to complete.
More than 3600 patients were followed during that time.There was conclusive evidence that supplimenting the diet with vitamins can reduce the risk of growth in moderate and advanced cases of AMD.
What are the vitamins that have been shown most effective?
Beta - carotene (15mg) Vitamin C (500mg) Vitamin E (400IU) and zinc (50mg).
What are some of the underlying factors that raise the risk of AMD?
Obesity, farsightedness, being of Caucasian race, using thyroid hormones, as well as the use of antacids.
A healthy diet started early in life, adequate exercise, and eye protection from harmful UVB rays of the sun and supplimenting that diet with the right vitamins are all ways to prevent damage to the light sensitive retina and macula. Damage that later in life can lead to AMD.
As my mother says: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure- it's a lot easier to keep a problem from happening than it is to fix it once it is there. Talk with your family Optometrist or Nutritionist about being eye smart. Can you think of a reason not to take measures now to protect you and your family's eyes from a disease that can and will eventually rob you of an independant lifestyle?
Just as other diseases such as high blood pressure, or diabetes are known to target certain ethnic groups, this disease (AMD) accounts for 54% of all blindness in white Americans over the age of 40. That is a staggering statistic! But thankfully it is one that can be lowered.
Research has learned the underlying causes of AMD as we will see later, and what can be done to prevent it to a large degree. One of the most comprehensive studies done was the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) sponsored by the National Institute of Health. It took over eight years to complete.
More than 3600 patients were followed during that time.There was conclusive evidence that supplimenting the diet with vitamins can reduce the risk of growth in moderate and advanced cases of AMD.
What are the vitamins that have been shown most effective?
Beta - carotene (15mg) Vitamin C (500mg) Vitamin E (400IU) and zinc (50mg).
What are some of the underlying factors that raise the risk of AMD?
Obesity, farsightedness, being of Caucasian race, using thyroid hormones, as well as the use of antacids.
A healthy diet started early in life, adequate exercise, and eye protection from harmful UVB rays of the sun and supplimenting that diet with the right vitamins are all ways to prevent damage to the light sensitive retina and macula. Damage that later in life can lead to AMD.
As my mother says: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure- it's a lot easier to keep a problem from happening than it is to fix it once it is there. Talk with your family Optometrist or Nutritionist about being eye smart. Can you think of a reason not to take measures now to protect you and your family's eyes from a disease that can and will eventually rob you of an independant lifestyle?
Friday, December 4, 2009
Eyestrain: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedies
Most of us have experienced that tired achy felling that seems to come from "somewhere directly behind the eyes". What actually causes eye strain and what can you do to alleviate it? Is this an "adult" problem, or can it affect any age?
Ten to fifteen years ago the answer to the second question would have been; yes, this is an adult problem. In todays' era of technology it has broadened out to include younger and younger populations. Children are being introduced to computers today in kindergarten , learning toys being marketed to parents for toddlers using a TV screen and a picture touch board--this is a problem that is going to snowball in the coming years.
You will need to become proactive on protecting the sight of yourself as well as your children. How can you do that? Finding a reputable Optomitrist and having yearly eye exams is essential to maintaining eye health. Not only can a good Optomitrist spot a potential eye problem before it becomes a problem, they can also spot other health problems that might be lying dormant in your body by examining the interior of the eye.
Low oxygen levels, high blood pressure, tumors, and of course diabetes, are a few of the diseases that can affect your vision. When you notice a sudden change in your vision with no apparent reason,it is always best to call for a checkup.
Causes of eyestrain vary:
Focusing your eyes on any one object ,such as a computer screen for example, in an enclosed area.
Working under fluorescent lighting can cause eyestrain as well as trigger migraines in some people.
Working or playing in bright sunlight without proper eye protection. any of these can cause you to suffer from eyestrain.
Computer Fatigue Syndrome can result from spending long periods staring at a computer screen.
As I said earlier this is not limited to adults working behind desks all day. This disease is invading our youth through hours spent playing video games without adequate breaks to rest the eyes-- After using computers during school hours.
Symptoms of CFS are: dry eyes(from staring without blinking) heaviness of the eyelids(and you thought it was the double burger you had for lunch!) flicks of light in vision and headaches. In many cases you may experience neck and back pain, depending on how your work station is set up or how your posture is while playing games.
What can you do to reverse Computer Fatigue Syndrome?
Break up the time spent with your eyes focused on the screen. Look away from the screen to papers on your desk or to objects across the room or cubicle. This gives your eyes a short rest period. They are not constantly trying to focus at close range.
Stretch your back and flex your muscles to keep them from remaining in one position for too long.
Remember to blink. This allows the eye to naturally lubricate itself through the tear process.
Bright Sunlight
Most have learned to wear sunscreen when you are going to be outside in the sunlight: to protect from ultra violet rays that cause cancer, sunburning and premature aging of the body. Your eyes need the same care. No matter the age, if you are in glare conditions outside -you need to invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Ultra Violet rays and glare from the sun are the cause not just of eyestrain, but have also been linked to macular degeneration. Polarized sunglasses should be used winter and summer to protect the eyes.
Most of these are common sense rules that are not costly and will help the health of you and your family's eye for the rest of your-- and their lives. Work on developing good eye health habits for the life of your eyes.
Ten to fifteen years ago the answer to the second question would have been; yes, this is an adult problem. In todays' era of technology it has broadened out to include younger and younger populations. Children are being introduced to computers today in kindergarten , learning toys being marketed to parents for toddlers using a TV screen and a picture touch board--this is a problem that is going to snowball in the coming years.
You will need to become proactive on protecting the sight of yourself as well as your children. How can you do that? Finding a reputable Optomitrist and having yearly eye exams is essential to maintaining eye health. Not only can a good Optomitrist spot a potential eye problem before it becomes a problem, they can also spot other health problems that might be lying dormant in your body by examining the interior of the eye.
Low oxygen levels, high blood pressure, tumors, and of course diabetes, are a few of the diseases that can affect your vision. When you notice a sudden change in your vision with no apparent reason,it is always best to call for a checkup.
Causes of eyestrain vary:
Focusing your eyes on any one object ,such as a computer screen for example, in an enclosed area.
Working under fluorescent lighting can cause eyestrain as well as trigger migraines in some people.
Working or playing in bright sunlight without proper eye protection. any of these can cause you to suffer from eyestrain.
Computer Fatigue Syndrome can result from spending long periods staring at a computer screen.
As I said earlier this is not limited to adults working behind desks all day. This disease is invading our youth through hours spent playing video games without adequate breaks to rest the eyes-- After using computers during school hours.
Symptoms of CFS are: dry eyes(from staring without blinking) heaviness of the eyelids(and you thought it was the double burger you had for lunch!) flicks of light in vision and headaches. In many cases you may experience neck and back pain, depending on how your work station is set up or how your posture is while playing games.
What can you do to reverse Computer Fatigue Syndrome?
Break up the time spent with your eyes focused on the screen. Look away from the screen to papers on your desk or to objects across the room or cubicle. This gives your eyes a short rest period. They are not constantly trying to focus at close range.
Stretch your back and flex your muscles to keep them from remaining in one position for too long.
Remember to blink. This allows the eye to naturally lubricate itself through the tear process.
Bright Sunlight
Most have learned to wear sunscreen when you are going to be outside in the sunlight: to protect from ultra violet rays that cause cancer, sunburning and premature aging of the body. Your eyes need the same care. No matter the age, if you are in glare conditions outside -you need to invest in a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Ultra Violet rays and glare from the sun are the cause not just of eyestrain, but have also been linked to macular degeneration. Polarized sunglasses should be used winter and summer to protect the eyes.
Most of these are common sense rules that are not costly and will help the health of you and your family's eye for the rest of your-- and their lives. Work on developing good eye health habits for the life of your eyes.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Eyes Have It!
The Human eye is a complex and interesting part of the body. The idea for our modern cameras and video equipment came from an indepth study of how the eye functions.
Today in this fast paced world that we live in it is hard to always do what is best for your health. and that is an understatement. It's hard to do what you absolutely have to do to keep body and soul together as the old saying goes!
I have worked in the eye care industry, and yes it is an industry, for almost 10 years and have met and worked with Optometrist and Opthalmologist. Also on the other side of the industry I have met and worked closely with the Eyecare Professionals who make their living selling eyewear and the many accesssories that go along with them as well as those who sell contact lenses. This site is geared to helping you the reader find fast unbiased information about eyecare.
We are still working to perfect this new site, the formatting may change some as we find the best ways to present the material for you,but the information that you will find on here you can trust to be the best that can be given.
I hope that you will not only find this site helpful and informative, but also something that you will enjoy reading.
Today in this fast paced world that we live in it is hard to always do what is best for your health. and that is an understatement. It's hard to do what you absolutely have to do to keep body and soul together as the old saying goes!
I have worked in the eye care industry, and yes it is an industry, for almost 10 years and have met and worked with Optometrist and Opthalmologist. Also on the other side of the industry I have met and worked closely with the Eyecare Professionals who make their living selling eyewear and the many accesssories that go along with them as well as those who sell contact lenses. This site is geared to helping you the reader find fast unbiased information about eyecare.
We are still working to perfect this new site, the formatting may change some as we find the best ways to present the material for you,but the information that you will find on here you can trust to be the best that can be given.
- You can expect to find information on symptoms of the common and not so common eye problems
- What are those test that they do at the Optometrist office and what do they use them for
- Ways to decide if that new pair of designer eyewear will be the right choice for you,
- Sunwear for your eyes and why it is so important
- Tips on what you can do to keep your eyes healthy
- What is new and upcoming in the field of eyecare
- Job related eye problems and what you can do to cut down on them
I hope that you will not only find this site helpful and informative, but also something that you will enjoy reading.
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