What is Cataract?

What is Cataract?
Cataract is clouding of the natural (clear) lens, so light rays are not able to reach & properly focus on the posterior part of the eye (retina). A normally clear lens allows light to pass through to the back of the eye, so that the patient can see well-defined images. If a part of the lens becomes opaque light does not pass through easily and the patient's vision becomes blurry - like looking through cloudy water or a fogged-up window. The more opaque (cloudier) the lens becomes, the worse the person's vision will be. Cataract can be found at any age as there are many reasons for cataract to form. Cataract is most commonly found with aging. Cataract can occur in one or both eyes but it does not spread from one eye to another.

Cataract is the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and is the principal cause of blindness in the world. In fact, there are more cases of cataracts worldwide than there are of glaucoma macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined.

What Causes Cataract?
Lens is made up of water and protein and hence it is very clear and pure. But with growing age, this protein starts clumping together and this can cloud some area of the lens. This is what is known as cataract and if you will not get it treated then it will spoil the entire lens by clouding it more and more. Neglected eye with cataract hyper maturation can have other associated eye problems like inflammation & glaucoma. This can worsen the visual outcomes of cataract surgery, even permanent blindness. Smoking and diabetes are also responsible for causing cataract. People can have cataract in their forties and fifties also. But by the age of 60 the clouding of the lens is more and thus many people get diagnosed with cataract in this age.

Factors that may speed up cataract formation are:

• Diabetes
• Eye inflammation
• Eye injury
• Family history of cataracts
• Long-term use of corticosteroids (taken by mouth) or certain other medications
• Radiation exposure
• Smoking
• Surgery for another eye problem
• Too much exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight)

In many cases, the cause of cataract is unknown.

Types of Cataract
Secondary cataract – when you get treated for any other eye problems like glaucoma, you have some chances of getting this type of cataract. It is also a common condition in people with diabetes.

Congenital cataract – Some infants are born with cataract or may develop it in their early childhood. This happens in both the eyes. This cataract will be quite small and hence it will not affect the vision of your child. This condition can be treated if the cataract starts affecting the normal vision. Replacing the lens can cure this.

Traumatic cataract – when you get some eye injury then there are chances of you getting this kind of cataract.

Radiation cataract – Due to some kind of exposure to some types of radiation this kind of cataract can affect you.

Symptoms of Cataract
Adult cataracts develop slowly and painlessly. Vision in the affected eye or eyes slowly gets worse.

• Mild clouding of the lens often occurs after age 60, but it may not cause any vision problems.
• By age 75, most people have cataracts that affect their vision.

Visual problems may include the following changes:

• Being sensitive to glare
• Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision
• Difficulty seeing at night or in dim light
• Double vision
• Loss of color intensity
• Problems seeing shapes against a background or the difference between shades of colors
• Seeing halos around lights

Cataracts generally lead to decreased vision, even in daylight. Most people with cataracts have similar changes in both eyes, although one eye may be worse than the other. Many people with this condition have only mild vision changes.

Other symptoms may include:

• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

Detection of Cataract

A Visual acuity test, complete eye examination on slit lamp with retina examination is sufficient for cataract assessment. Other diagnostic tests are rarely needed, except to rule out other possible causes of poor vision.

Treatment of Cataract

The following may help people who have an early cataract:

• Better eyeglasses
• Better lighting
• Magnifying lenses
• Sunglasses

As vision gets worse, you may need to make changes around the home to avoid falls and injuries.

The only treatment for a cataract is surgery to remove it. Surgery is done if you cannot perform normal activities, such as driving, reading, or looking at computer or video screens, even with glasses.

If a cataract is not bothersome, surgery is usually not necessary. Cataracts usually do not harm your eye, so you can have surgery when it is convenient for you.

However, some people may have additional eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy, that cannot be treated without first having cataract surgery.

Prognosis of Cataract

Cataract surgery usually gives a good visual outcome, except in cases where there is other condition of retina such as macular degeneration present.

Ophthalmologists can usually, but not always, determine this in advance.

Complications

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing permanent vision problems.

Although rare, a cataract that goes on to an advanced stage (called a hypermature cataract) can begin to leak into other parts of the eye. This may cause a painful form of glaucoma and inflammation inside the eye.

Eye check up

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have:

• Decreased night vision
• Problems with glare
• Vision loss

Prevention

The best prevention involves controlling diseases that increase the risk of a cataract, and avoiding exposure to factors known to promote cataract formation.

Wearing sunglasses when you are outside during the day can reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) light your eyes are exposed to. Some sunglasses do not filter out the harmful UV. An optician should be able to tell you which sunglasses filter out the most UV. For patients who smoke cigarettes, quitting will decrease the risk of cataract.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, unrefined carbohydrates, good quality fats (avocado, olive oil, omega oils), and either plant sourced proteins or lean animal sourced proteins. Sleep well for seven hours at night, exercise, control obesity & diabetes.

Do you have Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Do I need glasses? …is a question which crosses our mind at some point of time. This realization may come at any age. We may realize it when we are unable to see the blackboard or a projector slide clearly, or unable to read the small headline on the T.V screen. In some cases it presents with headaches which are increasing in frequency & severity. Presentations may vary from tiredness, exhaustion, not feeling like opening your eyes, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, frequent migraine attacks or recurrent eye or lid infections. Now cause can be …

MYOPIA
Myopia or nearsightedness is one of the common problems of eyesight. The statistics show that almost one third of the population is suffering from myopia. As the name suggests, it is a condition in which the person cannot see distant objects clearly but are able to see near objects clearly.

In the people suffering from myopia the eyeball is slightly longer from front to the back (axial length) or cornea has more curvature and this is why the light rays don’t focus properly on the surface of the retina. There can be increase in myopia with time. Regular yearly complete eye check-up is required.

Myopia has various classifications... mild, moderate or severe / axial or refractive (curvature, index)/ simple, degenerative, nocturnal, pseudo or induced myopia/congenital, youth or adult onset myopia. Some cases the eyeballs are very elongated ones and thus the myopia is considered as severe. This condition is known as pathologic myopia or degenerative myopia. People suffering from high myopia may experience floaters, flashes of lights, poor vision even after correction with glasses & have a higher tendency of retinal detachment. They should avoid body sports, direct blow injury to eye & heavy weight lifting. Regular eye checkups & retina examination is must for early detection & treatment of various associated eye diseases in all myopias. Uncontrolled diabetics may experience an increase in myopia. Some patients with cataract also experience increase in myopia due to hardening of lens. Myopia can run in families, so myopic parents should get their children eye check-up regularly. There are various treatments by which myopia can be corrected. Among all other ways of correcting myopia, using minus or concave eyeglasses and contact lenses is the most popular way of treating myopia.

For some individuals, contact lenses can offer better vision than eyeglasses. They may provide clearer vision and a wider field of view. However, since contact lenses are worn directly on the eyes, they require appropriate fitting, regular cleaning & care to safeguard eye health.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k), also known as corneal refractive therapy, involves the fitting of a series of rigid contact lenses to reshape the cornea, the front outer surface of the eye. The contact lenses are worn daily for limited periods, such as overnight, and then removed. Persons with moderate amounts of nearsightedness may be able to temporarily obtain clear vision for most of their daily activities.

Nearsightedness can also be corrected by reshaping the cornea using a laser beam of light. Two commonly used procedures are photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

In PRK, a laser is used to remove a thin layer of tissue from the surface of the cornea in order to change its shape and refocus light entering the eye. There is a limit to how much tissue can safely be removed and therefore the amount of nearsightedness that can be corrected.

LASIK does not remove tissue from the surface of the cornea, but from its inner layers. To do this, a section of the outer corneal surface is cut and folded back to expose the inner tissue. Then a laser is used to remove the precise amount of corneal tissue needed to reshape the eye, and then the flap of outer tissue is placed back in position to heal. The amount of nearsightedness that LASIK can correct is limited by the amount of corneal tissue that can be removed in a safe manner. LASIK does not change the inner structure of eye; hence yearly complete eye checkup is advised.

People who are highly nearsighted or whose corneas are too thin to allow the use of laser procedures now have another option. They may be able to have their nearsightedness surgically corrected by implanting small lenses (phakic IOL) in their eyes. These intraocular lenses provide the needed optical correction directly inside the eye.

Vision therapy is an option for people whose blurred distance vision is caused by a spasm of the muscles which control eye focusing. Various eye exercises can be used to improve poor eye focusing ability and regain clear distance vision.

People with nearsightedness have a variety of options to correct their vision problem. In consultation with your eye specialist, you can select the treatment that best meets your  visual and lifestyle needs.

Eye Care Tips for Women

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) almost two thirds of blind people worldwide are women and girls. Women are also prone to develop dry eye problems more than men. There are several ways to keep the eyes healthy to prevent serious eye problems from developing.

Hereditary eye problems
An important thing to know is family history of any eye diseases. It is helpful to know which eye problems run in the family and whether these are hereditary. This will give a clear idea if one is at higher risk of developing a certain eye condition. Certain steps can then be taken to prevent its occurrence or minimize the complications that may be associated with it. To stay on the safe side, continue to consult your family ophthalmologist for regularly. Better safe than sorry, right?

Eating Right
Eating right can help protect eyesight. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, peas, and broccoli are rich in lutein, an antioxidant that protects cells against damage. Lutein was found to be concentrated in the macula, a part of the retina of the eye responsible for central vision. Age related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness. Lutein acts as a natural eye shade that may protect the retina against sun damage.

Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E can likewise help reduce the progression of age related macular degeneration. These antioxidants play a significant role in maintaining healthy cell membranes and other cell processes. A deficiency in Vitamin E has also been pointed to as one of the causes of dry eye syndrome, a condition that can lead to scarring of the cornea and vision loss.

Eat protein rich food:
When we’re discussing eating habits, we can’t rule meat proteins, can we? Research has also shown that eating fish high in omega 3 fatty acids can be beneficial to the eyes. Several studies suggest that omega 3 fatty acids may help protect the eyes from dry eye syndrome. Dry eye is a common complaint among middle aged women and this can cause severe eye irritation because of insufficient tear production. Dry eye in itself does not lead to blindness but it can increase the risk for eye infection. Fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, and halibut. The retina has one of the highest concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids in the body and by simply increasing the dietary intake of omega 3, there is almost 50% decrease in the severity of retinopathy or damage to the retina. Vegetarians have an option of omega 3 fatty acid derived from algae.

Across some regions, religions, socioeconomic strata, & level of education, girl child is neglected. Children are otherwise also prone to malnourishments because of their food preferences and frequent cough colds & post measles .Supplements of vitamin A & C is good when required.

Contact lenses
Studies show that women wear contact lenses more, compared to men because of the fact that glasses tend to hide the natural (beautiful) look of the eye. Generally, more women than men wear contact lenses because of aesthetic reasons. Make sure that your contacts are appropriately fitting (on your corneal base curve) for your cornea, clean and disinfected so that no external body enters the eyes. When there is poor eye hygiene or extended wear of contact lenses, the eyes can become infected. The cornea is at risk of scarring and this can lead to blindness.  Clean the lens case & change lens solution every day, if you are not wearing daily disposable contact lenses. Do not over wear your contact lenses, have a smart well corrected glasses option always with you. Those using colored contacts lenses, kindly ensure that they are of good quality & fitting. A routine visit to your eye specialist to ensure the health of your eyes is a must for all contacts users to check for eye infections, allergies, contacts intolerance & cornea changes (Remove contacts at least 24 -48 hours before an eye checkup)

Cosmetics
Don’t mess up with your eyes by applying expired make-up! When eye cosmetics are not properly removed, makeup and dirt can become trapped at the base of the eyelashes. This is another cause of eye infection among women. Proper application and complete removal of eye makeup at the end of the day can help prevent the eye infections and eye damage. Some area have deep seated misbelieve that application of kajal, surma, kohl enhances eye beauty & enlarges the eye. This often leads to frequent chronic eye infections, scaring leading to lid deformities. Your eyes if properly taken care of can greatly enhance your overall beauty and can enable you to see the world in the clearest way possible.

Sunglasses
When going outdoors, one must wear protective sunglasses. Constant and excessive exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage the eyes. Common eye diseases like pterygium,macular degeneration have been linked to too much sun exposure. Choose sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. Women and girls who are active in sports should also consider wearing protective eyewear, which can be easily bought at sporting goods stores. 

Post refractive surgery (post Lasik/PRK)
Glasses removal by surgery is far more common in females than males. Glasses removal surgery does not change the configuration of your eye, so regular checkup of eye and retina once a year with your eye specialist is a must. Post surgery problems like dryness, decreased sensitivity and glare is commonly experienced for which you can consult your eye specialist. Be on look out, if you observe some floaters or increase in there number.

Computer use and office eye syndrome -dry eye disease is found in higher prevalance among women office workers working on visual display terminal(VDT) users.

Pregnancy
Pregnancy is associated with lots of hormonal changes. This leads to water retention & some experience it as change in refractive error (glasses). Many patients become intolerant to contacts. Some pregnancies are associated with raised blood pressure & blood sugar levels; they too may affect pregnant lady’s vision. A good eye checkup with proper glasses correction during the second or third trimester is advised.

Computer users
Proper correction, posture, lubrication, lighting should be taken care...…Helpful eye care tips for computer users.

Systemic Diseases (Diabetes/Thyroid/Hypertension/Arthritis/Autoimmune diseases/obesity)
Women are prone to become overweight, especially with advancing age. This increases the risk for developing diseases such as diabetes. High blood sugar causes the lens of the eye to swell, impairing normal vision. Diabetes also increases the risk of developing other eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Maintain a healthy weight and have regular blood tests if diabetes runs in the family. Thyroid & arthritis too affect women more commonly, presenting with dryness, grittiness, foregn body sensation. Thyroid may be associated with raised intraocular pressure, or limitation of eye movements. Women are eight times more prone to suffer from various auto immune diseases and they too have associated eye symptoms.

Oral contraceptives also are associated with increased incidence of dry eye symptoms.

Smoking
Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing dryness,cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage. Girls should never start smoking and women who smoke should quit right away decreasing the risk of developing these eye conditions.

Menopausal

Women entering menopause too suffer from various hormonal changes/imbalances .This can affect eye by presenting as dryness, foreign body sensation, redness, heaviness.

Age associated diseases

Cataract, Age related macular degeneration (ARMD), glaucoma prevalence of many diseases increases with age. Women over age of sixty should go for a comprehensive eye check up at least once a year. Early detection leads to better management.

Suffering from eye problem? Book an appointment today!

Helpful Eye Care Tips for Computer User’s

With rise of computer usage & many of us spending lots of time in front of the computer (desktop, laptop, iPad, and smart phones) every day. Research is showing a rise in visual problems.Eye-strain,tired eyes, irritation, burning sensations, redness of eyes, dry eyes, blurred, and double vision are commonly experienced by computer users and termed as Computer vision Syndrome ( C .V. S ) .It is a repetitive strain disorder.What can one do? First, it’s important to find out how you can protect your eyes, thorough eye health examinations and by making a few minor changes in your computer viewing habits.

Here are some helpful Eye Care Tips -

Correct positioning is everything 
Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm’s length (60-75 cm) from your eyes and 15- 20 degrees below eye level  straight in front of you. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort. Proper posture & a rightly angled chair will too reduce the neck & eye strain.Font size N9 newspaper print (6/19.2 letter) too will reduce eye strain.

Bilton's proposed term 1,2,10 (one to Ten) can be used for distances for current electronic gadgets.Mobile phones at a distance of one foot (30 cm),2-21/2 feet for desktops and laptops and 10 feet(about 3 meters) for television screens.
Palm tops, laptops and mobile are held closer  ,bigger font and reading corrections should be used.Those working for prolonged hours(>30 hours/week) fine  glasses  corrections too must be corrected to avoid eye strain.

Lighting can make all the difference
Room lighting should be diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen.Avoid computer's in the backdrop of a bright light source like large window or bright fluorescent tubes, table lamps and office lighting can wash out screen character images and cause annoyance by reflection and glare. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your color, contrast and brightness levels to suit you (more of contrast & less of brightness). Anti-glare screen can be added on your computer for more comfort.

A little extra help for your glasses
Anti-reflective coatings on the lenses of your glasses can be applied by your optometrist to reduce discomfort and to ease reduced vision from bright and/or flickering light sources such as VDTs and fluorescent lights. And don’t forget, your optometrist can help you with eyeglasses designed specifically for people who use computers a lot.Single vision computer glasses are more comfortable than bifocal's for prolonged computer use.  Those nearing 40’s can increase the font size, use intermediate correction or opt for well corrected progressive glasses.

Take time out, our 20-20-20 rule 

Step 1:-

• After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen, turn your head and try to look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. This changes the focal length of your eyes, a must-do for the tired eyes as this relaxes your eye muscles used in reading (accommodation).

Step 2:-

• Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them.

Step 3:-

• Time permitting of course, one should walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes of sitting in one particular posture or stretch & change your posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire body.

It’s all in the blinking

Did you know that on average we blink 12-16 times per minute? But wait, did you know that when we’re on the computer we only blink 5 times per minute & that too may be a partial blink? That can add up to dry eyes. Relieve the discomfort by using artificial tear drops or gels and remember to blink!. Computer user's wearing contact lenses are more 12 times more prone to C.V.S( computer vision syndrome).
Avoid turning the air conditioning too high or direct droughts to the face.

Palming

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. the. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. 

Splash water on your face

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

Use tea bags

Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.

Eat healthy

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 at the office. 

Hydration

Have plenty of fluids, 8 glasses of water every day, it is not only good for your health, but it keeps your skin moist & healthy (esp. those who have dark circles, wrinkles).

Children and Computer's
Children have poorer posture,and  have a tendency to work from a closer distance.They overlook their symptoms of eye strain. So they should be observed and allowed shorter duration.

Does your toddler need glasses?

Good vision is a must for all growing kids especially as their 80-85 % learning is dependent on their vision. This need is enhanced as they start schooling. Parents must be cautious and on look out for early signs & symptoms

Physical Signs 

1. One or both eyelids droop 
2. Cornea is showing white opacity
3. Some white reflex is seen in any of the eye
4. Iris of one or both eyes appears cloudy 
5. Excessive tearing in one or both eyes 
6. Sensitivity to light, excessive blinking in bright light 
7. Persistent redness in or around the eye(s) 
8. Swelling or discharge from the eye(s) 

Behavioural Signs 

1. Rubs eyes frequently 
2. Consistently sits too close to the TV 
3. Holds items close to face to read 
4. Squinting to see things close up or at a distance 
5. Tilts head to one side to see better 
6. Closes one eye to read, watch TV, or see better 

If the child is showing any of the above symptoms take him for a complete eye check-up.

When to go for the first eye checkup? 

The general wisdom is that all children should have their eyes examined prior to beginning primary school. Identifying vision problems early can mean avoiding possible difficulties in the classroom. 

However, if vision problems run in the family, it's probably wise to have your child's vision checked by age 3, sooner if you notice physical problems like squint, seeing less in one eye, or if she/he has difficulty focusing on and following your finger. 

How often should one go?

School-aged children should get their eyes examined every two years. If your child wears glasses they should have their eyes checked annually to monitor any changes in their vision. If there are any complains in vision, redness, watering, stickiness, headaches then it’s time to meet the eye specialist.

Whom to see

Optometrist?  Ophthalmologist? Optician? It can be a little confusing knowing whom to see, especially for your child's first eye exam. Generally, you should choose an eye care professional based on the type of care your child needs. 

Optician: This is an eye-care professional who has been trained to make and fit eyeglasses and to instruct clients in the use of eyewear and contact lenses. They are not eye doctors and do not perform eye exams, nor do they prescribe glasses or contact lenses. 

Optometrist: Also known as a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), this is a licensed eye care professional who has been trained to diagnose and treat vision problems. They can perform eye exams, diagnose and treat primary eye conditions, and prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Optometrists must receive four years of training and be licensed in order to practice. Optometrists sometimes work in optical stores run by opticians. 

Ophthalmologist: That word is a mouthful, but basically, this is a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care. Typically, an ophthalmologist completes four and half years of medical school, one year of internship and follows that up with specialized training in surgeries of the eye and general eye and vision care. Like an optometrist, they can examine the eyes, diagnose and treat eye conditions, and prescribe glasses, and contact lenses; however, the ophthalmologist can also perform simple and complex eye surgeries. 

Choose an eye specialist, if available in vicinity. Keep some time aside as a child’s eye examination may require dilatation with eye drops.

Kid’s with special needs too require a thorough eye examination. They can be dealt gently & a good correction can work wonders for them as they are unable to complain about eye pain, headaches and mostly may present with irritable behaviour.

Wait and Think! Are your eyes healthy?

Are you seeing stars or flashes of lights, or cow webs floating, or colored haloes around light source, read without you reading glasses...Well you are not developing supernatural vision nor are things going to become better by ignoring. Get over your fear (doctor or dread of disease), as you are still able to see! All you need to do is fix an appointment with your eye specialist.

FLOATERS: 
Floaters or cow webs are tiny thread like floating objects we see in our field of vision. They are better appreciated against a light background. Most of the times they are harmless aging changes. They have slow random projectile type of movement. Many adults can observe one or two floater in one of their eyes. Better if you can increase antioxidants in your diet. If there is sudden increase in size, number or prominence, or they start disturbing your visual field it’s time to see an eye doctor. There can be associated flashes of light.

FLASHES: 
Sometimes some of us see flashes of light or stars falling or moving in one direction inside our eye. These star showers can be in spurts or continuous. First of all leave all heavy jobs and lie down to rest.  There are higher chances if you wear high minus number (Lasik removes your number by changing the contour of your cornea, but your eyeball remains unchanged and carry’s the associated weakness),had some eye trauma (sometimes even a minor one), had retinal detachment in one eye or even a family history. Even if flashes stop by themselves, it is advisable to get a thorough retina examination done.

COLORED HALOES: 
You observe a blue red circle around a light source such as vehicle headlights, lamps etc. Some describe it as a rainbow around light. Check for associated redness, stickiness, watering, discomfort, eye pain, headache, time of the day (morning/evening). Colored haloes can be seen sometimes in eye infections. They can be appreciated in early cataracts by some. Glaucoma may too present with it. So visit an eye specialist to find out what is the cause in your case.

READING WITHOUT READING GLASSES: 
After using reading glasses for some years lately one feels that he/she can see well without the glasses. An above 40 years old is thrilled with the thought! This is an indication that your minus number is increasing due to nuclear sclerosis; in simple words you are developing cataract. Hence an eye check-up is due.

Eye Care Tips For You

It really is an amazing world; you need an open mind & eyes to see it! For those who are making an effort to read this article, let me congratulate them…as 85% of our learning is dependent on our vision. So about time we stopped taking things for granted .Let me start with some simple tips

·         BLINK MORE- Sounds crazy, but many of us on computers (even the ones reading) are in a habit of blinking partially & infrequently. This leads to unstable tear film, which is carrying the nutrients for our avascular cornea, hence bleary red tired eyes. Blink about 16times/minute…count or autosuggest choice is yours, the world will not be over in a blink!! So relax n blink (use lubricants if you feel dry, even an eyewash will do)

·         FOOD- All most all of us love it, (the ones who are on diet love it more). We all are really busy , running out of time, lots of jobs piled up ,single handed saving the world…so a skip of meal, a handy  burger, pasta, pizza, fries, noodles… anything fast & available has become a part of our lifestyle. Health supplements’ like vitamins, antioxidants, omega, proteins, and nutrients will make up for the deficiency & cover-up our inefficiency and self neglect. But does it really…think for a moment you know the answer! Keep 30 minutes of your life to pamper yourself with one good healthy leafy fresh meal…less of oil, salt is more of life!!

·         MAKEUP- Half the world loves it and other half admires it! Eyes hold the thrown…big innocent eyes, brown/blue eyes, smoldering eyes, smoky eyes, twinkling stars …list is never ending. The extent people go to achieve that look has more risks than the stock market. Nevertheless we all take it… A well calculated risk leads to success, but for others downfall follows. So apply the best & smallest pack (so that it can be changed every 2-3 months) eye makeup which stays on the outside (make sure you don’t have the allergic skin type). Anything inside the eye is a strict no…even the branded or desi kajal, kohl, surma. Remember to takeoff the makeup & stop if you notice any signs of redness, puffiness or irritation.

·         CONTACT LENS – Lenses are great whether it is for number correction, corneal disease or cosmetic makeovers. Getting a right fit, proper number, correct lens material & learning how to wear them is an essential requirement (not a trivial issue).Most lens problems originate from improper & inadequate knowledge. They do cutoff the oxygen supply by 80%, so give some breathing time to your lovely cornea! Wear glasses for a change (add a dash of color to your life with the colorful ones if you like), don’t over wear your lenses (avoid more than 10 hrs). Don’t sleep with your lenses in your eyes. Contact lenses can give most dreadful infections, which will be neither liked by you nor by your eye specialist. After years of lenses use all of us feel like the specialist, and get a little careless about the hygiene regime .Don‘t save money by over using your lenses, save your eyes! This is always better in long run.

·         ROUTINE EYE CHECK-UP- How many of us go for a routine eye check-up on our own? School check-up  employment forms & optical shops are a good screening but they do not suffice. The details of your health that your eye specialist can learn & give through an eye check-up is stunning, besides correcting your refractive errors & eye diseases. Eyes are a reflection of your mind, soul & body not only in spiritual but also in physical sense. Why fear an eye specialist, the most harmless of all with some lights up their sleeves, so about time you saw one & told him/her what has been bothering your eye!