EYES
- [ Eyes ]
- [ Short Sight - Myopia ]
- [ Long Sight - Hypermetropia ]
- [ Astigmatism ]
- [ Squinting ]
- [ Colour Blindness ]
- [ Infections ]
- [ Ageing Disorders ]
- [ Basic Eye Care ]
- [ Eye Exercises ]
The eyeball is circular, roughly one inch in diameter, but only about one twelfth of it shows. The part you see through is the black pupil, where light passes through to the back of the eye. Pupils appear small in daylight and wider at night because the surrounding coloured iris contracts and expands - shrinks when it is dark allowing the pupils to expand and let in more light. The cornea is the eye’s transparent surface and is a kind of lens that enables it to focus. Further back is a lens that refines what the cornea absorbs. This is slim and relaxed when eyes look into the distance, and thicker when viewing something close up. Eventually an image reaches the retina at the back of the eye which in turn passes it to the brain. All of this happens in a split second.
An eye is functionally mature at ten years of age and usually no serious changes occur in it until after forty. A healthy eye can focus easily at its nearest point as well as adjusting to distance. The focusing power depends on the anatomical arrangement of the cornea and lens, and refractive errors are usually genetically determined. Dysfunction’s such as short and long sightedness and astigmatism usually occur because the lens is the wrong proportion for the eyeball. No permanent damage can come through eye strain or incorrect glasses, or watching too much television.
The basic measurement of good eyesight is that one should be able to see clearly into the distance as well as close up. An optician classifies normal sight as 6/6 which means that you can see at 6 metres (20 feet) what has been precisely gauged to be visible at that distance. For example you should be able to read a car’s number plate at 23 metres (80 feet). If your eyesight is 6/8 that means you only see clearly at 6 metres what you should be seeing clearly at 8.
Short Sight - Known as Myopia.
The short sighted eye tends to be longer, so light has further to travel from the eye’s own lens to the point on the retina at the back of the eye, which relays the image to the brain. Sometimes the light does not get there, and an unclear picture results.
Long Sight - Known as Hypermetropia.
The eye is shorter, so the image carrying light rays go beyond the retina instead of focusing on it. This means that eyes are more comfortable looking into the distance than at close objects.
This is when part of your vision is blurred, usually because the cornea is misshapen.
Usually due to a lazy eye, where the muscle lacks pulling power. When the good eye focuses the other can’t, so instead turns inwards, outwards, up or down. Sometimes eyes can harmonise in one direction but not in another. Squints usually show up very early in life and should be corrected before twelve otherwise it may be too late. Sometimes an eye requires a minor operation, exercises often help, or lenses to strengthen the lazy eye.
This is not actual blindness, but inability to recognise a few colours only, usually green and red.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin protective layer over the eye together with a sticky discharge. It usually occurs with an allergy or as a symptom of a nervous disease. It attracts bacteria and sets up an infection, making it possible to infect others too. There are various lotions and medications which soothe and lubricate the rough areas but the only quick cure is the use of antibiotics.
Blepharitis is inflammation at the roots of the eyelashes, and is inclined to appear if there is a tendency towards dry skin, dandruff or acne. All make-up has some potential allergy problem and unless well cleaned off can produce this sort of inflammation. It is easily treated.
In old age, the lens of the eye tends to become more opaque and when sight is seriously impaired by this clouding over, it is called a cataract. Cataracts develop slowly and the only treatment when they become severe is surgical removal of the lens which is replaced by strong glasses.
Also with age, pressure within the eye area increases - causing headaches and radiating pain, also coloured haloes around lights. This is known as glaucoma and is often hereditary. Treatment usually comprises keeping open the drainage channels between the iris and lens by contracting the pupil. A small operation may be necessary to increase the channels.
Conservation of eyesight involves using eyes, not abusing them. Watch for fatigue and if your eyes are constantly tired see a specialist. Try not to read in moving vehicles. Make sure you are living with adequate light - the light should come from behind or above rather than in front. When reading, stop after an hour to give your eyes fifteen minutes rest.
Vitamin A is important for eyesight and is readily available in vegetables including carrots, celery and tomatoes. Vitamin B-2, Vitamin C and Vitamin D are also necessary. When there is a lack of Vitamin B-2, eyes often become bloodshot, itchy and watery.
Dark circles and puffiness can be due to lack of sleep or a sluggish kidney. Otherwise it is normal relaxation of tissue which comes with the passing of years. Application of iced water or milk often reduce swollen or puffy eyes. Witch-hazel is helpful - pour a trace over cotton wool pads: it is best if the witch hazel is cold. Grated potato left under the eyes helps to reduce swelling, also rosehip tea, fresh figs or strawberries.
For inflamed eyes, squeeze in fresh cucumber juice, or place slices over the eye and leave for 15 minutes. Compresses of an infusion of camomile is a good natural aid for the eyes.
Bloodshot eyes could be caused by blood vessels congenitally dilated or by sensitivity. Often alcohol is the cause. Sometimes itchy, sore, red swollen eyes are caused by a bacteria and you should consult your health care practitioner for treatment. Eye drops are safe for a short period of time, and if the problem persists consult your health care practitioner for medical care.
- Eyes need rest and exercise. During the day rest your eyes by simply putting the palms of your hands over them, cutting out the light for five minutes.
- Sit in front of a picture, look at it. Now gently close your eyes and cover them with the palms of your hands. Relax for three minutes or more. You will notice that eyes will see first grey-black, then deep black. Open your eyes and look at the picture again.
- An additional way to relax tired eyes is to look far into the distance, just gazing.
Eye exercises are simple, quick and efficient:
- Roll eyes to the right, then to the left in complete circles - 20 times each way.
- Look at the tip of your finger, held quite close to the face, then look at a very distant object, then back at your finger. Repeat a few times.
Exercise for the Eye and Facial Muscles
- Sit with eyes closed and relaxed. Keeping your eyes closed look down and then look up as far as possible. Repeat the facial exercise 10 times.
- Sit upright with eyes closed and relaxed. Keeping your eyes closed, lift your eyebrows and stretching your eyelids down as far as possible. Keep in this position for 5 counts, relax and repeat 5 times.
- Sit upright with eyes relaxed and open. Lift your eyebrows while closing your top eyelids until about halfway closed, then open your eyelid wide open until the white of your eye shows over your iris.
- Sit upright looking with eyes open. Look up then down, while keeping your head still. Repeat 10 times. Then look left and right - repeat 10 times.
Additional Information [ Baggy Eyes by Michael Meyer ]