FEATURES: EYE-SAVING PRACTICES

Monday, March 14, 2011

EYE-SAVING PRACTICES

Eye speak volumes. They sometimes express more than words convey. No wonder it is often said that the eyes are the window of the soul.

Who has not blushed upon seeing a crush? Who has not cried after watching a heart-tugging movie? Who has not read a good book and felt truly blessed? Who has not gazed at the Olympic Nest and marveled at its architectural design?

Yes, of all the senses that make us aware of the world around, none gives more pleasure and opportunities to appreciate the beauty of God had created than our eyes. The splendid scenery, the twinkling stars, the dancing brooklet---the water, air, and sea pollution notwithstanding. Our eyes also alert us of danger---speeding cars, deep excavations, snatchers.

But many times we take our eyes for granted through unhealthy practices. We rub them. We do not eat vitamin A-rich foods. We expose them to the sun. We sleep late and wake up early.

Well, EYE CARE is better than EYE CURE. Since our eyes do their job the moment we open them, we really need to take good care of them. Here are some HEALTHY TIPS:

Remove make-ups before sleeping at night.
Clean eyes with water. It is the best cleansing agent. You may also use a clean cotton ball dipped in fresh milk.
Use your own clean face towel. Using another person's towel puts you at risk for eye infection like pink eye (infectious conjunctivitis)
Keep hands away from the eyes to avoid introducing infection. Instead, just blink your eyelids. Besides, blinking is good exercise.
Never rub your eyes. Just blink. That Blinking produces tears that will wash away the offending object.
Eat a balanced diet. Load up on fruits and vegetables. The more intense the color of the fruit and vegetable, the higher its vitamin A content.
Drink adequate amount of water.
Use umbrella or wide-brim hat when out in the sun.
Wear a visor or sunglasses for protection rays, strong winds, and small objects floating in the air.
Blink the eyes or yawn. These acts protect the eye from dryness.
While driving, direct your car's vent toward the floor to avoid the air-conditioning from drying your eyes.
When swimming, wear swimming goggles. They protect the eyes from chlorine in the pool or saltiness of the seawater.
When welding or doing carpentry jobs, wear goggles to protect the eyes from injury, dust, or eye hazards.
Choose a desk lamp instead of a bright fluorescent light when reading or doing close-up work.
To soothe your tired eyes, give them a five-minute rest every hour by looking up or gazing at some distance or greenery.
If you have diabetes or hypertension, take your medications regularly.
For relaxing effect, cup hands over closed eyes without applying pressure on the eyes.