Eat Better, See Better: 8 Foods to Improve your Eyesight

 

Caring for the eyes is seldom endeavored compared to taking care of your mouth or ears. After all, you can’t easily notice it because it’s the main head part you use to notice other things. Vision, however, wears down over time. Sometimes faster if a person does not take care of it. One of the ways to improve eyesight and maintain vision health is through diet. Incorporating the right food items to your diet can go a long way towards long-term eye health. Here are eight foods that are scientifically proven to do the job.

 

Kale

Kale is famous for its distinct and powerful taste. The vegetable is often used as a side dish or as a separate salad order. Other eccentric ways people have used kale is by blending it into fruit smoothies or shakes and baking it into kale chips. Nutrition-wise, kale is loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants and vitamins. It is a rich source of beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are good for the eyes.

 

Corn

Aside from being the all-time favorite snack, corn also contains lutein and zeaxanthin. The amount of lutein and zeaxanthin present in corn can be increased further by cooking the vegetable for a longer period of time.

 

Salmon

Salmon contains large amounts of omega 3 oils, which aid in keeping the eyes moisturized to prevent macular degeneration and cataract. To top it off, salmon is also a versatile seafood and can be cooked in different ways, allowing you to enjoy the meal without getting tired of it. Salmon can be a bit expensive and out of the budget at times. Other alternatives include the likes of tuna and sardines.

 

Eggs

If you are eating at least one egg per day, you are actually on your way to better eye health without even knowing it. Eggs are valued for their protein and good cholesterol. However, it is also rich with lutein and vitamin A, which protects against dry eyes and night blindness.

 

Whole Grains

Load up on carbohydrates and charge up your mornings while simultaneously improving eye health with a plate of whole grain rice, pasta, or bread. Whole grains contain vitamin E, niacin and zinc, nutrients good for the eye.

 

Fruits

Add more fruits to your diet, particularly citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and berries. They contain high levels of antioxidants that help not only the eyes but the entire body as well.

 

Nuts

Known as brain food, nuts including walnuts and almonds contain large amounts of omega 3 oils and vitamin E that boost eyesight. You can ground and sprinkle them on almost any food, from ice creams to noodles.

 

Beef

Grass-fed beef contains zinc and vitamin A. However, lean beef consumption must be moderated since it can lead to bowel difficulties.

 

While making all of these foods part of your regular diet will help your eye health, you should also make it a habit to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist. It may be time to get a pair of eyeglasses for vision aid. Online stores like Marvel Optics now allow easy access to prescription eyeglasses without having to leave the house.

 

Categories: eye health, eyes, health, kale, large amounts, nbsp, vitamin

Healthy Eyes: How to Avoid a Glaucoma

 

When you see your health care provider, you often assume that the symptoms you are experiencing can be cured quickly with medications or minor treatments. However, if your symptoms include complaints of tunnel vision and difficulty focusing the eyes, there may not be a cure in sight. These are two common symptoms of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a serious illness and is actually the leading cause of blindness among adults in the United States. Although it can be treated, it is unfortunately incurable. Once diagnosed with glaucoma, you will always have the disease. This is why it is important to be aware of early warning signs and know the measures you can take to avoid the development of the disorder.

 

What Blood Pressure Has To Do With It

The absolute biggest way to avoid the development of glaucoma is by controlling your blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to increased pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure, which can lead to glaucoma. Aqueous fluid within the eye is unable to flow out of the eye and pressure builds up as a result. Maintaining normal blood pressure readings will keep this buildup of intraocular pressure from occurring. If you have high blood pressure, you must comply with the treatment plan ordered by your health care provider, receive routine health care provider follow-ups, and monitor blood pressure frequently in order to maintain healthy vision.

 

Know the Warning Signs

According to Londonderry Eye Care, because there is no cure or glaucoma, it is crucial to recognize early symptoms and seek medical treatment with the first sign of problems. Symptoms can include blurred vision, the appearance of halos around lights, difficulty focusing the eyes and difficulty adjusting eyes in low lighting. Tunnel vision is having intact vision in a small center section of the visual field with no peripheral, or outer, vision and is a symptom unique to this disorder. There may be little to no pain or pressure. Symptoms of glaucoma usually develop slowly. A key factor is maintaining the highest vision possible and avoiding progression of the disease.

 

Remember that there is no cure for glaucoma. But there is treatment to attempt to keep the disease from progressing and causing decreased vision. The primary focus is to keep the intraocular pressure low enough to prevent the development of optic nerve damage. This can usually be accomplished by prescribing medications in the form of oral medications or eye drops. The treatment for glaucoma is a lifelong process and patient compliance is essential.

 

Categories: eye care, eyes, glaucoma, health, healthy eyes

7 Signs You Need Your Eyes Checked

 

By Lizzie Weakley

 

Not only is good eyesight an important part of everyday activities, issues with one’s vision could be indicative of more serious medical issues that are taking place. For those that have not recently scheduled an appointment with an ophthalmologist, here are seven signs that it may be time.

 

1. Eye Fatigue and Strain

Eye fatigue may seem like nothing more than a daily hassle for some, especially those staring at a computer screen all day, but it also could mean that serious issues are taking place. The occasional feeling as if one’s eyes are tired can be normal, but those that struggle with chronic eye fatigue or strain should schedule an appointment immediately.

 

2. Discoloration and Discharge

Outside of direct pain and discomfort, discoloration and discharge in or around the eyes typically means that an infection is taking place. Infections can have a very large impact on one’s eyesight and will require an immediate trip to a specialist.

 

3. Headaches

Headaches can take place due to a lack of sleep, trauma, or even medications that one is taking, but they can also be the result of damage or deterioration to the eyes. Chronic headaches, particularly when combined with any of these other side effects, should be thoroughly treated by an eye doctor.

 

4. A Gradual Blurring of Vision

No matter how careful one may be with their eyesight, almost everyone is going to have their vision slowly decline. Due to the fact that a decline in vision is gradual, it is difficult for many to tell it is happening until much later, but any signs of deteriorating eyesight should be accompanied by a full checkup.

 

5. No Checkups in the Past Two Years

Even those who feel as if their eyes are perfectly healthy should schedule an appointment if they have not seen an ophthalmologist in the past 24 months. According to those at For Your Eyes Only Vision Center, preventative checkups are quick, affordable, and will help patients hedge off common eyesight problems over the years.

 

6. Sudden Visual Disturbances

Visual disturbances that come about suddenly could mean a serious medical issue such as a detached retina or retinal tear. Some of the most common disturbances to be aware of include flashes of light, obstruction to one’s vision in a specific location, or floaters.

 

7. Vision Issues with Strong Light Sources

When squinting or staring at a bright screen in the dark, eye eyes will often have issues with brighter light sources. If halos or rings appear around light sources, certain components of one’s eyes are no longer functioning properly and should be assessed.

There is too much at stake for anyone to leave the health of their eyes up to chance. Those experiencing even one of these issues should seek out a full checkup immediately to prevent any major damage.

 

Categories: checked, eyes, signs

How to Identify the Source of Your Tired-Looking Eyes

At what point in your life did the woman staring back at you in the mirror look so old? You don’t feel any older, so why is it reflected in those tired eyes? You might think all you need is to get more sleep, but according to New York dermatologist Charlotte Clark, even a full-night’s sleep isn’t enough to get your anti-ageing wellness back on track. While sleeping more is good for your wellbeing, and may help to diminish the appearance of tired eyes a little, to truly target tired eyes you need to first consider their source.

 

So why do you get tired-looking eyes? Anti-ageing wellness expert Jolene Edgar explains, ‘Genetics are the biggest culprit. If you inherit fair or thin skin under the eyes, it’s more obvious when blood pools there (often because of slower circulation from lack of sleep). This accumulation causes fragile capillaries to stretch and leak. Age is another factor. Over time, skin loses collagen and thins, so veins show through more prominently. Sunbathing speeds up this process by breaking down collagen and mottling skin colour.’ Your eyes may suffer even more if you have seasonal allergies. Ranella Hirsch, a dermatologist in Boston, points out that seasonal allergies ‘trigger the release of histamines in the body, which in turn inflame blood vessels and cause swelling.’

 

But how do you workout your individual source of tired-looking eyes? ‘To determine why your circles happen, gently stretch the skin under your eyes,’ Edgar advises. ‘If that area becomes darker, the circles are probably due to genetics or ageing. If the colour doesn’t change, UV rays or allergies are probably the cause.’ Once you’ve found out the culprit behind your tired-looking eyes, you can then move on to treating them. Luckily, we’ve got the solutions you need:

 

1. Vascular Issues: ‘If your circles are the result of vascular issues, double up on pillows at night to stop blood from building up under your eyes,’ recommends Edgar. ‘In the morning, apply a cold compress for about five minutes to constrict the blood vessels…Use an eye cream with caffeine, which helps constrict vessels (try Lancôme Rénergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Intense Repositioning Eye Lifter; $72, lancome-usa.com for info). Other smart alternatives: Arnica-based creams (found at health-food stores), which are considered to have anti-inflammatory properties, may reduce the appearance of darkness. And eye creams with green tea or grape seed oil help strengthen capillary walls (try Replenix Intensive Eye Lightening Serum, $59, dermstore.com). You can tweak your diet, too. Flavonol-rich dark chocolate (an ounce a day) and foods full of omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts) may improve blood flow to the skin.’

 

2. Seasonal Allergies: Edgar suggests, ‘For allergy-induced circles, consider taking an over-the-counter antihistamine before allergies begin to abate shadows.’

 

3. Thin Skin: Using a collagen-building cream can help to conquer your thin skin issue. Hirsch notes, ‘One of my top go-to ingredients is retinol. It helps increase collagen production.’ For this, you might like to try ROC Multi-Correxion Eye Treatment. Edgar adds, ‘Vitamin C also encourages production and can help brighten skin tone (find it in a product such as Renée Rouleau Vitamin C Eye Serum). And wear sunscreen daily…or you’ll cancel out the benefits from any of these treatments.’

 

Once you’ve got these foundations in place, don’t forget to conceal any under-eye problems with clever make-up! Edgar comments, ‘For quick circle camouflage, apply eye cream and let it dry for a few minutes. Then pat on a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone. Top with a layer of loose powder, which helps prevent makeup from caking in creases.’

Categories: ageing wellness, allergies, anti ageing, blood vessels, Eye Cream, eyes, seasonal allergies, skin tone, thin skin, tired eyes, vascular issues

Can You Improve Your Eyesight? 3 Steps to Start Achieving it

Many people are searching for a way to improve their eyesight. Fortunately, it’s not quite as hard as it might seem. In fact, there are three tips that anyone can use to start improving their eyesight. For professional assistance, it’s a good idea to consult with experts such as those with Londonderry Eye Care who does Edmonton eye exam.

 

Eye Exercises

Over time, research has shown eye exercises to be very effective for improving eyesight. There are some core exercises that will help to improve eyesight while also helping to maintain current eyesight. It’s best to perform eye exercises in the morning and before bed.

 

However, these exercises can also be effective whenever vision fatigue is experienced. Before performing the exercises, it’s important to have clean hands and get relaxed. By practicing these exercises daily, it’s possible to see results within the first month.

 

The first exercise involves warming the eyes. For this exercise, you can rub your palms together, which will produce heat. Next, place your hands over your eyes for about six seconds.

 

This exercise should be performed about four times. The second exercise involves rolling your eyes. Position your eyes so you’re looking up, then roll them clockwise and counterclockwise 10 times.

 

Next, grab a pen or pencil and hold it two feet away from your face. Bring the pen to a point that is five inches away from your nose and move it back to the starting point. By watching the pen, it exercises your ability to focus.

Eating Right

The second tip involves eating a diet that facilitates vision improvement. The eyes need vitamins E, C, and A to function optimally. Zinc, copper and other essential minerals are also helpful.

 

Many antioxidants help to protect the eye’s macula from damage caused by the sun. Some of the best foods that provide many of these nutrients are carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, yellow peppers, egg yolks and leafy greens.

 

There is plenty of research that suggests green and yellow vegetables are responsible for protecting against macular generation.

The Temples

The third tip that can help improve vision involves rubbing your temples. Your temples should be massaged in a circular motion, and you can use your thumb knuckles to do it. For optimal results, it’s best to rub the temples for a total of 20 times.

 

This technique can be used along with the other tips, and it should provide optimal results when performed in the morning. These are three ways that anyone can start improving their eyesight.

Categories: exercise involves, exercises, eye exercises, eyes, eyesight, improve, nbsp, optimal results, temples, times nbsp

Windows to the Soul: How to Improve Your Under-Eye Area

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then most of us have got very dark and puffy windowsills. When it comes to anti-ageing wellness, dark circles and bags under your eyes are a dead giveaway, and one that affects many-a-person’s wellbeing. According to dermatologist Valerie Goldburt, MD, PhD, of NYU Langone Medical Centre, ‘I hear patients voice complaints several times a day.’ However, the good news is, once you work out what your particular eye-problem is, there are some effective, wellness fixes you can try.

 

1. Morning-after puffy eyes: Water building up under your eyes could be due to a cold, seasonal allergy or sinus infection. Goldburt explains, ‘We have the thinnest skin around our eyes, so it’s the area that’s most influenced by the in-and-out flow of fluids.’ Another reason for puffy eyes might be that you ate too much salty food last night, or cried a lot. Goldburt clarifies, ‘Water always travels from areas in the body where there’s low salt concentration to tissues where there’s more salt.’ If your puffy eyes are due to hay fever or colds, over-the-counter medications, such as neti pots, will probably sort your eyes out. Sleeping on your back with an extra pillow under your head also encourages the water not to collect in your eyes. Goldburt says, ‘The earlier you start changing your sleep position, the better, because after a few years under-eye bags can became permanent.’

 

2. Dark Circles: Unlike puffy eyes, dark circles are often not temporary or caused by something in your life. Rather, pigmentary issues are often inherited, and the natural ageing process also contribute to dark circles as the skin around your eye becomes thinner and exposes the tiny blood vessels that lie just below. That said, New York makeup artist Kimara Ahnert asserts that you can still do something about it. Choose a concealer than matches your skin tone and, if you have mild discoloration, make sure you pick a liquid formula. For more prominent shadows, coverage with a cream or cake concealer is best, just pat the concealer on lightly from the inner corner of your eye to just past the outer corner. Joseph Eviatar, MD, a New York ophthalmic plastic surgeon, notes that dark circles caused by extremely thin skin are ‘really difficult to treat, [but] eye creams that contain caffeine may help a bit because they constrict the underlying blood vessels.’

 

3. General quick fixes: If you just generally want more youthful-looking eyes, start by quitting smoking and applying sun cream to your eye area on a daily basis. Both smoking and exposure to UV rays weaken your collagen production, which causes premature wrinkling and sagging. Another top tip from Goldburt is to apply a moisturiser to your eye area every night. ‘You don’t need to spend a lot,’ Goldburt assures. ‘Almost any drugstore moisturiser will provide the hydration you need.’ However, Goldburt’s number one tip is to use a prescription retinoic acid – the vitamin A cream that goes by the generic name tretinoin – as part of your daily skin care regimen. According to Goldburt, ‘It’s the single best thing you can use to prevent wrinkles and improve existing lines.’ Brent Moelleken, MD, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, adds ‘We have patients who swear by’ using a haemorrhoid cream on puffy eyes. ‘But we suggest a retinol eye cream instead.’ If all else fails, why not try the classic, cheap options of placing cold spoons, slices of cucumbers, chilled tea bags, or even a package of frozen peas under your eyes. The cool temperatures – rather than any special properties of cucumbers or peas – reduce swelling.

Categories: blood vessels, Dark Circles, eye area, eyes, goldburt, lot goldburt, moisturiser, plastic surgeon, puffy, Puffy Eyes, skin

How to Have Beautiful Eyes without Damaging Them

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, which is perhaps why you give them so much anti-ageing attention. You want to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, trim unruly brows and generally make your eyes gorgeous, but at what cost to your wellbeing? Could some of your favourite beauty therapies actually be doing damage to your eye wellness? We’ve rounded up some of the worst offenders for harming eyes, as well as some friendlier alternatives, so you can have healthy and beautiful eyes.

 

1. Coloured lenses: As we’ve just had Halloween, you may have seen a lot of people wearing scary eye lenses and thought, “hey, now there’s an idea.” While you may want to choose a new colour for your eyes – instead of looking like a zombie – when these lenses are sold without prescription you are putting your eyes at risk of injuries or infections. Even if you only wear them for a short time, contact lenses from salons, costume shops, or online can cause vision loss, because contact lenses require proper fitting, cleaning, and care. However, if you still feel like the good Lord gave you the wrong colour eyes, you can ask a licensed eye care professional about RX coloured contact lenses. You’ll need an eye exam even if you have perfect vision, and your doctor can write you a prescription and show you how to take care of the lenses properly. Make sure you follow your doctor’s advice so that you don’t injure your eyes.

 

2. Prescription eyelash serum: If you want long, flirty eyelashes – albeit temporarily – latisse is a prescription drug that can help you get them. You daub the serum onto the upper line of your lashes on a daily basis, and can expect to see results in four months. While your lashes may become long and luscious, it’s important that you bear in mind that there’s a risk of side effects, some of which are permanent. The drug may change your eye colour to brown (or make brown eyes darker) and it can also darken the skin around your eyes. Instead, why not ditch the prescription drug in favour of false eyelashes or eyelash extensions? However, while these alternatives can give you that long-lashed look without a prescription drug, that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. The adhesives can irritate your eyelids or cause an allergic reaction, so be careful. You should also be on the watch for permanent eyelash tints that promise thicker-looking lashes, as these have been linked to serious injury, including blindness. The FDA is yet to approve any permanent dyes for use on the lashes.

 

3. Expired makeup: If you’re got glittery eye shadow from the 90s that you’re hanging onto for a just-in-case occasion, chuck it now. While makeup contains preservatives, these can break down over time which enables bacteria to grow. This is not just the case with eye makeup, but all kinds of makeup, although different types of cosmetic have different “use by” guidelines. Don’t hold onto your mascara for more than three to four months, and get rid of eye shadow after two years. Concerning the rest of your makeup bag, lipstick and foundation are OK up until a year, and you can keep hold of blush and powder for up to two years before tossing it out. However, getting back to your eyes, if you develop an eye infection you should throw out your eye makeup immediately. If you use mineral makeup, this contains fewer irritating fillers and preservatives than regular cosmetics, but as it contains allergens you should look products with as few ingredients as possible if you have sensitive eyes and skin.

Categories: Coloured Lenses, contact lenses, eye makeup, eye shadow, eyes, eyes nbsp, lenses, Makeup, prescription, prescription drug, Prescription eyelash serum

How to Have Beautiful Eyes without Damaging Them

They say the eyes are the window to the soul, which is perhaps why you give them so much anti-ageing attention. You want to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, trim unruly brows and generally make your eyes gorgeous, but at what cost to your wellbeing? Could some of your favourite beauty therapies actually be doing damage to your eye wellness? We’ve rounded up some of the worst offenders for harming eyes, as well as some friendlier alternatives, so you can have healthy and beautiful eyes.

 

1. Coloured lenses: As we’ve just had Halloween, you may have seen a lot of people wearing scary eye lenses and thought, “hey, now there’s an idea.” While you may want to choose a new colour for your eyes – instead of looking like a zombie – when these lenses are sold without prescription you are putting your eyes at risk of injuries or infections. Even if you only wear them for a short time, contact lenses from salons, costume shops, or online can cause vision loss, because contact lenses require proper fitting, cleaning, and care. However, if you still feel like the good Lord gave you the wrong colour eyes, you can ask a licensed eye care professional about RX coloured contact lenses. You’ll need an eye exam even if you have perfect vision, and your doctor can write you a prescription and show you how to take care of the lenses properly. Make sure you follow your doctor’s advice so that you don’t injure your eyes.

 

2. Prescription eyelash serum: If you want long, flirty eyelashes – albeit temporarily – latisse is a prescription drug that can help you get them. You daub the serum onto the upper line of your lashes on a daily basis, and can expect to see results in four months. While your lashes may become long and luscious, it’s important that you bear in mind that there’s a risk of side effects, some of which are permanent. The drug may change your eye colour to brown (or make brown eyes darker) and it can also darken the skin around your eyes. Instead, why not ditch the prescription drug in favour of false eyelashes or eyelash extensions? However, while these alternatives can give you that long-lashed look without a prescription drug, that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. The adhesives can irritate your eyelids or cause an allergic reaction, so be careful. You should also be on the watch for permanent eyelash tints that promise thicker-looking lashes, as these have been linked to serious injury, including blindness. The FDA is yet to approve any permanent dyes for use on the lashes.

 

3. Expired makeup: If you’re got glittery eye shadow from the 90s that you’re hanging onto for a just-in-case occasion, chuck it now. While makeup contains preservatives, these can break down over time which enables bacteria to grow. This is not just the case with eye makeup, but all kinds of makeup, although different types of cosmetic have different “use by” guidelines. Don’t hold onto your mascara for more than three to four months, and get rid of eye shadow after two years. Concerning the rest of your makeup bag, lipstick and foundation are OK up until a year, and you can keep hold of blush and powder for up to two years before tossing it out. However, getting back to your eyes, if you develop an eye infection you should throw out your eye makeup immediately. If you use mineral makeup, this contains fewer irritating fillers and preservatives than regular cosmetics, but as it contains allergens you should look products with as few ingredients as possible if you have sensitive eyes and skin.

Categories: Coloured Lenses, contact lenses, eye makeup, eye shadow, eyes, eyes nbsp, lenses, Makeup, prescription, prescription drug, Prescription eyelash serum

Revealed: The Everyday Things That Make Your Skin Look Old

There are many things that age you, other than simply getting older. If you really want to find an anti-aging method that works, you would be well advised to focus on prevention, and on not doing the harmful little things that can degrade the wellness of your skin or the wellbeing of your eyes, and add years to your projected age.

 

One of the worst things you can do for your age is to squint. It is only natural that as you get older, your eyesight begins to go. Many people become nearsighted in middle age, and this is when other muscles around the eye come into play in an attempt to help you focus. As you use all these tiny muscles to squint and peer at things, you then make deep lines around the eyes which give your eyes a wrinkled and world-weary look. You can tackle these fine lines using Botox injections, but the best thing to do is to actually get your eyes checked. Sometimes a pair of glasses (or contacts) can allow the eye muscles to relax and you will then find that your skin is smoother and you look younger.

 

Having bad teeth is also terribly aging. Your teeth add structure and vertical height to your face. If you grind them, bite your nails, chew aggressively or if a diseased tooth has to be removed altogether, your facial skin becomes slacker than before. This, combined with the fact that your skin naturally loses its elasticity as you get older, can result in your skin sagging around your mouth, and the appearance of wrinkles. The best thing to do is to brush your teeth twice a day and go to have them professionally cleaned at least once a year. Remember to floss regularly too, and if you think you are grinding your teeth then a bite guard can also help.

Categories: aging, eyes, muscles, old, older, skin, teeth

How to Perform Three Amazing Ancient Chinese Exercises

When we talk about ancient Chinese principles, we’re really talking ancient. For 2000 years, the Chinese have had exercising and relaxation techniques that serve the very foundation of your wellbeing, and there must be something to it, as they’re still going strong today. Whether it’s self-massage, stretching, relaxation, breathing or strengthening techniques, ancient China have you covered for flexibility, body strength, calming the mind, joint pain and muscle pain relief, emotional balance, enhancing circulation, boosting cardiovascular health and more.

 

Eye rolling

You may have been told off for rolling your eyes in the past, but this is actually an excellent sign of complementary wellness. According to ancient Chinese medicine, eye strengthening exercises give you bright, lustrous eyes and a harmonious spirit. Simply roll your eyes clockwise 15-20 times, and then back the other way, increasing your speed as you go. You may look a bit mental, but this can relieve your sore eyes, improve your vision and wake you up in the morning if you do your exercises in bed.

 

The giraffe

If your neck has seen tauter days and you’re beginning to refer to your chin as a plural, it’s time to get stretching. Keeping your back straight, cover your lower lip with your top lip, inhale slowly through your nose and gently raise your chin until you’re looking straight up. After a second or two of holding your breath and that position, turn your head to look over your shoulder – remembering to keep your shoulders fixed and firm. Hold again for a few seconds, and then exhale and drop your head back towards your chest. Do this for 5-10 stretches on each side.

 

The shoulder roll

The basic qigong principles of a shoulder roll are that you keep the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, focus on your shoulders, and breathe through your nose. Standing up with your knees slightly bent, raise your arms at a 90 degree angle to the ground and roll your arms and shoulders to make small circles in the air. Do this in both directions, and then roll your shoulders with your arms down at your sides.

Categories: ancient, ancient chinese, ancient chinese exercises, chinese, Eye Rolling, eyes, Neck Stretching, roll, shoulder roll, Shoulder Rolling, shoulders

Does Your Child Have Lazy Eye? Get it Sorted Soon!

Although you might not realise it, having a lazy eye can have a big impact on family wellness. Also known as amblyopia, a lazy eye occurs when your child’s brain refuses to recognise one eye or use it for sight, either partially or completely. This often occurs in young children, and so the eye may not get a chance to fully develop. So what are the causes of amblyopia?

 

1. Heredity. If you or your parents suffer from the lazy eye disorder, your child’s wellbeing is more at risk.

 

2. Different power in each eye. If there is different power in each eye, your child may have issues fusing images together and so the brain gets confused and blocks one eye out completely to remedy the situation. The longer it takes for the child to understand that something isn’t right, the more severe the condition may become. This could lead to the need for vision therapy or even an eye patch.

 

3. Crossed eyes. This is a completely different problem from a lazy eye, but it may lead to the eye turning lazy. If the eyes are misaligned, they are again sending mixed signals to the brain, which then may suppress the misaligned eye instead of getting double vision.

 

4. Cataract, eye diseases, glaucoma or droopy eyelids. These problems may be birth defects or they may develop later, so it’s vital that you keep a close watch on your child, and get their eyes checked if you notice anything wrong.

 

So those are the causes of amblyopia but what solutions are available to you as a parent? It’s best to have lazy eye treatments done on your child before the age of eight, but most treatments are still effective up until the age of 17. The treatment options include glasses (which, in mild cases, can fix the lazy eye if worn constantly), surgery (which may be the best option if the cause of your child’s lazy eye is a cataract or squint eyes), patches (which involves placing the patch with a sticky rim is over the ‘good’ eye so that the lazy eye is forced to work), and eye drops (which blur the vision in the good eye, but can come with certain side-effects).

Categories: amblyopia, Brain, Causes, Child, eyes, lazy eye, nbsp, Treatments, vision

8 Tips and a Bit of Concealer: How to Eliminate Dark Circles

For all the progress that has been made in the anti-ageing wellness industry, there’s still no cure for dark circles. Whether emotional wellness reasons, such as stress, are causing the dark circles to appear, or something physical affecting your well-being, like illness or lack of sleep, with these tips – and a bit of concealer – you don’t have to put up with the unnecessary nuisance that is dark circles.

 

1. Visionary vegetables – Mix equal parts of cucumber and potato juice, or equal parts of tomato juice and lime. Dip a cotton pad in the solution you create and leave on your eyes for 20 minutes or more. Or you can alternate cold and hot compresses every 10 minutes and finish off with some almond oil before bed.

 

2. Sleep solution – Not only does a lack of regular sleep lead to dark circles, but it also makes your skin look paler, and this emphasises the shadows even more.

 

3. Diet difference – As part of a balanced diet, make sure you consume plenty of citrus fruits, berries, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, avocado and green tea. This will give you a good dose of vitamins E, K, and C, iron and folic acid, all of which lessen dark circles.

 

4. Muscle magic – Massaging your under-eye area and making fluttering motions with your fingers will get the blood pumping, magically reducing the puffiness around your eyes.

 

5.  Terrible toxins – Smoking and drinking are major perpetrators of dark circles, as these bad habits inhibit the oxygen flow to your skin. Try to limit your alcohol consumption, or at least avoid binge drinking, and quit smoking altogether.

 

6.  Wonderful water – You need to drink a minimum of eight to 10 glasses of water every day, or else dark circles are inevitable. Drink more, and your eyes will shine brighter than ever.

 

7.  Risky rays – When ever you’re heading outside (even if it doesn’t look that sunny) be sure you apply sun block under your eyes, and keep sunglasses on for double protection.

 

8. Computer contact – In this day and age, there’s no avoiding your computer screen but taking timed breaks every hour can limit the exposure to your eyes.

Categories: circles, circles nbsp, Dark Circles, diet, eyes, nbsp, sleep

How Does Diabetes Damage your Eyes?

There are several health complaints which you might associate with diabetes depending on how much you know about the condition. These are gangrene leading to amputation and blindness. Both are obviously very severe and when left unmanaged can spiral out of control and lead to a nasty end. What you might not be as aware of is just why the conditions occur in the first place. Why would a condition which affects your blood sugar levels damage your eyesight?

Well, high levels of blood-sugar damage us on a micro-vascular level, meaning it harms the tiniest blood vessels in our body. Think of blood-sugar as tiny crystals of sugar in the blood, minuscule but sharp like broken glass. In the tighter vessel these crystals are going to leave tiny rips and tears or start to clog it up altogether. The eyes are incredibly delicate organs and as such any damage, no matter how small is dangerous and may affect our eyesight.

There are two main types of diabetic retinopathy (diabetes causes eyes issues) these are:
Non-Proliferative Retinopathy – The first stage of the disease in which the constantly fluctuating levels of blood-sugar start to damage the walls of blood vessels. As I say, crystals leaving tears. These vessels then begin to leak and a leaking blood vessel causes swelling. In the eye this swelling causes a blurring of the vision in which straight lines may appear wavy as the retina bulges and changes shape.

Proliferative Retinopathy – The disease’s second stage in which the eyes try and make up for the damaged and leaking blood vessels by creating new ones. These are weak and take up too much space, crowding your delicate eyes. These vessels can't take the pressure and will burst and then bleed, causing scarring and potential blindness.

Categories: Damage, Diabetes, eyes