Eye, the light of the body

Eye is called the light of the body. The sense of sight is very important among all senses. If you lose it, you become dependent on others. There are a number of eye problems arising these days and some problems affect children as well. Let's discuss some do's or don'ts to keep our vision long lasting.

1. Have adequate amount of sleep every day. Just closing the eyes and relaxing will relax the nerves under tension and also avoid hemorrhage.

2. Try to blink your eyes a number of times you can to keep them lubricated.

3. Do not use any artificial lubricants/tears unless they are prescribed by a doctor.

4. Avoid make-ups around the eyes which may cause unnecessary irritation and allergies.

5. Wash eyes gently with plane tap water every day during bath and do not rub them harshly. Avoid soap, dye or shampoo entering your eyes.

6. Take vitamin A rich foods as a part of your daily diet. Vitamin A rich foods include all yellow and orange vegetables and fruits like lemon, sweet potatoes, carrots, beetroot, pumpkin, apricots, cantaloupe melon, mango and many more. Vitamin A deficiency causes Night blindness, corneal drying (xerosis), triangular gray spots on eye (Bitot's spots), corneal degeneration and blindness (xerophthalmia) and softening of the cornea (keratomalacia).

7. As most of the eye infections are communicable, avoid contact with those affected with eye infections. If you catch up with any infection wash eyes thoroughly with salt water(a pinch of salt added to warm water). You can also try OTC medicines. If the infection persists for more than 2 days consult a doctor. Use separate napkin for affected and unaffected eyes, also wipe from inner canthus to outer canthus.

8. Watch television from a particular distance in good amount of light.

9. Keep books at the distance of at least 25cms away while reading.

10. Do not work on the computer or do anything that strains your eyes, for more than 20 minutes.

11. If you are wearing glasses for correction, wear them continuously and remove them only during your bedtime.

12. If you are on contact lens, follow strict instructions about inserting and disinfecting technique.

13. If you are on long term medication like antituberculosis, antidiabetics, antihistamines, antidepressants or diuretics; Have your eyes regularly checked for both vision and dryness.

14. Protect your eyes from direct sunlight by wearing glasses.

15. Always be careful and avoid unexpected traumas and injuries.

These simple activities undertaken will ensure that you have a good, healthy and long lasting vision