Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Great Eye Exercises Myth

Ever tried eye exercises but never got around to improve your eyesight?

I remember the days when I first tried out natural vision improvement. I'd be really excited and driven to do the eye exercises every single day. That went on for a full 6 months but yet I never saw any marked improvement.

What's going on? Of course, my first reaction was to blame eye exercises. "I should've known it's a scam", I thought to myself. After feeling sorry for myself, I decided to look for alternatives of eye exercises.

Guess what I found out?

As it turns out, there's a crucial link that's missing in the "eye exercises" industry. Yes, eye exercises works but what made it work isn't what you think it is. These natural vision improvement courses fail to explain the basic principle that made the exercises work.

You see, eye exercises are NOT meant to "strengthen" your eye muscles. Those muscles are ALREADY too strained in itself. All the years of bad vision habits made you consistently strain your eye muscles... if you want to improve your vision, you have to RELAX those muscles.

To relax your muscles, you have pick up new vision habits. One that does not include staring and wearing glasses. But needless to say, habits aren't easy to change. Once you have them, you get used to it, your body adapts to accommodates it and even your mind memorizes it.

So what to do? Remember: Repetition is the mother of mastery. That's where eye exercises comes into play. If you perform it enough times, you're bound to pick the habits it's promoting.

If you like this article, you might want to join my "Perfect Vision For Life Newsletter" for free at Rebuild Your Vision - An offer available only to my Ezine Articles readers.

For articles on eye exercises, please visit my blog where I share more information on good vision habits, eye exercises and supplements I used to get rid of my glasses after having worn them for more than 15 years.

How to Choose the Best Eyeglass Frame

After a certain period of time you need to change your prescription eyeglasses. It is common to change the glasses after two years. When you are out to buy a new one, you can select the frame that looks trendy and of latest fashion. It is necessary that you choose your frames Based on your prescription lenses. You can seek the help of expert opticians to choose the frame that best hold your lens as well as suits your face.

If you have the ability to choose the frame you can choose the one that flatters your look. When shopping for eyeglass frames you have to keep few facts in mind. Look for frames that fit best for your prescription lenses. The sole purpose of wearing prescription glasses is to correct your eyesight problem. Choose the frame that can hold your lens correctly in position. As you need to wear prescription lenses, you may need to choose a frame from a selected few as certain trendy frames may not fit your lens.

Secondly you can concentrate on the shape of the frame. The frame shape must match the shape of your face. If you have an oval face, then you can choose any frame you want. If you have a round face, you may choose an oval frame. If you have a square face you may choose a round frame. Choose the shape of the frame that is opposite to the shape of your face.

Frames are now available with different colors. You can choose one depending on your skin tone. You also may choose the color based on when and where you will be wearing your glass. If you wear it regularly then you must choose colorless frames as they won't be too flashy. If you have pale colored skin choose cool frame colors and if you have olive skin then choose bold colors that match your complexion.

There are other parts of the frame that you have to look into. They are the nose bridge and the arms of the frame. The frame must fit your skull. There are rimless frames that look very trendy or you can even select the wired frames. Spring hinged arms can be used if you will be alternately wearing and removing your glasses. You must try out different frames before actually buying them. You must choose the one that fits your budget and gives you a trendy look. The secret behind choosing the right frame is the ability to match the frame to the shape of your frame and the color of your skin.

Status Eye Careare Opticians In Mumbai, India providing Information about Eye Care Tips, Fashion ,Optical Terms and Products like Hi-Index Lenses ,

Progressive lenses, Polarized lenses , Transition Lenses , Prescription Sunglasses and Much More.
Sunglasses India is Online venture from Status Eye Care where you can Buy Latest Designer Sunglasses, Fashionable Eye Glasses, Contact Lenses and All kind of Optical Products Online. Content Provided by Freelance Writer.

Know More About the Lenses of Your Prescription Eye Glasses

?The lenses used in sunglasses are very important for providing proper protection for the eyes. With the advancements in the glass manufacturing technology, different types of lenses are used in glasses. Each and every type caters to different needs. You have to know about the lenses to choose the glass for your purpose.

Lenses are made of plastic or glass. Plastic lenses are light weight made of plastic material that can be tinted with different colors of your choice. They block 80% of UV rays thus providing good protection from the sun. Glass lenses are more prone to scratches but they have excellent inherent optical quality.

Polycarbonate lenses are widely used in sunglasses these days. They provide 100% sun blocking. They are very light and they don't shatter very easily. Polycarbonate lenses are perfect for sporty glasses and children sunglasses as they are scratch resistant.

High index lenses are made of high index plastic material. They are widely used for cosmetic purposes as they are very thin. Like polycarbonate lenses, the high index lenses provide 100% protection from the harmful rays of the sun. High index lenses must have anti reflective coating because the surface reflections increase with the increase in the index of the lens.

Aspheric lenses are best suitable for people who need to wear high prescription glasses. In this type of lens the thickness of the lens is evenly distributed compared to the conventional lenses. Thus they provide very clear vision and also give you a stylish look. For light weight glasses, aspheric lenses are made with the high index material.

Photochromic lenses have the property to control the light entering the eye irrespective of the conditions prevailing outside. When you alternate between indoor and outdoor you have to choose these lenses to reduce the strain on the pupil of the eyes.

Polarized lenses are perfect for an outdoor aficionado. They greatly reduce the glare by canceling the rays due to reflection from the flat surface. These lenses can be used when you are engaged in driving, golfing, skiing, and so on. Any glass must provide you protection from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. When you go out your eyes are exposed to the hard sun. So ensure that your lenses have proper UV coating.

If your lens is made of polycarbonate or high index plastic, then you need not worry about UV protection as these materials inherently block the sun. When you want your conventional prescription glasses to look thin and light weight you may consider the use of aspheric lenses or high index plastic lenses. Use of smaller frames may also add to the style.

Scratch resistant coating (SRC) is essential for all lenses to prevent the lenses from getting scratches very often. Polycarbonate and high index lenses come with this SRC coating by default.

Anti reflective coating (ARC) is essential for certain type of lenses like high index plastic to reduce the reflective rays. Glasses with this coating eliminated glare caused during driving in the night and staring at the computer. But glasses that have this ARC are prone to scratch and hence ARC and SRC are mutually exclusive. You cannot have both coatings on the same lens. To improve the look and to see the world in your favorite color, you can add tints to your lenses. Many adults are now tinting their lenses with their favorite colors. Tints can be effectively applied to plastic lenses. The tints will be absorbed uniformly in plastic lenses. Glass lenses cannot be tinted uniformly and are more difficult to tint.

High index plastic lenses are easier to tint than polycarbonate lenses. Lenses that have coatings such as ARC and SRC cannot be tinted as the color will not apply uniformly on the coating. If you want to tint, then you must remove the coatings, tint the lens and then reapply the coating. Tints may add style to your glass but you must ensure that your lenses are provided UV coating to protect your eyes. More than a fashion eyewear, the glass you wear must provide clear vision and proper protection for your eyes.

Status Eye Care are Opticians In Mumbai, India expert in Despensing Products like Hi-Index Lenses, Progressive lenses, Polarized lenses, Transition Lenses, Prescription Sunglasses, Designer Sunglasses, Contact Lenses and Much More. Sunglasses India is Online venture from Status Eye Care where you can Buy Latest Designer Sunglasses, Fashionable Eye Glasses, Contact Lenses and All kind of Optical Products Online. Visit http://www.spectglasses.com to buy Latest Designer Sunglasses Online.

Content Provided by Freelance Writer.

Knowing More About Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are tiny discs made of plastic, which are worn to correct an eye problem like myopia, hypermetropia, etc. These conditions are known as refractive errors. The lenses may also be worn by people who have had a cataract surgery.

Contact lenses are directly worn on the eyes, and they float on the tiny layer of tears over the cornea. Proper design, comfort and fitting of them is essential for safety of the eyes. There have been a lot of improvements in the contact lenses and as a result, it's quite easy to wear them. In the States, most of the people sport soft contacts.

Irrespective of whether you are already wearing these or are considering them as a future option, this article will be very helpful for the safety of your eyes.

Never buy lenses before visiting a doctor who could provide you proper service. The service would include an examination on the eyes, evaluating whether your eyes would be suitable for contacts, suggest cleaning kits, and providing guidance for proper wearing and follow-up visits to the doctor as well.

Listed below are few suggestions for people who wear lenses:

? Before handling them, wash your hands thoroughly to prevent any chances of getting dirt from your hands on them.

? Regularly clean them as suggested by the optometrist. Make sure to rub the lenses with your fingers and then rinse as you put it in a solution overnight. Also, let them dry after cleaning. Make sure to use only the prescribed solution for cleaning purposes. Besides, NEVER re-use solution for yours, and always use fresh solutions. The solution should also be changed as per the manufacturer's guidelines, notwithstanding how much you use the product.

? Store your pair in a good case and make sure to replace them every quarter of a year.

? Keep in mind the replacement schedule of the contacts as suggested by the optometrist.

? Take them out before indulging in any activity that would wet the contact lenses from outside.

? Pay regular visits to the optometrist for eye and lens check-ups.

Normally, people who can't see far-off objects clearly and need correction round the clock wear lenses. Also, one needs patience and motivation to adjust wearing lenses, and dealing with their cleaning, replacement, etc. Contact lenses are better than glasses for sportsmen where glasses can be fatal.

However, contact lenses should not be used by you if you have dry eyes of if you are unable to take proper care of the lenses, or even if you are diabetic. Also, asthma, allergies, etc. cause wearing contact lenses difficult. If your job is such that you are exposed to lot of dust particles, chemicals, etc. then you would be better off with glasses than lenses, since those particles would invariably stick to the lenses and repeated patterns of that sort may damage the lenses.

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The Eyes Have It

Everyone is at risk for eye damage from the sun, year round. The greatest risk is between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those with the highest risk, are the ones outside the most; truck drivers, fishermen, farmers, beach-goers, skiers and others.

UV radiation in sunlight is commonly divided into UVA and UVB, and your sunglasses should block both forms. Look for a label that specifically states that the glasses offer 99 percent to 100 percent UV protection. They should be dark enough to reduce glare, but not distort colors nor affect the recognition of traffic signals.

People who spend long hours outdoors without adequate eye protection can develop photokeratitis, reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition can result in temporary loss of vision. When sunlight reflects off of snow, sand and water, it further increases exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV). These invisible high-energy rays lie just beyond the violet end of the visible light spectrum.

The same harmful rays that damage the skin, can also increase your risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts - a clouding of the eye's lens that develops over years.

Children should also wear real sunglasses, not the toy kind. Polycarbonate lenses are recommended for children because they are the most shatter-resistant.

Many eye (ocular) disorders can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and can be self-treated. Various products such as artificial tears and ointments to decongestants are available OTC for self management. These products help with dryness, itchiness, redness or excessive watering of the eye. However, what may seem like a minor irritation can actually be more serious and leading to blindness. It is imperative that if you use an OTC medicine for more than 72 hours with no improvement or the condition worsens, or if the problem involves the eyeball itself, go to a doctor immediately.

A few common eye problems include: Dry eyes, which usually is white or reddening of the eye, with a sandy, gritty and dry feeling. Dry eye can often be accompanied with excessive reflex tearing. Dry eye is very common, known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and is increasing due to the aging population. It is also more common in women and people are more susceptible if they use antihistamines, antidepressants or diuretics. this is usually teated with OTC drops.

Hordeolum, also known as a sty, is another common eye disorder, that is a tender, raised nodule on the eyelid. It is a irritation of the glands. Hordeolum is usually associated with rosacea. A hordeolum is often caused by the same bacteria as blepharitis. Treatment is usually with hot compresses to the area, several times daily.

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What Your Surgeon Will Do During Lasik Surgery

Lasik surgery is an crucial medical operation that is employed to help address certain problems with individual's eyes. It fixes them so that they have the ability to eliminate their glasses and contacts and see the world without any help. Before deciding whether or not you wish to use this you should recognize what the process will involve.

The process itself might only take five minutes or it may take longer. This all depends on who is performing the procedure, what problems are trying to be fixed, and how much experience your physician has. Before the procedure starts the operating surgeon will feed you a moderate sedative that you will take orally.

They will likewise give you eye drops that are anesthetized so you do not feel any infliction from it. After this the physician will have you lay down on the operating table and set your eye below the laser. They will only operate on one eye at a time. A retainer will be situated over the eye so as to keep the eyelids from closing. This grants the operating surgeon to cut the corneal flap without any problems.

The surgeon will then utilize an ink marker that will be able to mark the cornea before the flap is produced with the laser. They will also create a very thin flap on the top of the eye. When this is finished the laser is used to reshape the eye and the flap is utilised to 'bandage' it together.

The surgeon will need to utilise a special computer that will align the laser to the prescription you require it to be. You will be expected to look at a target light and they will study the motions of your eye underneath a microscope. The laser light pulses are what is utilized to remold the cornea.

When the Lasik procedure is completed you will want to rest for a short period before your other eye needs to be worked on. Ensure that you have taken someone with you who can drive you home.

Learn what the different Kinds Of Lasik that you are able to use. It is also important to know all of the Lasik Surgery Risks that you need to know about.

Acuvue Contact Lenses - The Perfect Answer to Eye Problems?

Do you wear contact lenses? Do you need vision correction? Acuvue Contact Lenses are a popular brand of contact lenses produced by Johnson & Johnson, who are a leading manufacturer of beauty, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Their products are carefully manufactured and backed by years of research and development from specialists in the field. A joint venture with Vistakon, a professional eye care team, has allowed them to produce world class soft, disposable contact lenses.

Acuvue contacts are available in a wide variety that is suitable for everyone. The general vision correction contact lenses are meant for regular use. These contact lenses are sufficiently moisturized to keep the eyes moist and comfortable for long term use. The cosmetic lenses, Acuvue Color 2, are created for bringing in a temporary change in eye color. These lenses are used by common people and celebrities alike. Acuvue lenses are also designed for people with presbyopia, an eye disorder common in old age. Acuvue Bifocals are meant for people with presbyopia. There are contact lenses designed for use of patients with astigmatism as well. All the Acuvue contact lenses are designed to provide comfort and convenience to the user.

The advantages of the use of contact lenses from Acuvue are many. Firstly, they are very economical. The cost of a pair of disposable soft contact lenses would easily fit into your daily budget. Since these lenses are have high moisture content, there is minimum eye discomfort even after long hours of use. In fact the eyes stay fresh and moist even after the whole day use of Acuvue contacts.

In addition to this, contact lenses from Acuvue have the provision for protection from ultra violet rays of the sun. The brand initials AV is imprinted on every set of lens. This makes it easier for the wearer to distinctly identify the right and the wrong side of the lens. Acuvue contact lenses sit properly over the cornea of the eye and provide perfect vision to the user. This is definitely a big advantage over the use of glasses where, the lenses do not sit perfectly over the cornea, and thus may result in distorted or impaired vision. This possibility is entirely ruled out through the use of Acuvue contact lenses.

Overall, there are many types of Acuvue contact lenses and they utilize the latest eye care research and development technology to bring you a vision correction lens which is both stylish and economical.

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3 Natural Vision Improvement Secrets "They" Don't Want You to Know

If you have been trying out various natural vision improvement and found it too difficult, listen up.

To be frank, in my years of experience helping students rebuild their vision, I can tell you that most people fail to improve their eyesight. The reason is not because the techniques don't work. I've used those techniques and so has thousands others to do it.

So what went wrong?

It's their psychology. As Tony Robbins, one of the world's top motivational speaker, once said, "In anything you do, 80% is psychology and 20% is the how." Most people fail because they started out with the wrong mindset. Here are three most popular misconceptions:

  1. Natural vision improvement is NOT a short term process. It takes a while. It took me 8 months. Some require 2 years though some others only needed only a number of weeks. It depends on your condition but if you go into this with the expectation that this is going to be fast, then you've set yourself up for failure because you'll give up before you even get the first check point.
  2. Eye exercises don't strengthen your eye muscles. They are meant to help you learn good vision habits. The point is to let your subconscious take over control of your eye and the only way to do that is relaxation. So don't think more effort from you to see will fix your eyesight - it will only deteriorate it.
  3. Viewing close distance objects do NOT deteriorate your vision. It's staring (looking without blinking) - close distance or far away - that deteriorates eyesight. Yet most people had the complete opposite concept - staring all day long and look out the window once in a while - still staring! - to "rest" their eyes.

If you like this article, you might want to join my "Perfect Vision For Life Newsletter" for free at Rebuild Your Vision - An offer available only to my Ezine Articles readers.

For articles on eye exercises, please visit my blog where I share more information on good vision habits, eye exercises and supplements I used to get rid of my glasses after having worn them for more than 15 years.

Eye Glasses Or Contact Lenses - Which One Is Preferable?

The human eye is like a camera and it is often described as the most advanced digital camera in the world. The eyes may also be the first organ to show the presence of certain diseases in some parts of the body.

The elastic nature of the eye begins to loose when you grow older and become relatively a solid mass, a condition known as presbyopia. The eyes are more or less permanently focused when this condition arises and may no longer be able to see objects from far and near. This is the reason why the elderly ones wear glasses with bifocal lenses. The stronger power for close vision is the lower portion of the glasses, while the upper lens makes it possible for the person to see more freely at a distance.

There are various infection that can affect the eye. One of them is Syphilis which can also lead to blindness if not properly treated. Sometimes the optic nerves may be injured because of high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries and this can prevent rays of light from reaching the rod and cone cell of these nerves.

some of the conditions of the eyes are:

- Cataract

- Glaucoma

- Trachoma

- Acute conjunctivitis

- Eyelid infection

- Astigmatism

- Color blindness

-Inflamed or watery eye

- Blinking and frowning

- Covering of one eye so that the other may see

If you detect that you are suffering from any of the listed condition it is better for you to seek expert advise when it can be easily treated before it gets out of hand.

If you are suffering of this problem that require the use of glasses or contact lenses which one will you choose? Before you answer the question first read the article to the end and decide which one to go for. It depends on the individual and the type of eye infectious or problems the individual has.

Glasses are good, and contact lenses are not bad either. It all depends on the individual and type of eye infectious or problem the individual has.

Contact lenses which are now in vogue have certain disadvantages compared to eye glasses. No one that will use this modern eye technology must observe certain precautions daily rules and regulation. If the person does not want to compound his/her problems.

It is easier to use eye glasses than contact lenses because eye glasses does not require special treatment or instruction to observe before it can be use unlike contact lenses where certain factors must be seriously considered before prescribing them for people with eye problem.

Eye glasses are easier to use and people don't react to them unlike contact lenses. The truth is that anyone that use contact lenses must also have eyeglasses as back up.

Some develop allergic reaction to contact lenses and these are often precipitated by the chemical solution used in cleaning the lenses.

Observation showed that many young girls and ladies in the name of fashion and looking good use contact lenses simply because of ego. This can cause more eye problem. why the use of something that you do not need. Your health is of paramount importance to you than fashion. only when you can see that you can know if people appreciate your physical look out.

In fixing contact lenses strict hygiene must be observed, nails and fingers must be neat/clean at all times when fixing it.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CONTACT LENSES AND EYE GLASSES

-Contact lenses is more expensive than eye glasses

-It require special training from the doctor

-It require special storage to prevent infectious by micro-organism.

Unlike eye glasses which:

-Does not need special training by the doctor

-Can be used for a long period of time

-The lens can be change when they are weak. touching of eye ball all the time is not require when -using it.

About The Author
My name is Serif Bello. I am Africa-American by race. I am a college graduate of physical and health education. My education and working experience had made me to develop more interest in the well-being of people through helpful living. This prompt me to go an extra mile by blogging on health matters. You can check my health blog at http://www.healthandfitnessavenue.blogspot.com According to the old adage health is wealth. Remember that you are only what you claim you are only if you are healthy. Therefore watch your health. Thanks.

How Do You Insert Contact Lenses Properly?

If you wear glasses or have recently been diagnosed with a vision problem (such as astigmatism, myopia, presbyopia or something else) that requires corrective lenses, you may be considering using contact lenses.

Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses and are popular with many people because of the comfort that freedom from bulky frames they provide. Many people also like the increased peripheral vision they enjoy as a result of the contact lenses moving with their eyes in any given direction. There are many different types of contact lenses. Some of these include soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, daily wear lenses, extended wear contacts, colored contact lenses and more. Your eye care professional will work with you to ensure that you get the pair of contact lenses that are best for your eyes and your lifestyle. He or she will also go over the basics of inserting, removing, and caring for your contacts. If you familiarize yourself with the process of inserting your contact lenses properly before visiting your eye doctor, you will be armed with questions and may even impress your doctor!

Prepare to Insert Your Lenses
The absolute most important thing about wearing contact lenses is being clean and hygienic about it. If you stray from this rule even a little bit you are opening yourself up to possible eye infection and damage. For this reason, you must wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap before you begin to prepare your contact lenses for insertion. After washing, dry your hands with a lint-free towel. Make sure to avoid contact with lotions or cosmetics between washing your hands and handling your lenses.

Opening the Contact Lens Package
Many contact lenses will come in what's called a "multipack." Look for the opening flap on the front of the multipack and pull it in order to break the seal. Inside you will find six individually packaged lenses. The lenses are packaged this way to ensure maximum sterility for each lens. While there may be some slight variation in how lenses are packaged from manufacturer to manufacturer, the instructions below will help you open up your contact lens package properly.

Shake an individual lens package gently and check if you can see the lens floating in the enclosed solution. Next, peel back the foil covering carefully to reveal the lens. You can stabilize the lens package by placing it on a flat surface (such as your bathroom counter) in order to avoid splashing. Sometimes, a lens will adhere itself to the foil covering when opened. This will not affect the sterility of your lens.

Handling the Lenses
Try to get used to handling the same lens first (right or left) every time so that you develop a habit and don't get mixed up. Remove the lens from the pack or from its storage case and examine it to ensure that it is clean and free of debris or tears. If you notice any damage on the lens, do not use it. Confirm that the lens is not turned inside out by placing it on your forefinger and looking at it's profile. The lens should look like a bowl. If the lens edges point outwards, it is inside out.

Placing the Lens in Your Eye
Once you have verified that the lens on your forefinger is not inside out, use the middle finger from that same hand to both steady your hand and pull down your lower lid gently. Using your other hand, lift your upper lid. Center the lens and gently place it on your eye. Release your eyelids and blink. The lens will automatically center itself.

Shop online when looking for discount contact lenses, eyeglasses and cheap Acuvue contacts. Providing the widest selection of contact lenses and designer glasses at huge savings when compared to retail prices.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Why Do Eyes Twitch?

Almost everyone has experienced a sudden, out-of-the-blue eye twitch at some point. More than likely they have experienced more than one case of their eye twitching. So why does it twitch? A majority of the time an eye twitch is nothing serious and should not be worried about but in some cases it actually could be a sign of a more serious problem.

The common reasons for eye twitching are stress, chronic fatigue, and even anxiety among other reasons. The bottom line is different people have an eye twitch for different reasons. With a common, occasional eye twitch, you don't need to worry about treating it. It will stop eventually on its own and all you have to do is wait. If you experience eye twitching rather often you should try to relax more. If this doesn't work you might look into other more serious reasons for this frequent twitch.

There are cases of eye twitching being linked to a more serious condition and there are ways to look out for this. Eye twitching occurring with a fever or those that hurt or are uncomfortable are signs you should see your doctor. Also any eye twitches that make your eye fully close or twitches that last more than a week are among more reasons to consult your doctor.

A majority of the time eye twitches are common and normal and can be relieved simply by reducing your stress. Ensure you are getting plenty of rest, consider relaxation techniques to help eliminate your stress. If you stare at a computer screen all day you should ensure that you are taking breaks often so that your eyes can rest. Eye twitching is just another normal and quite common condition that millions of people endure every day.

If you'd like to learn more visit this page on how to cure eyelid twitching or this page on eye twitch treatment. I hope you've found this article informative and enjoyable to read. Good luck.

Eye Twitching Getting Annoying?

Blinking over and over again is no fun. It can be annoying and embarrassing. This is simply what is known as eyelid twitch or eyelid spasm. A case of severe eyelid spasm is the worst. A person suffering from this kind of eyelid spasm is liable to experience obstruction of vision, irritability and even a complete closure of the eye. The economic cost and social embarrassment of a situation like this can only be imagined. Addressing how best to treat patients with such severe cases should come first before that of minor cases.

Despite the side effects that come with the use of botulism injection (i.e. drooping eyelid, blurred vision and double vision) in the treatment of chronic eyelid spasm, it is still one of the widely accepted and effective way of getting rid of the ailment. The side effects which are temporary, soon disappeared after some days with little or no medication. The injection is administered by injecting doses of it into areas around the eyes specifically the upper lid muscles, the brow and the lower muscles. Patients stand a good chance of experiencing relief within a period of two weeks after treatment. Most patients said they were completely cured of the ailment after three to four months on the medication.

Drugs like Artane (trihexyphenidyl, Cogentin (benztropine), Valium (diazepam), Klonapin (clonazepam), Lioresal (baclofen), Tegretol (carbamazepine), Modopar, Parlodel (bromocriptime) and Symmetrel (amantadine) have been discovered to be effective in treating severe eyelid twitch. However, caution must be taken in making use of these drugs because a drug may be effective with one patient and of no effect with another . It is advisable to be under the watchful eyes of a neurologist when using the above drugs.

If you'd like to learn more visit this page on how to cure eyelid twitch or this page on eye twitching treatment. I hope you've found this article informative and enjoyable to read. Good luck.

Laser Eye Correction Technologies

Laser eye correction has undergone numerous advancements since it first became available to patients.? While all laser eye surgeries work to correct vision by reshaping the cornea to refocus light onto the retina, there are several different technologies behind each of these procedures.? Below are explanations of the most common forms of corrective laser eye surgery.

PRK: PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser surgery technique that corrects mild to moderate nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatism conditions.? The PRK process involves the use of a laser that delivers cool pulses of ultraviolet light directly on to the surface of the cornea. The cornea is reshaped, with no cutting needed.

LASIK: LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) is a form of eye correction that is commonly used in patients who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatisms.? This procedure reshapes the corneal tissues to refocus light through the eye onto the retina.? LASIK is unique due to the fact that the underlying tissue of the cornea is accessed by means of creating a "flap" in the outer layer of the cornea.

LASEK: LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a newer form of laser eye correction that corrects nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatism issues.? This method combines the benefits of two other common laser procedures: LASIK and PRK.? There is no cutting and no scraping of the surface of the eye required during this treatment.? LASEK works to correct vision by creating an "epitheal flap", using a 20% alcohol solution, to access the corneal tissue. The eye is then reshaped using the same laser process as in LASIK and PRK.

LTK: LTK (Laser Thermokeratoplasty) is another new laser treatment that is used to correct farsightedness and astigmatisms.? The procedure uses the heat of a precise laser beam to reshape the cornea by reducing it in size.? LTK does not require removing any corneal tissue and does not involve cutting.? The surgery is completed in a matter of a few minutes.? LTK typically yields only temporary results, with regression occurring over the first three months following the procedure.

AK: While AK (Astigmatic Keratotomy) itself does not involve the use of a laser, it is commonly used in conjunction with other laser procedures such as LASIK, and PRK.? This method is used to help patients who have astigmatisms and whose eyes are shaped similar to the shape of a football.? A surgeon performs the AK treatment by making two incisions directly into the steepest part of the cornea.? These incisions cause the cornea to relax giving the eye a more natural, rounded shape.? Further reshaping is then completed using laser or light methods.

Many patients report seeing much clearer, and overall much better, than they ever have in their entire lives after undergoing one of the above mentioned laser eye correction surgeries.? Typically patients who undergo LASIK, or LTK procedures have a faster recovery time, less pain, and almost instantaneous results.

Mathew Dawson writes about laser eye correction surgery. Discover more about the variety of different laser eye correction technologies and how they work in vision correction.

LASIK Surgery - Recovery, Risks, and Benefits

LASIK surgery is performed by an eye doctor to fix a patients vision. The surgery can be done on patients who are near sighted (can't see far away) or patients who are far sighted (can't see up close). Over 85% of patients with these conditions are eligible for laser eye surgery.

Because this surgery has a fast recovery time it has become a popular option in today's busy society. In most cases the LASIK recovery time is only 2 days. This quick LASIK recovery allows patients to take a minimum amount of time off work to have the surgery done. The surgery has also become popular because there is little pain involved in the procedure

An Optometrist will do an eye exam to decide whether or not a patient is a good candidate for LASIK. By doing an exam the optometrist will be able to determine how much correction will be needed as well as the general health of the eyes. A corneal topographer is used to create a map of the cornea. This map will be used to help the laser eye surgeon decide which peaks in the cornea will need correction. The optometrist will be able to tell the patient if they are a good candidate for LASIK surgery right away.

Laser eye surgery patients often ask if the procedure is safe. The answer to this question is a simple yes. The FDA has approved the procedure stating that the LASIK surgery is safe as well as effective. The procedure uses a cool beam of light that is controlled by a computer. A surgeon is always watching to make sure that the procedure goes exactly as planned. The surgeon has the ability to stop the surgery at any time.

There are some risks that come with LASIK surgery. From time to time patients will experience a glare or dry eyes from the surgery. This happens to approximately 3-5% of those who elect to have the surgery done. Less than1%of patients experience any serious side effects such as loss of vision. In the United States there are no known cases of of the laser procedure causing a patient to become blind.

Shopping around is crucial for patients to make sure that they are getting a fair price on their LASIK eye surgery; however they should avoid "discount" doctors. Many people who have had laser surgery at a discount doctor have expressed that they were very unsatisfied with their experiences. Laser eye surgery can cost anywhere from $1999-$6000. When it comes to eyesight sacrificing quality to save a few bucks is just not worth it!

It is important that patients who elect to have laser eye surgery have finished growing. Most doctors won't perform this type of surgery on a girl until she reaches the age of 18. Since boys take longer to finish growing, it is best to wait until they are 21.

Most insurance companies will not pay anything for LASIK eye surgery. Financing is available for this type of procedure. An eye doctor will be able to give patients more information about financing options.

If you are considering LASIK surgery it's important to do some research. Finding an suitable doctor goes a long way in your LASIK recovery and overall satisfaction.

Is Laser Eye Correction Permanent?

With all of the available information surrounding laser eye surgery treatment options and patient requirements, it is not uncommon to start to feel a bit overwhelmed and uncertain.? One of the most common questions patients still walk away wondering is: is laser eye correction permanent?

The short answer to this question is no, not in all cases.? While some people do achieve perfect clear vision that does last for many years, it is sometimes necessary for future treatments.? The good news is that laser treatments can be easily modified and follow up procedures are quite simple.

The effects of clear vision may change over time, even though the physical surgical effects of laser treatments are permanent, and the corneal tissue retains its new shape.? As the body ages, the muscles of the eye begin to relax and certain enhancements or further surgical correction will probably be needed to maintain clear vision.? That being said, technology continues to advance, which makes each new procedure safer, quicker, and increasingly effective.? It is also important to mention that not all patients may be able to achieve perfect vision with any laser eye correction procedure, and some may still require the assistance of corrective lenses.

There are many factors that can determine the outcome, and the effectiveness of the procedure.? People who are younger, in their 20s and 30s, who are mildly to moderately nearsighted, farsighted, and/or have astigmatisms, are ideal candidates for LASIK, PRK, LASEK, and other laser treatments.? These patients have a very high success rate, with few complications.? People who are a bit older, above the age of 40 years old, or individuals who have severe vision issues need to discuss many forms of surgical options with their physicians.?

Severe cases of nearsightedness, and farsightedness may not respond to LASIK, LASEK, PRK, or other similar treatments as well as milder cases.? Eye surgeons should be able to determine viability of laser treatments, and may offer alternatives such as implantable lenses, or permanent contact lenses.? Patients with Monovision, a condition that usually affects people 40 and older, can be successfully treated with LASIK.

There is new evidence that has been produced from a recent ten-year study that suggests the long-term effectiveness of laser eye correction may last longer than initially thought.? The study followed two hundred treated eyes that had myopia or a myopic astigmatism.? Of the two hundred cases, one hundred had LASIK laser treatment, and one hundred had PRK laser treatment.? After ten years following surgery, researchers measured vision quality, clarity, acuteness, and the ability to focus.? The study found that both types of procedures had excellent long-term results and patients retained an average vision level of 20/25.

Mathew Dawson is the author of the Laser Eye Correction Guide, an essential resource if you are considering corrective laser surgery for your eyes. Discover more about the laser eye correction benefits you can experience from this revolutionary technology.

The Importance of Aftercare Post Laser Eye Surgery

For those who have poor eyesight, choosing to undergo laser eye surgery can be a big and exciting step towards increased freedom. While there are a lot of benefits to having laser eye surgery, it is important that patients monitor and follow good aftercare steps to ensure that surgery results are perfect.

There are a number of precautions that patients should take after having such surgery that will ensure a fast and proper recovery time. For instance, it is very important that patients properly follow the medications that have been prescribed to them by the surgeon post-surgery. In fact, patients should remember to carefully follow the instructions they have been given post-surgery to experience the right aftercare.

Wearing the proper eye protection is another helpful hint. No matter if the patient is going outside during the day or night, there are irritants that can affect the recovery time of many who have chosen to have eye surgery. For that reason, be sure to shield eyes using sunglasses or patches to prevent scraping or other injuries.

There are often many smaller steps that can be taken as well in order to have a good aftercare experience. Avoid dusty and windy circumstances at first in order to prevent damage, and remember to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

Patients should remember to refrain from scratching and touching their eyes, and it is also advised that patients avoid activities like swimming, going into hot tubs and driving in order to prevent injury due to strain on the eyes.

Another important aspect to remember during recovery is to take the time to rest completely. Resting your eyes and body will ensure that your recovery time is fast and effective, as you'll avoid damaging or hurting the eye post-surgery. In addition, women have been advised to avoid wearing make-up during the recovery time, as this can often work to irritate the eye.

Many patients have found that the recovery time after laser eye surgery is normally quite fast, and that diligently following good aftercare rules can speed up that time and make the recovery more comfortable.

Those choosing to undergo laser eye surgery should remember to take into account the time needed after the surgery to recover. Following advice and precautions after laser eye surgery will ensure that those patients have a comfortable recovery time and that they can fully enjoy the benefits of the surgery afterwards.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

LASIK Laser Eye Correction

LASIK (Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis) is an increasingly popular laser eye correction method used to correct nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatism issues. LASIK, like other laser procedures, works to correct vision by reshaping the cornea, the clear front area of the eye, allowing light to travel more efficiently through the eye to refocus onto the retina in the rear of the eye.

During LASIK laser eye surgery, a patient is placed under local anesthesia with a mild sedative, as an eye surgeon uses a precise instrument called a "microkeratome" to cut a flap in the cornea. The cornea is then pulled backward, exposing the underlying corneal tissue. Next, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea and the flap is put back into place finishing the procedure. The entire process takes approximately ten minutes to complete.

Following LASIK laser eye correction surgery, normal activities, especially driving, should be avoided. While healing does occur quickly, some people may have blurry or hazy vision for the first day or two. Many patients note improved vision within in just a few days. Eyes will be dry, although they may not feel as though they are, and doctors will prescribe special eye drops to help lubricate the eyes and prevent the chance of infection. The eye drops may cause a slight burning sensation and may blur vision when they are first instilled. Follow up visits are typically scheduled within 24-48 hours after the procedure. Regular visits to an eye doctor or surgeon to monitor progress occur for the next six months as well.

While side effects are rare, and there has been no evidence of long-term side effects following LASIK treatments, there are a few short-term effects that should be noted. The effects include: halo effects, glare, dry eyes, fluctuating vision, and difficulty driving at night. These effects are usually temporary and resolve themselves.

There are several advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when deciding to undergo LASIK laser eye correction. Advantages include: clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses; very little pain or discomfort; almost instantaneous vision improvement; the procedure is minimally invasive and requires no stitches or bandages; and modifications can be made in coming years to further improve vision. Disadvantages include: the procedure is relatively expensive with an estimated cost of between $2,000 and $2,500 per eye; corneal changes cannot be reversed following the procedure; further LASIK treatments may be needed; glasses or contact lenses may still be needed for perfect vision; and although rare, flap complications can cause permanent damage.

As with any surgical procedure, LASIK laser eye correction should be thoroughly discussed with a skilled optical professional, all of the options considered, and the risks carefully weighed.

Mathew Dawson writes for the Laser Eye Correction Guide, an essential resource if you are considering laser eye surgery. Discover more about what LASIK eye correction can do to correct your vision.

Are Extended Wear Contact Lenses the Best Option For You?

Extended wear contact lenses are able to provide contact lens wearers with more freedom than any other type of contacts available on the market. With them, you can wake up with crisp, clear vision each morning without having to put your contacts in or grab your glasses since these lenses do not have to be removed each day and can be worn overnight. ?

Since they do not require daily cleaning or rinsing, extended wear contacts are often desired for the added convenience that they can provide the wearer. These lenses also offer those with vision correction needs a non-surgical alternative to LASIK surgery. ?

Contact lenses were initially FDA approved for continuous overnight wear for up to two weeks in the 1980s. However, the approval was modified to 7 continuous days after an increase in eye infections amongst those who wore contacts overnight was noticed. ?

The extended wear lenses that are available today are made from a new material, silicone hydrogel, which allows more oxygen to reach the wearer's eyes when the contacts are worn. When silicone hydrogel lenses are worn approximately 6 to 7 times more oxygen reaches the lens wearer's eyes, which helps to maintain good eye health. ?

Several different brands are available. Depending on which brand the wearer has, the contacts can be worn continuously anywhere from a week to a month without having to be removed, rinsed or disinfected. Most extended wear lenses are disposable lenses that are worn for the prescribed duration then are discarded and replaced with a fresh pair. ?

Although extended wear lenses have many advantages to offer, it is important to keep in mind that not everyone is a candidate for continuous wear. Those considered to be good candidates should currently wear daily lenses whether they are soft of rigid gas permeable. ?

Even if someone is not a good candidate for continuous wear, they may still be able to receive the benefits of extended wear lenses if they are removed daily. For lens wearers that experience dryness, redness and/or discomfort after wearing their lenses for several hours reach day, silicone hydrogels can make the lens wearing experience more comfortable.?

You can find more information about silicone hydrogel lenses at Sanders Contacts. Elizabeth is a contributing author for Sanders Contacts, a comprehensive site dedicated to helping you improve your vision.

Summer's Here - Get Your Online Prescription Sunglasses Today!

There is nothing more frustrating than having to make do with covers for your glasses or having huge wraparound eyewear to give you sun protection for your comfort and eyes; the best way to enjoy the summer weather is to have a pair of prescription sunglasses made up to your prescription. You can look great in the sun with a pair of sunglasses which will provide UV protection for your eyes as well as allowing you to see perfectly and look stylish in the bargain.?The cost of prescription glasses can be steep and many people feel they are simply beyond their means and especially when it comes to a ?luxury? item such as a pair of prescription sunglasses!

Shopping online will save you a great deal of time and money; you only need your eye prescription and an online store can make the sunglasses up for you and ship them right to your door in a day or two.?You can browse different styles and brand names such as Ray-Ban, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Polo and many other leading brands at a fraction of the in-store retail price because they have no overheads such as expensive retail store property with extremely high rents to pay.?You can pick up a pair of prescription sunglasses for less than a hundred bucks and in many other instances, you can get them for much less than that if you combine your purchase with a regular set of glasses when it comes time to replace your existing pair. No longer are prescription sunglasses only for those with a chunk of change to spend on them; they are now firmly within the reach of everyone who wears glasses and more than this, with the sun creating serious health issues for your eyes you must make sure you are properly protected when the sun comes out and you want to play in it!?

A quality pair of prescription sunglasses will provide you with the very best protection for your eyes and vision as well as providing a great deal of comfort while wearing them, not to mention you will look great wearing them without breaking the bank. Make sure the online store you use stocks a wide range of frames which will suit your lifestyle; active people may want more durable sunglasses which will withstand a few knocks while others simply want to look great while enjoying the weather.?Choose an online site which is operated by professionals such as an optician or optometrist and who will be able to advise you on what is the right course of action for your circumstances.? Your eyes are too important to warrant anything less and you should not trust your vision to inexperienced retailers simply looking to sell you something; take your time and do your research and make sure the store offers free shipping, discounts (usually up to 70%), customer loyalty programs, brand names and budget products as well as the opportunity to look and feel fantastic for summer!

You will find a very useful and professional online eyeglasses store here http://myglasses.com/ and they serve customers with prescriptions from across North America with a combined production/dispensing facility under one roof.

My Glasses are the leading online eyewear store serving the New York area and North America providing glasses with up to 70% discounts and healthcare professionals owning and operating the store with an extremely wide range of spectacles from all leading brands including D&G, Ray-Ban, Polo and Ralph Lauren

(c) Big Ridge Media - All Worldwide Rights Reserved

High Blood Pressure and Macular Degeneration

Often health problems can be prevented when an early eye problem has been identified. Conditions such as diabetes or hypertension are often first discovered during an eye exam. Macular degeneration occurs when the vascular system that feeds the macula is not working properly. Not enough nutrients and oxygen are getting to the macula and likewise, the waste products are not being removed and they build up and clog the transport system.

To have healthy eyes we want to promote a healthy circulation to the eyes. Any time we have a condition that harms the circulation or the tiny vessels that feed the macula, like hypertension, we cause harm to our eyes.

The vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to your eyes, and in particular, the retina are very small and delicate. Like other parts to our vascular system, they are damaged by hypertension. This can result in the vessels leaking which leads to fluid building up in the choroid, a vascular layer of vessels that lie under the retina. Hypertension may be more of a significant risk factor for developing wet age related macular degeneration according to the Age Related Macular Degeneration Risk Factors Study Group.

Blood pressure readings consist of a diastolic and a systolic reading. The systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. The diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. These two numbers are very important for you to know. For the definition and causes of hypertension and how to lower it click here:

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

How to Use Eye Drops and Gels

  • Check that your eye drop container is within expiry date on the package, has not been open for more than 28 days and is clean around the dropper tip
  • Thoroughly wash your hands to protect your sensitive eyes and eyelids from possible infection
  • Find a place where you can comfortably tip your head back
  • Pull down the lower eyelid to make a small well for the eye drops to fall into
  • Squeeze a drop or two into the lower eyelid pocket of one eye
  • Quickly apply, in the same way, to the other eye
  • Put down the bottle, close both eyes and gently push against the inner (nasal) corner of the eyes, temporarily closing the tear drainage channels to allow the eye drops to soak-in and work more effectively
  • Dry eye drops can be repeated as often as you feel the need for them. You could let your eyes tell you or set up a regular schedule.
  • Keeping your eyes free from drying out completely will help to reduce the discomfort felt each time they start to dry out. It helps to keep eye drops handy in places such as by the bedside, in the office, in the living areas, in your work case and in your car.
  • Early treatment will prevent your eyes from drying out and help you maintain control of your tear film, keeping your eyes free from the discomfort of desiccation.

Summary

  • Always treat your eyes with the utmost hygiene
  • Wash hands, check dropper is clean/sterile and is within pack expiry date and not opened for more that 28 days (if a multi drop bottle/tube)
  • Master the art of inserting eye drops
  • Stay on top of your Dry Eyes by ensuring you re-moisten your eyes before the surface cells dry out

The LUMECARE range presents the most common dry eye treatments that UK Ophthalmologists, GPs and Optometrists prescribe and they can be obtained directly and from http://www.lumecare.co.uk

The Key to Perfect Eyesight Without Glasses Or Surgery

Doubt. It's what our brain use to protect us from disappointment. It makes us question whether what we are doing right now is worthwhile or not.

That's where most people when it comes to improving their eyesight. They doubt and wonder... and pretty soon they give up altogether because they did not see any results in a few day. Well, as someone who rebuilt her vision, I can tell you it's not a short journey. It takes months, even years for some people.

The key to success is perseverance.

Let me ask you something. If you KNOW, for a fact, that you can have as much money as you want next year as long as you work hard, how hard would you work? Would you sit around knowing that as you laze, you're losing the money you can enjoy next year?

Didn't think so. Same goes to improving eyesight. You have to KNOW that what you're doing has a purpose and that it brings about tangible results. So here's what I want you to do.

Get yourself one of those eye charts, normally comes with natural vision improvement kits, and measure your eyesight (instructions also normally included). Record your progress as you do your eye exercises. You may not see any improvement in days... but maybe in 2 weeks time, you can now see the words one step closer than you used to.

It's only when you see improvements that you'll get excited over the idea of doing vision exercises and pretty soon you'll be looking forward to the session!

If you like this article, you might want to join my "Perfect Vision For Life Newsletter" for free at Rebuild Your Vision - An offer available only to my Ezine Articles readers.

For articles on eye exercises, please visit my blog where I share more information on good vision habits, eye exercises and supplements I used to get rid of my glasses after having worn them for more than 15 years.

Options For LASIK Surgery

LASIK eye surgery can help those who suffer from both hyperopia, otherwise known as farsightedness, as well as the common condition known as myopia, the clinical term for nearsightedness. Today advancements in laser eye surgery allow doctors to provide many patients who have what is known as astigmatism, (an irregular curve in the shape of the eye that causes blurry vision), the opportunity to have LASIK.

Candidates for LASIK Surgery

Candidates for LASIK surgery include those in good health who are over 18 years of age. This procedure as well as most forms corrective eye surgery is usually most successful for those who have a stable vision prescription for a period of time that is usually determined by their doctor.

Generally speaking LASIK is not a good choice for those who have had inconsistencies in their glasses or contact lens prescription over the last year, or who participate in sports or occupations that may result in injuries to the eyes or face.

Individuals who have certain medical conditions are also typically not the best candidates for many forms of laser eye surgery, especially those with diseases that cause hormone levels to fluctuate, or those who take medications that could potentially hinder the healing process after laser eye surgery. In most cases doctors explain that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not be permitted to have vision correction.

Certain preexisting vision issues or conditions can have a negative effect on the success of LASIK. Those who have large pupils, very thin corneas, or have a history of prior eye surgeries may not be appropriate for traditional LASIK surgery.

LASEK and Epi-LASIK are two more modern procedures that may be appropriate for those who do not qualify for the more conventional forms of LASIK.

Choosing Your Eye Doctor

When selecting an eye doctor for your vision correction surgery, make sure to inquire about his or her education, professional memberships, and board certifications. It is also crucial to find out about the ophthalmologist's particular experience with the many different forms of laser eye surgery, particularly to variation that is best for your needs.

Patients should be skeptical of "too good to be true" discounts and specials on eye surgery, as it is possible that there are be hidden costs or extra fees for future "touch ups" that will have to be paid out of pocket.

I am freelance writer based in Arizona who focuses mainly on health related issues and advancements in medical technologies that can help people live better lives. If you are interested in having LASIK surgery visit http://www.caringforlasikphoenix.com to learn more about your options.

Lutein - Nature's Secret to Living Healthy

The benefits of taking lutein have become a subject of much discussion. The more we learn about the positive effect this natural antioxidant can have on the body, the more we realize just how important it is to get the proper amount on a daily basis.

Among the many benefits of lutein is its ability to improve cardiovascular health by freeing the arteries of excess LDL cholesterol. Basically, the body is like an engine and exposure to irritants like smoke and air pollution can cause a build up of free radicals and other toxins which can clog up arteries and build up in the organs making the entire body function poorly.

Antioxidants work to remove those free radicals from the body, enhancing overall health. In the case of the cardiovascular system, the benefits of taking lutein include allowing blood to circulate freely, improving muscle response, respiration and endurance. And since the health of the heart and the circulatory system is vital to the proper function of the rest of the body, this particular benefit can not be stressed enough.

Some of the other benefits of lutein range from its ability to help ease the pain of osteoarthritis to helping prevent certain forms of cancer, including colon cancer. The importance of antioxidants is still being researched, so even now we're not sure of exactly what they can do but we know that they improve our health in a myriad of ways.

Once of the most important benefits of taking lutein is its ability to protect the eyes from damage caused by blue light and the sun's UV rays. Over time, exposure to these most harsh forms of light can cause permanent damage to the retinas, resulting in vision impairment and even vision loss. By working as a natural filter, lutein can shield the sensitive retina and prevent this damage.

But shielding the retina from harsh light is only one of many benefits of lutein when it comes to eye health. Perhaps the most important benefit is preventing damage to the area in the center of the retina known as the macula. Macular degeneration is the single most common cause of vision loss in those 60 and older and it is irreversible. This makes the use of lutein to prevent this damage all the more important as it is the only known way of avoiding macular degeneration.

While the benefits of taking lutein can be achieved by consuming it naturally in green and orange vegetables and fruits such as spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots and corn, not everyone can get the full effect this way. For those whose diet is lacking, lutein can be taken as part of a comprehensive natural supplement. Included as part of a healthy lifestyle including a well balanced diet and plenty of exercise, natural supplements can be the best way to ensure that you are getting the proper amount of all the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Living healthy doesn't have to be a struggle. With a comprehensive natural supplement which contains a careful blend of helpful substances such as lutein, you can feel your best at any age. It's as simple as that, so why make it harder than it has to be?

Al Bracher is chief editor of Skincare and Health supplements.. Visit us to learn more about those products.

Learn From My Mistakes and Improve Your Eyesight Twice As Fast

4 years ago when I first heard of natural vision improvement, I got extremely excited in improving my eyesight naturally. Driven by the fact that I will no longer need to wear glasses, I performed the eye exercises prescribed religiously... at least for the first few days.

Guess what?

I didn't notice any difference. Disappointed, I reprimanded myself for being so foolish as to believe such "quackery" and got back to my glasses.

Have you ever something similar happen to you? An event where you were excited to change a part of life and for some reason or another lose that initial enthusiasm? And to justify losing interest, you then rationalize your decision by saying it's not working?

I'm sure you have. Friend, I'm here to tell you that natural vision improvement through vision exercises, like anything worthwhile, requires patience and discipline. It's not something you achieve within days... but rather months or even years.

I know how daunting that sounds but believe me, once you get into a habit of yours to do eye exercises, you wouldn't want to stop! That's why I did 2 years after I gave up. I started doing eye exercises again because by then, I was desperate and had no other choice!

But this time I came prepared. I kept myself motivated and 8 months later, I didn't need glasses for my daily anymore although I don't possess perfect vision just yet.

If someone have told me of this sooner, I would have rebuild my vision two years earlier!

If you would like this article and want to find out more about motivation techniques I use to keep myself motivated in improving my eyesight, you might want to join my "Perfect Vision For Life Newletter" for free at Rebuild Your Vision - An offer available only to my Ezine Articles readers.

For articles on eye exercises, please visit my blog where I share more information on good vision habits, eye exercises and supplements I used to get rid of my glasses after having worn them for more than 15 years.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

What Can Optometrists Do For You?

An optometrist (eye-care professional), deals with the task of checking for eye problems in individuals. He or she checks your eyes and accordingly prescribes medication, surgery or corrective lenses or spectacles to remedy these problems.

These professionals go through three years of basic university education based on their specific field. During the following pre-registration period, they undergo about a year of training, following which they are to attempt to clear the qualifying exam.

After qualifying, these trainees can choose their particular area of specialization, and then obtain specific training to suit the needs of their practice. They can choose to specialize in contact lenses, eye treatment, and low vision detection etc.

Aside from their formal education and training, many of these qualified professionals, especially those who run their own private practice, are required to supervise the functioning of their offices and eye-care centers. They have to pay attention to details such as hiring efficient and dependable staff, making the right investments in equipment, and keeping up with technological developments in the field of eye-care.

A typical visit to an optometrist's office, involves having to take a vision exam to check vision acuity, after which it can be determined whether or not you have defective vision that must be corrected with lenses. After the extent of the defect has been determined, and Hyperopic or Myopic tendencies are identified, the optometrist will proceed to provide you with a variety of lenses in order to settle on whichever suits your vision the best.

Other factors relating to vision, including vision coordinates, vision depth, color viewing and recognition, and ability to focus, are also checked during a typical eye check-up. The Optometrist may also perform additional checks for eye-ailments, including glaucoma. Other health conditions like hypertension or high blood pressure, diabetes etc., can also adversely affect your vision, other serious diseases such as cancer can have an overall degenerating effect on the eyes. Your optometrist can suggest therapy options to improve your eyesight under such conditions, where surgery might not be an option.

Ophthalmologists and Optometrists are essentially different as professionals, although ultimately they both deal with vision related issues. One notable difference between the two, is that Ophthalmologists are qualified to perform surgery if and when necessary, aside from treating eye diseases, while an Optometrist is technically a general practitioner, who is entitled to diagnose problems and prescribe remedies, but does not perform therapy or surgery on a large scale.

Optometry is an immense and growing field, as more and more efficient professionals are trained, and begin practice. With abrupt and rapid changes in the lifestyles of the population, and less than healthy diets, together with excessive strain on the eyes due to over-exposure to television and computer screens as well as harmful sunrays etc., the demand for effective optometric treatment is also on the rise. To make sure that your eyes stay healthy, and your vision, perfect, remember to visit your Optometrist at regular intervals to have your eyes checked for problems.

Suzanne Hughes is an eyewear style consultant who specializes in reading sunglasses. Visit her website for great glasses and styles from top fashion designers such as Clic reading glasses, Scojo Vision, Seeqa and Others.

Wearing Contact Lenses the Right Way

Although the use of contact lenses to correct eye problems has now become quite common, these are still a few common queries associated with the correct use of contact lenses shared by both those who use lenses for the first time, and those who have been using them for some time.

There are a few basic steps you must keep in mind while handling or using your contact lens, in order to keep them from getting damaged, and also for optimum comfort on your part.

One commonly asked question is whether or not it's possible to tell if the contact lens is inside out. There's a very simple way to do this, first place the lens on your finger so that an upturned cup is formed. Then bring the lens up to eye level so that you can see the rim of the convex surface clearly. If the top edges of the lens appear flared out, the lens in inside out, and if it just forms a cup, or a 'U' shape, you're holding the lens correctly.

Tinted lenses appear to have darker edges when held right side up, and some lenses have the brand name of the manufacturer etched onto the surface, which also assists in telling if the lens is inside out. However, there is no risk involved in applying the lens to your eye, inside out, you will only feel a slight discomfort.

Another important factor in using contact lenses is lens maintenance. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before applying the lens to your eye, or when removing it. However, it's best to avoid soaps that are oily or too scented, since these tend to contain substances that might interfere with the make-up of your lens, or end up damaging it.

Take special care to avoid using products containing lanolin.

The steps involved in cleansing and applying contact lenses are as follows: first, gently shake your lens case containing the contact lens immersed in storage solution, to loosen the contact lens should it be stuck. Avoid touching or pulling the lens with your fingers as much as possible since you might end up damaging it. Then place the lens on your palm and rinse thoroughly with the cleansing solution prescribed for your specific brand.

After cleaning out the lens, dry your hands and place the lens on the tip of your finger, use your other hand to hold the eye open, and gently put the lens in place. Roll your eyes, and blink in order to let the lens settle. If you experience any discomfort, chances are that the lens hasn't been positioned properly, in which case it has to be removed, rinsed and replaced properly. If you are stand in front of a sink while removing or applying a lens, cover the drain with a clean paper towel, since if you drop the lens into the drain by accident, it'll be irretrievable.

By adhering to a few simple rules of contact lens usage, you can obtain the best results from this extremely convenient device.

Suzanne Hughes is an online eyewear style consultant who loves helping those new to eyeglasses find the perfect pair of reading glasses. For great styles of eyeglasses, including mens and womens reading glasses, sunglasses, and folding specs, be sure to visit her website.

Rejuvenate Your Eyes

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are now very commonplace. Costs can range from cheap to pricey, partly as a result of vanity and marketing. Ignoring cosmetics and humor, the basic function for both types of lenses is to correct imperfect vision.

Yawn. Big deal. So What?

Any reader older than about 50 most likely remembers what eyeglasses used to be like. Heavy frames, thick and heavy glass lenses, often very uncomfortable, and far too easy to damage.

So a few developments in different kinds of materials led to some very nice improvements.

Plastics evolved that were very clear, light weight, and with higher index of refraction than glass. All this meant lenses could be thinner and far less heavy in plastic than in glass. Break resistance came as a free bonus. Of course, it is easier to scratch plastic than glass, but coatings have decreased that problem.

Frames were originally made of wire or such natural things as tortoise shell, and could be expensive. Development of break resistant plastics brought down frame prices, but not weight. Metal frames tended to be heavy or thin and easily bent. Modern alloys permit light weight metal frames with both flexibility and shape memory.

The result of such developments is eyeglasses that weigh a small fraction of the best available about a generation ago.

And then contact lenses were invented. The originals were made of blown glass spheres and covered the visible portion of the eye (sclera). Then came those plastics that were very clear, light weight, and with higher index of refraction than glass. Hard or rigid lenses became practical in the 1930s, but wearability was far from perfect. Later various materials evolved for lenses that could bend with the shape of the cornea. Small grooves or holes improved the flow of tears and oxygen in hard lenses, then came materials that were gas permeable and hydrophilic.

Modern contact lenses take very little adaptation time, have negligible irritation for most users, and can be worn for long periods. Recent studies, however, strongly suggest that even long-wear lenses be removed at least a few hours per week. With declining prices, disposable lenses offer a nice alternative to careful lens cleaning.

Not every vision problem can be solved by contact lenses, but we still have those modern spectacles. Laser eye surgery can not be reversed, and can not prevent further eye aging. Contacts and spectacles are far more sensible than LASIK for making your eyes young again.

For more articles about safe and enjoyable use of contact lenses and spectacles, see http://3daycontacts.com/articlelist.htm by Dr. Don Miller.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The 1 Day Acuvue Lens - 5 Tips

After wearing contacts for thirty years, I've tried a lot of contacts. About three years ago I started wearing the 1 Day Acuvue Lens. This is a great way to eliminate glasses and eliminate a lot of other hassles too. Here are 5 tips for getting these lenses cheap and understanding what they can do.

1. Buy it cheap online. Once you have a prescription, it's easy to buy online and save a good bit of money. Besides saving money, you may get the lenses quicker than you would from the eye doctor. If your lenses aren't in stock, the contacts place will order them anyway. Then back you go to pick them up. Buy contacts online and save.

2. Long wear time in comfort. The Acuvue dailies are the most comfortable lenses I've worn. I don't know the technical reasons for that. I just know that you can wear these for long days and you don't get that same tired, strained feeling you get with some contacts.

3. No cleaning. Throwing lenses away every day takes some getting used to. It sure beats all that time spent cleaning and maintaining lenses though. That's a waste of time and money too. Fresh lenses every day is a real plus and a time and hassle saver.

4. Dry eyes. These really shine if you have dry eyes. The lenses are mostly water and for some reason they just work extra well for dry eyes people like me. That may be why they stay comfortable for all day wear. It's the dry eye formula.

5. No chemical cost. Think of all the money spent on chemicals for contacts and solutions and supplies. All that is eliminated with the Acuvue dailies. No more contact chemicals to buy, just open up a fresh pair of lenses each day and eliminate the chemicals completely.

I thought the 1 Day Acuvue Lens could not be improved, but I learned better. Read about my experiment and what I found on my website...

Al Bullington has worn contacts for thirty years. Get his story about the 1 Day Acuvue Contacts at his website.
Buy discount contact lenses by visiting http://BuyCheapContactLenses.com.

Going For an Eye Exam? Here's What to Expect?

Are you a health freak? Do you go for weekly and monthly checkups to your doctor? Do you ever get your eyes checked? If you don't, this will help you understand how important eye exams are. Often the worst thing any family could oversee is the annual vision care. Mostly whatever we do daily is accomplished successfully thanks to our eyesight, so to keep them in full functioning order we need to frequent the eye care units.

One proven way of making sure you lead a life of good vision and healthy eyes is by visiting your eye doctor more often and going through all the exams and eye check ups. Visits to the optometrist or the ophthalmologist more often to get your eyes tested to see if you need spectacles or contact lenses. So what describes a good eye test? Here's what you have to go through during a good all-inclusive eye examination:

? An examination of the retina to see if the back of your eye.
? A test to check your eye pressure.
? An examination of the front of your eye using a microscope.

Regular tests like these ensure an updated folder and allow your doctor to pinpoint and treat the disease in its earliest stages before it damages any tissue. Glaucoma and several eye diseases show no external symptoms in their primary stages. That's why comprehensive eye tests are one good way of keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

Make sure you use your visual senses more often and hence get your prescriptions updated at regular intervals. Headaches that might annoy you and fatigue might be caused by slight alterations to your prescription. If you spend more time by the computer daily, you might develop a modern day problem which is known as the 'computer vision syndrome' which is equally harmful.

You want to know what eye diseases are commonly detected in humans? One of the deadly diseases is glaucoma. Glaucoma is an ophthalmologist's worst nightmare! It is an eye disease that causes immense damage to the eyes and can often lead to loss of vision. Macular degeneration or development of cataracts is gradual processes and there are no symptoms so the person having it doesn't realize anything not even that their vision has decreased. Diabetic patients may develop a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Healthy vision can be maintained by keeping these diseases at bay.

Maintain a timetable of regular medical checkups and don't forget to include the visit to the eye doctor. There's nothing to be scared about! Eye tests are painless, well, at least most are. During an eye test, your eye-care practitioner will use a varied number of medical instruments to check your eye inside out, so that he's sure he does an all round check including your eyelids, eyelashes, iris, lens, cornea, pupils, blood vessels, retina, optic nerve, conjunctiva and extra-ocular muscles.

The eye care specialist also checks your eyes for vision related diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and cornea related diseases. He is also supposed to check ocular disturbances that are associated with diseases to the system such as high blood pressure, neurological disorders and diabetes. If you need a lens by prescription, your doctor will evaluate by making you go through a refraction test.

Once you are done with these tests, if you have perfect vision, it is good news otherwise you need to take more care of your eyes.

Suzanne Hughes is an online eyewear style consultant specializing in reading glasses. For great styles of eyeglasses, including bifocal reading glasses, sunglasses, and folding specs, be sure to visit her website.

Knowing About Eye Care

No one pays much attention to the eyes unless it revolts and causes some sort of discomfort. To understand, we have to first understand exactly what is meant by eye strain.

Eye strain is something which happens when the eyes have been under a lot of stress for a long time. Like all the organs, muscles are what control the eyes. Misused, these muscles can be harmed for life. Therefore, it is advisable to have plenty of lights around, when you watch TV or read a book or do anything that needs your eyes to work hard. If the lighting is good, then the stress on your eyes is much less. It is also advisable to get away from the book or the screen once in every quarter of an hour, so that they eyes are not unnecessarily strained. Certain simple precautions might go a long way in ensuring permanent health for your eyes.

A negligible percentage of population goes for monthly eye check ups. This is strange when you consider that the eye is easily considered to be the most important part of one's body. A healthy diet goes a long way in maintaining healthy eyesight. Make sure that you are eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Beta carotene is found in abundance in carrots. This is very good for the eyes. So it is advisable to include lots of carrots in your diet. Refrain from washing your eyes after any great physical exertion - when the sweat glands are on an overdrive. Eyes are also harmed by extreme conditions such a heat, dust, pollution, strong light and wind.

There are many reasons as to why your eyes might tire out. It might be because you are not getting enough sleep. It might also be because you are under a lot of tension and stress in your daily life. A handy way of bringing some relief to your eyes is by soaking two cotton pads with cold water and applying them gently on the eyes. This also works if you dip the cotton pads in cold milk. However, after 10 minutes, it is necessary to wash off the milk with first lukewarm and then cold water. You should drink lots of water so that your tear glands are properly moisturized at all times. Vitamin C should also be taken regularly.

It relieves the eyes from any kind of irritation. You can also try applying a drop of honey to each eye every week. This might cause some irritation initially, but eventually it will cleanse the eyes thoroughly. Also, it is of utmost importance to work in good light.

In case you suffer from refractive error, prescription glasses might bring you relief. Contact lenses might also be worn. But in that case you will have to ensure that the directions, which come with the lenses, are strictly adhered to. Remaining clean and hygienic is necessary to maintain healthy eyes. Dirt causes many infections.

Sunglasses are also a good idea during summer. These protect your eyes from UV rays as well as pollution.

Suzanne Hughes is an online eyewear style consultant specializing in reading glasses. For great styles of eyeglasses, including bifocal reading glasses, sunglasses, and folding specs, be sure to visit her website.

Stylish and Designer Sunglasses - What You Need to Know

When it comes to sunglasses, its an often overlooked fact that they are objects of necessity, first and foremost. Fashion is a distant second reason! The two primary reasons why you need sunglasses are fairly obvious and well-known: UV and Infrared rays. While the first leads to cataract in the eyes upon excessive exposure, the latter is a heat wave of sorts which lead to severe discomfort for the eyes. Teens and the children are most in danger of these two. Some very serious problems that may crop up include harming the cornea, lesions that may occur on the eyelid and turn malignant, and lastly, wrinkles that may form due to squinting in the sunlight.

Some extremely popular brands include Ray Ban and Oakley, which have almost become household names. Gucci and Versace, which had originally started out as supplementary groups under big Fashion Houses, have also come out on their own and established a firm following.

The uses of a sunglass are many, as is evident by how popular it is with celebrities and movie stars and icons. Be it to hide the stress that shows underneath their eyes, or last night's hangover's after effects, or to conceal their superstar status in public, sunglasses are versatile in their uses.

Sunglasses have been in fashion for a very, very long time, and they show no sign of dying out in popularity. Social icons, movie stars, celebrities never fail to keep themselves on the constant update as far as matters regarding fashion and sunglasses are concerned. Those glasses with really big lenses are all the rage with women nowadays!

Most fashion houses are always looking to expand their fashion sensibilities and styles as far as sunglasses are concerned. There have been many changes as far as the style and shape of sunglasses are concerned, and every time, its led to something completely new and fresh arriving in the fashion market. But its a misconception that these stylish, expensive sunglasses offer any more, or better protection than normal sunglasses do. Its just that they are manufactured by renowned, and large fashion houses, and are thus, quite expensive. It feels good to buy something everyone will admire and instantly recognize. There are several fads that come and go: sunglasses customized for sports like fishing and skiing is one, having colored rims is another. Ray Ban and Nike are quite popular names in designer sunglasses.

Designer sunglasses are in, everyone wants a pair, and you should definitely spend a little, (or a lot!) more to ensure you possess the most stunning and attractive pair of shades yet! You'll definitely benefit from having a pair that you'll love to show around and flaunt; just don't end up with fake ones pretending to be the real thing, yet costing a fortune! Its quite easy to land with such a pair of sunglasses, so always be alert as to what you buy, especially since it's a matter as sensitive as fashion and all the more since you're spending a lot of money too.

Suzanne Hughes is an online eyewear style consultant specializing in reading glasses. For great styles of eyeglasses, including bifocal reading glasses, sunglasses, and folding specs, be sure to visit her website.