http://www.healthzine.org/feed/ Healthzine.org - Vision http://www.healthzine.org/ Every day new articles and updated info on all your health, beauty and fitness concerns. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:57:13 +0200 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:57:13 +0200 The Many Ways Of Taking Care Of Your Jewels http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/Eye-Care-for-Adults http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/Eye-Care-for-Adults In adult eye care; our visions are an important factor in our life and it is a common fact that as man ages then so does his vision. It is in this stage that blurred vision starts; therefore proper vision health must be followed. Now adult eye care or eye care for adults is not difficult to follow, you simply need to do a few ocular massage and avoid strain. But how do we do this? How do we do away with optical problem? I have formulated a few common knowledge in adult eye care regimens in order to retain the beautiful spark of our jewel. Here are a few general tips. When a foreign object enters your visual organ; the first thing to do is to relax and think of the best way to dislodge that foreign body, when this happens flush it with water, or optical wash. Most importantly “Do not rub, or the foreign body may be pushed deeper into the ocular tissues. If you see the foreign body, remove it gently. When outdoors, use sunglasses that protects against ultraviolet light, this will prevent the development of cataracts. Good adult eye care also involves massaging. The first step is to massage around the oculars starting from the temple until the bridge of the nose. The next step is to pinch the nose and rotate it gently, then place your fingers above the cheekbone and rotate it gently so as to circulate the blood, and lastly, gently massage the temple of your optical organ. As I have mentioned before, aging is one factor why our sense of sight deteriorates. As an adult eye care it is therefore a must that a regular optical check to the optical doctor be done. If you have a severe case of near sightedness (600-700 or more) then periodic ocular checks is a must for you. If you have contact lenses; have a yearly ocular check, or as often as your doctor would recommend. At 45, you need to have an ocular check every 2 years. This is recommended to those who have a family history of <a href=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh_miF6KIio’ target=’_blank’>glaucoma</a>. At age 45-50 farsightedness usually develops; thus adult eye care is a must. The good news is its nothing to be worried about; all you need to do is have a pair of reading glasses or bifocals that your ophthalmologist would recommend. Lastly, diabetic people need yearly optical checks, simply because ocular complications may develop if you’re diabetic and if your blood sugar is poorly controlled. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 9 Jul 2009 09:41:06 +0200 Eat Vegetables For Better Eyesight http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/eye-care-for-young-children http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/eye-care-for-young-children Yesterday we talked about the proper eye care for babies. And as a continuation, we will talk about the proper and <a href=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7O1eku8f-Q’ target=’_blank’>natural eye care</a> for young children, but with a little twist. First question; do you still remember your mother’s words when you were dining? Most mothers would usually say, “Sweetie, eat your vegetables” The reason for this is, they all want us to become healthy, simply because vegetables are nutritious and is good for the body. But during my schooling, I have found out that there is more to it than being healthy. You see, vegetables are good sources of antioxidants; and antioxidants prevent blindness. Now going back to eye care; vegetables can help prevent ocular problems. And in my many years of being a health coach, one of my favorite subjects to tackle is eye care, in which I usually relate it to the family; in the subject of <a href=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7O1eku8f-Q’ target=’_blank’>Family Eye Care</a>. And what better way to prevent such degenerative diseases, than to eat nutritious and healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. You see the eye is the pride of a person’s face; the jewel of a person so to speak. Which is why, utmost care is a definite must for all. Unhealthy lifestyles such as the burning of candles on both ends, smoking, and drinking are examples of poor eye care, which can or may in the future cause optical problems, and the end result is blindness. And I for one can conclude that there are two leading causes of blindness (macular degeneration and cataracts), which can be accelerated by oxidation damage. This oxidation damage is caused by three factors: Vices such as smoking, sunlight, and our metabolism. And the theory in this is; antioxidants like vitamin C and E as well as beta carotene can all help neutralize such degenerative disease. The truth is good nutrition and ocular health, really go hand in hand in eye care. And what better way to ensure this, than to eat fruits and vegetables. And with reinforced antioxidant supplements, B-complex supplements plus a balanced and healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet will surely sound great, especially to smokers and “at risk” patients. The logic in here is to delay and even possibly prevent the occurrence of degenerative diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. Yes there are recommended anti-aging therapies out there but facts are people are still dubious about such claims. So the best remedy is still your mothers’ usual dining spiel, which is “Eat your vegetables”. Lastly teach the child about eye care as early as possible; always repeat your instructions because this will soon be embedded to their system. Along with eating vegetables, teach them not to touch the eyes without washing their hands with soap and water. Teach them also not to rub their eyes if a foreign object gets into the eye, because the object may go deeper into the optical tissues. Teach them not to play with sharp objects as well, and never forget to take time in teaching them the reasons behind, like “sweetie, if you do this you will prevent accidents”. And never forget to reinforce it with a praise like “if you do this you will be a good boy!” Another thing of consideration is, teach them to always be careful with sharp objects like knives and scissors, teach them how to properly hand the object to the person. Most of all, parents should be shrewd and vigilant to their children’s ocular health. If a child excessively blinks or sits too close to the tv screen then you need to bring him/her to the doctor, as part of a proper eye care. And the most important reminder of all is, “No amount of vitamins will work without your cooperation”. So go on, eat your veggies, have a healthy lifestyle and be the proud owner of a sparkling jewel—your eyes! About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 8 Jul 2009 09:39:56 +0200 What To Do For Your Baby’s Eye Care http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/Your-Baby-Eye-care http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/Your-Baby-Eye-care If I am to be asked the area which is often overlooked in a child, then I would have to say; &quot;It’s their visions&quot;. Our eyesight is a very precious gift from God, and for us to give the proper eye care is a definite must. Thus proper eye care should start from birth and must be maintained through out life. As a matter of fact <a href=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KmPwSpNKHo’ target=’_blank’>vision problems</a>, is the number 4 <a href=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiPPEty4yBo’ target=’_blank’>disability problem</a> in the United States of America. In the same vein I have prepared a few eye care tips for parents and how to administer proper eye care. The first step in children’s eye care is to protect your baby’s eyesight from direct sunlight, be it indoors or outdoors. When you are indoors, position the cot of your little one with great care. And when you’re outdoors, you need to raise the stroller’s hood so as to protect the eyesight of your child from sunlight. Or if you’re carrying your baby, let your angel wear a hat, the logic behind this is quite simple; infants are still sensitive to direct sunlight, and doing so may damage the eyes of your little angel! The next step is to be vigilant in looking for a squint (crossed eyes). It is a state where the child’s optical organ seem to look in different directions at the same time. It is my opinion therefore, that if you’re the parent, and you see that your precious angel has a squint; you should see an ophthalmologist immediately, because this will affect the visions of your child. I call this parental eye care. According to medical practitioners, a squint can easily be corrected if detected earlier. Parents remember that your little one is solely dependent on you in this stage and as parent you need to be shrewd when it comes to the health of your precious angel. In the case of your home environment; this eye care needs to be considered as well. Keep towels clean, simply because eyes can get infected easily. If I may suggest, you need to have separate towels; one for your baby’s face and another towel which is solely for wiping dirt like those in the areas of the mouth. And as you clean the eyes of your angel, be sure to be gentle; wipe the optical organs of your child with utmost caring. Wipe them once or twice a day (one in the morning and another before bedtime), or if the situation would require you to do so. Another thing that may damage the eyesight of your little one is the baby’s nails; it is therefore important that you cut it for them. Its primary purpose is for your baby’s eye care, because an infant tends to scratch their faces, and if damaged, then it could be serious, and cutting them will also protect your baby’s face. It would also be best, to put mittens, these will protect their visions as well. Lastly be in a lookout for any eye discharge, they can be symptoms of fever or any foreign object that entered your child’s optics. If you see any, don’t panic, Relax and administer the right solution, that is if you’re knowledgeable, but if you don’t know any, immediately bring your child to his or her pediatrician. Parents remember that the eyes of your child, is the windows of their soul; try looking at your little angels innocent eyes, they’re beautiful isn’t it? And no words can perfectly define the feelings of joy and bliss that you feel when you hold them and looking them in their eyes, right? Therefore treat their visuals like a priceless gem; after all, they’re the extension of you. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 29 May 2009 10:16:23 +0200 Take Control Of Your Eye Problems Take Lutein Rich Foods http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/Take-Control-of-your-Eye-Problems http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/Take-Control-of-your-Eye-Problems Take Control of your Eye Problems. The world is beautiful. It is made of exact precisions, and is carefully crafted. The play of colors and the balance of things is an astonishing sight to behold. Lastly, the careful arrangement of all living things exudes a balance of magnificent harmony. Indeed, the world is a Beautiful sight to behold! The very act of seeing the world is an astonishing experience. Seeing relies on the interaction between the visions seen by the optics and the brain. And to see nothing more than a blurry sight or darkness, is indeed a sad situation to be in. One of the growing problems our world is facing today is, Ocular Related Problems. Take Control of your Eye Problems. This is a serious problem, simply because our optics is one of the most fragile organs. Vision is of great importance to us because we use our eyes everyday! Luckily, there is a solution to eye problems, it is called Lutein. This element has been found to play an important role in protecting our eyes and visions. This element works in two ways; it acts as a natural sun block and it neutralizes free radicals that can damage the eyes. One of the many and long consequences of Lutein deficiency is Age-Related Macular Degeneration. This is one Eye Problem that need immediate attention. Daily consumptions of food rich in Lutein can help prevent this condition. The good news about Lutein is it has over 600 Carotenoid. It is a very important element because it is abundantly found in the Macula of the eye, which is the central part of the retina. Because this Carotenoid naturally exist in our eyes, it is important that this antioxidant does not diminish in quantity. Otherwise several Eye Diseases will occur. More good news still, this element is also found in leafy, dark green vegetables, thus the mere consumption of this may help prevent blindness. Here’s how Lutein works. Lutein is an antioxidant which protects cells against damage from naturally occurring free radicals. These are single group of atoms capable of damaging the cells and impairing the immune system which leads to infectious and sometimes degenerative diseases, one of which that they damage is our vision. Proper Eye Care is of great importance if we want to keep our eyes and visions in an optimum level. This way we avoid Eye Problems. How to obtain Lutein: Though Lutein is not an essential nutrient; it can be easily obtained from food. To do this you must modify your diet. The best source of this is Green vegetables. The likes of spinach, peas, romaine lettuce and collard greens are good sources of this. Daily and consumption of these greens can Take Control of Your Eye Problems. But taking lutein rich foods is not enough; it must be reinforced with zeaxanthin. This two work best when they are together. Hand in hand they help decrease Eye Problems. One must also consider that adequate amount of luteine dosage is at least 6mg. this amount will be beneficial to the eyes. Remember though that our bodies possess bodily acids which in a way act as cleaners of our systems, so little amounts of Lutein consumptions may be destroyed along the way, which is why it is essential to consume more green leafy vegetables, to ensure at least 6mg. of lutein in the body. Though essential to the eyes because it helps treat the growing risk of Eye Problems; Maximum safe dosages have not been established for pregnant or nursing women, children, or sufferers of liver or kidney disease. Protect your vision, it one of the ways to relieve stress and other weakening problems. Imagine looking at a view and then later on you feel relieved and renewed. The sight is a wonderful gift that we need to treasure. Take Control of your Eye Problems. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:04:45 +0200 Why Toric Contact Lenses For Astigmatism? http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/Contact-lenses-for-astigmatism http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/Contact-lenses-for-astigmatism Astigmatism- what is it? Astigmatism is actually the most common form of vision problem, and most people have it to a certain degree. How would you know if you are suffering from this particular kind of eye condition? It can be that you would not be able to notice symptoms at all, or perhaps minimally, such as slight blurred vision. As much as astigmatism symptoms may be minimal or undetected, correction measures are better employed. It’s because uncorrected astigmatism can lead to further symptoms such as headaches and eyestrain. These cause distorted or blurred vision at all distances. That’s why this condition may accompany nearsightedness or farsightedness. What causes this eye problem, on the other hand? An irregularly shaped cornea is often responsible for astigmatism, or for others, it is a matter of defect in the shape of the lens. The lens is located behind the cornea. Means of correcting this eye problem is through eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery. On the subject of contact lenses as corrective measure for astigmatism, you have to be mindful. In the sense that you ought to resort to the most suitable kind. An appointment with an ophthalmologist is the most preferred recourse to obtain the proper information. Contact lenses for astigmatism can be effective provided you’ve made use of that which suits you best, or your condition for that matter. Certain types of contact lenses would prove to be ineffective for astigmatism. For instance, the regular, soft kind of contacts. They would not properly address this vision condition. There are contacts which are of the toric kind, and this is a recommended corrective device. Toric contact lenses are made of the same material as spherical contacts. Toric contact lenses can either be soft or RGP. The difference between these two depends on how the lenses are made. Some patients prefer using RGP toric contact lenses over the soft kind. The rigid lenses of RGP contacts retain their shape better on the cornea. Thus, they provide crispier vision for astigmatic people. Other than the functionality of toric contact lenses, your looks can also be enhanced with this vision device. Torics are available in varied colors, so you can enhance or change your natural eye color with these contacts. Some toric contact lenses are disposable, but it is preferable that you use the non-disposable sort with a conventional replacement schedule. It may cost you a bit but consider that you are investing for better vision and well-being. Not only adults can be astigmatic, but children as well. In this regard, taking your child to the ophthalmologist for an eye exam is essential. It is important that astigmatism is detected and corrected among children. This vision irregularity can affect the child’s ability to see well, especially in school, or in sports. Astigmatism is usually hereditary. When the resulting vision problem is neglected, it may get worse over time. It is only necessary then that astigmatism be detected early on, and corrective measures employed. Vision problems or irregularities are much of an inconvenience (to say the least) when left uncorrected. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:59:40 +0100 Beautiful Eyes As Windows Of Your Soul http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/fresh-and-beautiful-eyes http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/fresh-and-beautiful-eyes The eyes are the windows of the soul, so they say. What about yours- what do they tell about you? Do your eyes truly reflect what you are inside as a person- your soul? Bright, pure and refreshed- these make of beautiful eyes. Beautiful eyes tell of a rejuvenated freshness for you as well, when you head out to face and embrace the day’s undertakings. How can you have these fresh and beautiful eyes? Beautiful eyes has to do with proper eye care. What are the means for proper eye care, on the other hand? Common problems which get in the way of beautiful eyes are dark circles around, redness, tiredness and puffiness. These health and beauty dilemmas can be brought about by facing the computer for long hours, or reading in the same manner, watching the television or simply walking on the street. In the latter circumstance, you become exposed to the sun and the wind giving way to eye health problems. And so goes the havoc inflicted on the windows of your soul. Take time for having beautiful eyes then- take time for regular eye care. You might be living a busy life that you usually don’t render time for this health and beauty regimen. But taking care of your eyes need not take much from your schedule. Ten to fifteen minutes a day can be allotted for this routine. Things found in the kitchen can be used as eye health and beauty tools. For instance, cucumber, potatoes and salt. Cotton dipped in crushed cucumbers or potatoes can be placed on your eyelids for 15 minutes. Then you can gently wash your eyelids with water giving way to freshness and rejuvenation when done regularly. Another helpful tip for this concern is by using salt. A small amount of salt diluted in a tub of water can be used as a daily eye wash. If redness and swelling happen to be your problem, you can remedy these symptoms merely with a spoon! Put a clean spoon into the fridge, then press the spoon on the swelling and the redness. This measure can deliver fast results, even after a few minutes. Then the problem of dark circles under the eyes. Coconut oil can help reduce this particular issue. Rub coconut oil around the darkened area for 5 minutes in a day. Gradually, the dark rings can diminish. Other than this, cold milk would also help in reducing dark circles. Dip a cotton ball in cold milk then lay them on the dark rings. But you should well know that dark eye circles do not disappear overnight. Be conscientious in doing this home beauty remedies and you’re bound to get results in time. It’s best not to undermine how essential proper eye care is, and having so called beautiful eyes. Other than the mentioned applications, you should also keep to a healthy diet and lifestyle. After all, beautiful eyes do not have to do with beauty alone. More than that, it has to do with health. It has been said again and again- health and beauty go hand in hand. Good health makes you radiate with beauty- and that’s from the inside out. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 5 Feb 2009 07:32:14 +0100 Eye Care With A Vision: Vision Insurance Plans http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/making-health-care-affordable http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/making-health-care-affordable Fifty percent of the American population is said to suffer from vision problems. This populace consists of individuals who often wear prescription eye glasses or contact lenses. Living with a vision irregularity entails proper management of the condition, and this entails cost. Regular tests and visits to the doctor are required, along with so called gadgets and gizmos which go with the treatment. And not to mention possible medications. These measures may have to be employed for the long term, if not permanently. This raises the issue of finances, or cost pertaining to vision correction or maintenance. You may be among these individuals who have a vision irregularity to live with. How are you going to manage with your resources to cope with the expenses? Proper health care is a necessity, and it entails significant cost. A basic means for making health care affordable is through health plans or insurance. In relation to eye problems,insurance plans are primary options. Health plans are designed to give you discounts on purchases or services availed of. A benefit package of these plans is often offered by employers to their staff. If it is the only option available, you can individually find a plan for yourself and pay for it on your own. Expenses or investment is necessary on your part, but it is well worth the cost. A vision insurance plan functions in another manner than regular health insurance. This wellness benefit offers discounts on services such as eye exams, or on prices of items such as eye glasses or contact lenses. Vision insurance plans can help offset the prices of these services and items. There are two options for vision insurance. One is through a benefits package, and another is through discount plans. A benefits package covers vision services, much like insurance coverage does. If it so happens you avail of a service or made a purchase, a co-payment is required. The rest of the cost is shouldered by the benefits package. As for vision discount plans, you give full payment of the service or item, but at a lower, discounted price. This discounted cost and expense has been agreed upon by the network provider. A vision insurance plan involves a network of providers. You pay for a (minimal) regular amount to your provider. As long as you avail of health services and needs from members of the network, that’s when you enjoy the benefits. There might be a list of specific health or medical services in which the benefits apply. It would help if you review this list prior to getting a vision insurance plan. Make sure of whether you can utilize the services and benefits to the optimum. There are numerous benefits of getting a vision insurance plan, the most prominent is saving on costs. For instance, eye glasses can cost up to $200. But with an insurance plan, you can save as much as 50% on its purchase. Other than getting a plan for yourself, you can also opt on getting one for the whole family. In choosing the right vision insurance plan for yourself or your family, choose one which suits your needs best. Get hold of thorough information not only on the cost, but the benefits offered, and what is covered. How often can you avail of eye exams? In 6 months or a year’s period, how many eye glasses or contact lenses can you purchase at a discount? Researching from online sources can save you much time. You can get hold of various vision insurance plans and compare. You ought to maximize the use of the plan. And finally you have to consider the cost. Is it within your means? Or else, it would be pointless getting an insurance plan if you cannot cope with the payments. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 12 Jan 2009 02:24:33 +0100 Clear Vision Without The Hassle: Daily Disposable Contact Lenses http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/daily-disposable-contact-lenses http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/daily-disposable-contact-lenses Are you having a blurred vision? Well if you do, then daily disposable contact lenses are just right for you. They’re inexpensive and very convenient to use. It’s a sad thing that blurred vision is very common nowadays. Many people of various age brackets suffer from this problem. Having this is indeed a hassle. It deprives you to enjoy a lot of things like reading, watching movies, painting, surfing the net and other stuffs you love to do. It also gives you a headache and discomforts like nausea. There are many factors causing this problem. Some of these factors are too much exposure to computers and television sets, improper reading position, illness, and genetics. This problem however is easy to solve because there are lots of remedies available today. There is laser treatment, eyeglasses and reusable and daily disposable contact lenses to choose from. But laser treatment is expensive plus the fact that it is still surgery in another sense. If you’re not financially ready and afraid of this kind of treatment, then don’t go for this option. Eyeglasses, on the other hand, are cheaper and easy to wear. However, you have to sacrifice beauty in exchange for a clearer vision. It’s sure a turnoff to people seeing you wearing eyeglasses especially if you’re not wearing the piece that suits you right, plus the fact that they make you look old. For these reasons, contact lenses become popular and a lot of people prefer to use them. But there are downsides to contact lenses, the reusable ones to be more specific, and not the daily disposable contact lenses. Firstly, they need to be cleaned before putting them on to avoid eye infections and cleaning them is a bit inconvenient too, not to mention the expensive cleaning agent you’ll be using. Just imagine when you’re already late or have to catch up for something and you have to clean them. Such a big hassle, isn’t it? Sure you can just go ahead without them but then just think of the blurred vision you’ll be going through. Secondly, the substances used to clean them cost too much. Lastly, because of the daily cleaning that you do, scratches gradually develop thus making them dull. No matter how careful you are, scratches are inevitable. Once scratches on contact lenses appear, they’ll be of no help to you anymore because they’ll give you a blurred vision anyhow. So what you’ll do next? Of course, throw them away and buy new ones. Not nice to hear at, right? Fortunately, there are now the so called daily disposable contact lenses to solve your problem. As the name connotes, they are disposable and can be used everyday without the maintenance cost and the hassle plus the usual features of a reusable contact lens. You’ll be wearing brand new contact lenses everyday. And you’ll get a crystal clear vision that only brand new ones can give. So if its convenience and clear vision that you want, get rid of your eyeglasses and dull contact lenses and worry no more of blurred visions. Go get your daily disposable contact lenses now. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:30:34 +0100 The Not-So-Woeful Story Of Eyeglasses http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/eyeglasses http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/eyeglasses Eyeglasses can be next to your best bud when you are suffering from poor vision. It is through this medium that you can see things- clearly. Come to think of it, would you be that confident to see your school professor, your boss, or the most important person in your life across the street without having a vivid vision of their facial expressions? Maybe you are a bit confused if it’s really them.( In cases of nearsighted people). But you are sure of their gestures and the way they communicate, however you simply can’t make out what they really want to convey. Sounds familiar? That is just a few of the scenarios why eye aides are important. There are eyeglasses but why is it that more people are turning to contact lenses? Don’t they cater to the same need? Perhaps because contact lenses can give anyone a younger look or because it’s” IN” today. That may be true. Some would even go for vanity. Maybe one would really look more pleasant or appealing to others because they don’t have those nerdy eyeglasses on. But the real score behind contact lenses over eyeglasses is that the user’s field of vision would be wider –not limited to the glasses’ size. You can see things better without moving your head but just your eyes to any direction. Another thing is that it helps the eyes see things in a more natural way because it is placed exactly over the cornea. But what help do those poor eyeglasses have? Or do they have any advantages? In fact those who wear contact lenses also have glasses handy especially when they don’t have the luxury of time to prepare it. Contacts need to be disinfected otherwise they might cause irritation or even cause serious eye problems. And if you are the conventional type you would not even dare wearing contacts if you know the consequences of improper use. Another plus for the using glasses is that they don’t need much maintenance. You need not keep them moist all the time. But why are contact lenses still preferred? Or why would others go for eye surgery as the ultimate solution for their depreciating eyes? The choice generally depends on the users because they are those weighing the options , including the amount of money to spend. Eye treatments vary depending on the solution and the stages of eye damage. But whatever their reasons, it all goes to the root cause of need. The need to see properly. Vision is obviously very important. Those who don’t have it might be willing to give anything to have it or regain it. Whether eyesight is still good or bad, one simply has to see. Even if eyeglasses are not that popular, they are still an alternative for aiding the eyes. After all, contact lenses don’t have the possibility of being worn as shades for cool and not-so-cool outfits. Eyeglasses are far from being history. In fact it is constantly innovated to adapt to modern times. There are those developed with added features such as protection from excess light and rays coming from the environment or the computer to prevent eye strain. They are not that bad- they’ve got some brownie points, too. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 2 Jul 2008 05:43:30 +0200 Be On The Lookout For Sudden Blurred Vision http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/blurred-vision2 http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/blurred-vision2 Sudden blurred vision may have happened to you at some points. This condition, especially when accompanied by other factors could be an indication of certain diseases and disorders. There are several causes of blurred vision- retinal detachment, glaucoma, stroke, diabetes, hypertension and migraine among others. Suffering from blurring entails that you have to see a specialist. The cause of your blurred vision might need emergency treatment, and it can spell the difference between recovery and loss of vision. Take the case of retinal detachment- a condition which needs immediate attention. In retinal detachment, blurring is accompanied by spotty or stringy bits in your field of sight. You may also see flashes of light and a sensation of a shadow or curtain being lowered when you see things. Time is of the essence in treating retinal detachment. As the term implies, the retina of the eye has been detached. If it hasn’t been put in place through surgery, the patient could suffer from permanent loss of eyesight. So when you notice some irregularities in your eye sight, be keen, and seek treatment. They may be warning signs and symptoms of retinal detachment. Then there is glaucoma, touted as the silent thief. Retinal detachment is a bit more kind than glaucoma in that it gives warning signals. But glaucoma doesn’t at all. Because of glaucoma, you could be losing your eyesight without even knowing it. “Silent thief” that it is, glaucoma is actually the leading cause of vision loss. Symptoms of glaucoma are the following – sudden blurring along with severe eye pain, eye redness and loss of peripheral vision. You may also experience nausea or vomiting and you might begin seeing halos around lights. A common type of this condition is open-angle glaucoma. Open angle glaucoma develops gradually, however you might not notice any warning signs. Many people are not aware of this eye problem that they might have- until it’s too late. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases commonly characterized by damage to the optic nerve. Sensation of pressure in the eyeballs can be an indication of glaucoma as well. If you are experiencing sudden blurring along with loss of peripheral vision, double vision or sudden partial or total loss of vision, then you might be suffering from a stroke. Stroke is deadly being the third leading cause of death in the United States. Stroke is a life and death matter and an emergency situation. If not given due treatment, stroke can lead to a lifetime of paralysis or disability other than death. A stroke can take place when the brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. When supply of blood to the brain is hampered or severely disrupted, a stroke can have its onslaught. Hypertension, diabetes and need for corrective eye surgery are other possible causes of sudden blurring. So is migraine which lasts for about 45 minutes until it subsides. Macular degeneration can also cause sudden blurred vision. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, it’s best that you seek medical attention and be evaluated by a qualified eye specialist. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 3 Jun 2008 07:48:56 +0200 Vision Problems And Their Solutions http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/vision-problems http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/vision-problems There are several sorts of vision problems, and those most qualified to handle them are low vision specialists. Among the conditions which specialists cater to are low vision problems. There are actually many reasons why such conditions occur. Some people could be genetically predisposed to it, like those suffering from macular degeneration. Then there are those beset by the condition called albinism. Such people may have eyesight problems in relation to their condition. And diabetics as well- they could suffer from background retinopathy in the eyes in which eye problems can be instigated. Those who’s had accidents may also have the same problem as a result. To correct irregularities such as these, a specialist ought to be consulted. And luckily, many of these conditions have solutions. Many of these problems can be remedied, although it generally depends on the severity. Specialists who deal with them are comprised of optometrists and opthalmologists, and they aim to optimize the patient’s remaining eyesight. That way, they are able to function better and could enjoy daily activities more. Such specialists make use of vision problems solutions such as magnifiers and bioptic glasses. These devices are able to improve the patient’s visual range. Solutions and treatments generally depend on the kind of vision loss the patient has. Take for instance patients who have macular degeneration. More often, people with this condition have problems with their central eyesight. As the term implies, the macula is degenerating. The macula is located in the rear portion of the retina and it controls the central visual range. The central visual range comprises merely 30% of the total visual field. It means that the peripheral vision can still function in this sense and it may be unharmed. The key to this loss of the central visual range is magnification of the visual field for close vision. To improve distance vision, tiny microscopes are attached to the glasses. The central visual range is used for a variety of activities. Some of them are watching television, reading and working on craft projects. It is also required when working at the computer, watching a movie or play, writing and driving. For those with eyesight problems, these activities can easily be performed with a magnifier. The type of magnifier used depends on the sort of activity carried out. A hand-held magnifier will not be suitable for one who does hand crafts such as knitting or sewing. More suited would be eye glasses wherein magnified glass lenses are inserted. A different type of magnification is entailed for activities needing long distance vision. Telescopic glasses may be recommended by specialists for this purpose. Telescopic glasses are much more like regular glasses, only there are tiny telescopes attached to its lenses. The lenses on the other hand consists of a suitable prescription for the patient’s peripheral vision. The visual field is changed by moving the head up and down as one wears bifocals. Problems relating to the eyesight are best referred to qualified specialists so that appropriate treatments can be employed and the patient can enjoy optimum functioning and well-being. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 15 May 2008 09:26:05 +0200 Different Causes Of Red Eyes http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/red-eyes1 http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/red-eyes1 The eyes are made of flesh and blood, so to speak, and so they can be subject to various problems. Indeed, there are many disorders, diseases and irregularities which can beset the eyes. Vision problems affect a large percentage of people and many seek treatment. The eye is after all, one of the basic senses. They serve a function which is crucial in living a good quality of life. Despite these possible vision problems, there are also advances in modern eye health care. Measures and procedures have been devised to address the many possible eye problems. Most of these procedures are able to treat and give people better vision. Due to their efficiency, it is now possible for many people to retain vision health even onto old age. But one has to be mindful to tend to their vision health. Care and visits to the doctor may be entailed for this. Or else, the eyes will not be able to do its functions properly. How does this major organ work? The eyes work as a sensor that converts the reflected light from an object. The light is converted into a signal which the brain uses to identify the image. Among the common various problems which can beset this organ is red eyes. Red eyes is a condition with many other names. They are pink or bloodshot eye, and scleral or conjunctival infection. How does this condition take place? Blood vessels on the surface of the sclera would enlarge or dilate. The white of the eye then turns into different shades of red. When it comes to red eyes, the degree of redness doesn’t necessarily correlate with the severity of the condition. For instance, bloodshot ones may be an indication of allergies which will go away over a short period of time. On the other hand, a slight redness may signal an emergency, especially if it is persistent. There are not so consequential causes of red eyes. For example, those which are caused by coughing or straining. This might not require any treatment at all. Some form of cleaning or soothing solutions could be required for exposure to dust, toxins and chemicals. A physician’s attendance is required for redness caused by a penetrating injury. As for allergies, fever and common cold, this entails treatment of the condition to get rid of red eyes. For this eye problem, the causes can be viral or bacterial infections. Symptoms can be a discharge, pain and inflammation. When the eyelid infection is bacterial in nature, there may be redness and itching. Such a condition is called blepharitis. Many are well aware of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis could be bacterial or viral in nature. Or perhaps it might be caused by allergies. When conjunctivitis happens, the thin membrane covering the sclera and the eyelids are affected. Conjunctivitis is a contagious condition. Measures have to be taken to prevent the spread of the infection. Ulcers on the cornea can be the result of viral and bacterial infections. Redness occurs because of this. Autoimmune problems or infections could also be the underlying causes. Such may be the case with iritis or uvetis which is an infection of the middle eye. To prevent many of the serious problems affecting this organ, care and caution has to be practiced. For instance, using soothing eye wash upon exposure to dust, or wearing googles in hazardous areas. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:46:44 +0200 Reading Glasses For Fashion And Functionality http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/reading-glasses1 http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/reading-glasses1 It used to be that people wearing reading glasses look nerdy. When it comes to girls, they say, “Guys don’t make passes at girls wearing glasses”. Well, gone are those days because reading glasses are now trendy. Other than serving their purpose of giving better vision, glasses can be fashionable, too. But first things first- what are reading glasses or spectacles for? When should a person wear them, and why? When a person finds it difficult to read at normal length, then they might need to wear reading glasses. Or perhaps when one has to screw up their eyes to be able to focus on things. These are possible indications that spectacles are needed. And people over 40- they generally need single-vision reading glasses. There are two main types of frames for these accessories. Primarily there are full frames, and smaller Franklin spectacles. For the full frames, they have the entire lens made according to a reading prescription. As for the Franklin glasses, they sit lower down on the nose. They look much more like half-eyes. Before deciding on whether one needs these accessories, consultations with the ophthalmologist and optometrist may be necessary. Ophthalmologists are those doctors specializing in the treatment of eye and vision problems. As for optometrists, they examine the eye, make a diagnosis and then make a prescription for glasses. Optometrists are not at all medically qualified. An optometrist would generally give a prescription with a number by which the suited spectacles will be made. An eye examination by an ophthalmologist is often recommended. That way, eye and vision problems can be determined, or otherwise ruled out. Spectacles for reading are for people who constantly look at objects closely and for an extended period. Spectacles for computer use on the other hand are different, especially in design. Computer glasses when used would make objects from across the room look blurry. Franklin spectacle or the half-eyes are for individuals who need to read and then look up after some time. Say for instance a consultant who needs to look down to read and write then look up to discuss something. Today, spectacles are of a wide range, and not monotonous looking like they used to be. Some of the models are compact and foldable. They may even come with small, handy and attractive cases. Frames may be gold or silver rimmed or made of stainless steel. What’s more, they can be flattering and interesting. They can even come in trendy plastic and in various shapes and colors. Handmade frames are for those who prefer something exclusive. Spectacles are available with features like magnifiers. Magnifiers can enable wearers to read really small print, or even when the lights are dim. It must be noted that the better the spectacles are made, the more likely they will be durable. Thus, they can stay for a longer time and would suit better one’s vision needs. However, they might be a bit costly, especially if they have been purchased from a reputed maker. So when one wants style with functionality for reading glasses, there are several and varied options. Along with better vision can come a trendy persona. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Sun, 6 Apr 2008 15:14:54 +0200 Why Blurred Vision Occurs http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/blurred-vision1 http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/blurred-vision1 It can happen sometimes that a person has blurred vision, and it could be unpleasant. Blurred vision may also be a symptom of another disease or condition, and this is something worth minding. Why does blurred vision occur and what are the possible causes? Primarily, there is the weakening of the eye muscles. This condition causes the misshapening of the lens of the eyes. When the lenses lose their elasticity, blurred vision may occur as well. The lenses having to lose their elasticity is quite inevitable with aging. As much as this is anticipated, it may be slowed down by antioxidants. Then there is macular degeneration, another cause of vision blurring. Macular degeneration is instigated by the loss of light of the neurons behind the eyes. With macular degeneration, the neurons themselves may have been damaged. Thus, it may not be corrected with the use of glasses alone. Some patients are able to find relief from this disorder, though. It is when the doctor corrects micronutrients in the eyes such as zinc, magnesium and selenium. Cataracts are among the causes of blurred vision as well. Those having cataracts could find it difficult to drive at night. Headlights of vehicles can blind and even dazzle them. Another eye disorder than can cause blurred vision is dry eyes. When the eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tear ducts produce poor quality tears, this can happen. It can be an uncomfortable sensation when the eyes become dry. Eye itching and burning, and even loss of vision can happen with this condition. To remedy dry eyes, the doctor might recommend artificial tears, special eye drops or eye lubricants. A humidifier in the area can help to regulate the tear ducts and alleviate eye drying. In serious cases, surgery could be required for treatment. Blurring can also happen with myopia. One may ask what myopia is. It is actually a medical term for near or shortsightedness. Myopia takes place when there is too much curving of the cornea. The eye itself could be too long, and this causes some irregularities. With myopia, objects up close are seen clearly and those at a distance are blurry. Why does this happen, one might ask. It’s because objects at a distance are too focused on the eye’s retina. Nearsightedness or myopia is quite common, affecting nearly 25% of the adult American population. The opposite of nearsightedness is farsightedness or hyperopia, another mild disorder. With hyperopia, objects from afar appear clearer, while those up close are hazy. Hyperopia occurs when the eye is too short, and images are focused behind the retina. To sum it up, blurred vision is not to be taken lightly. When it occurs and persists, medical attention has to be sought. The underlying cause can range from minor eye disorders such as myopia or hyperopia. Minor as they are, they can be corrected with glasses. Lenses or laser eye surgery can also be resorted to for treatment. But then again, there can be serious causes for blurred vision. Either way, when it one experiences it, the eyes have to be checked at the soonest possible time. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:59:59 +0100 Better Vision In A Jiffy With Laser Eye Surgery http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/laser-eye-surgery2 http://www.healthzine.org/Vision/laser-eye-surgery2 Much is to be said about the advantages of technology. Technology does make life convenient, and it has become indispensable. Much of ease and comfort of living can be attributed to technological advancements. One click, and presto, the purpose is served. In the field of health and medicine, technology plays a crucial role as well. Ailments and diseases, deformities and the like, they can often be corrected by modern technological procedures. Take the case of laser eye surgery. It is one of the best and most advanced means for vision correction. With laser eye surgery going well and performed by a skilled surgeon, it will be better vision in a jiffy. How is this procedure done? First, the basics on eyesight. Whether one’s eyesight is good or bad, it all depends on the corneal tissue. Tissues of the cornea determines how one sees near or far. How does laser eye surgery work in this respect? In this procedure, tissues around the cornea are burned. And this is with the use of laser, and gently at that. Once the tissues are removed, the cornea is then reshaped. Laser eye surgery is one of the best means to gain better vision, especially for those suffering from some sorts of vision problem. There is in fact so much talk about this vision correction measure, and millions have already taken advantage of it. The surgery is also quite simple and straightforward, provided the surgeon is qualified and skilled. Almost everyone can avail of it, as it most often can be found everywhere. In the hands of an expert and with proper care and precaution on the patient’s part, laser surgery is quite an effective method for certain eyesight problems and irregularities. What’s more, with patient compliance, there are minimal side effects after the procedure. The worst so far is a slight eye irritation, as some have attested. But if other worse symptoms are experienced, the patient ought to see their doctor right away. After all, one’s vision is very delicate. Nobody would want to jeopardize it. It’s one of the most basic and indispensable senses. When laser eye surgery has been carried out successfully, it can alter one’s life. Yet in a positive way at that. One can enjoy better eyesight, and that can mean a better quality of living. And once one has gained this privilege and opportunity, it’s best that they make means to care for it. Being mindful of eye care and overall health, and following the doctor’s instructions. One must also take time to tend to their well-being, as this is much better enjoyed with better eyesight. Tending for one’s well-being entails that one lives a healthy lifestyle, and that includes taking supplements. An excellent supplement to aid in health and better living is Ultra Herbal Multivitamins. Ultra Herbal Multivitamins is made available in the Healthzine Store, and it is one of the best products in the market. What’s more, it is made up of natural and organic ingredients, so there is less likely to have side effects, yet its efficacy is proven. Ultra Herbal Multivitamins is best taken with the doctor’s advice and permission to ensure safety and better health. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy.