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Health
For your
eyes only
Dr
Raishi Mohan
EYES
are the smallest and greatest of all cameras ever conceptualized or
produced. Imagine a self-regulating, self-processing, 3D instant video
camera with in-built auto-focusing, with a full colour range and balance
which takes continuous pictures, without shake or tilt even while moving
itself and while tracking a moving object! Moreover, the eye-brain
connection maintains a visual memory bank of all we see, interlinks it
with all we hear, and is able to retrieve image data instantaneously.
What a wonderful gift to mankind, THE GIFT OF SIGHT! We
must all be grateful to the Almighty for this masterpiece of perfection.
It is the most precious of ones’ possessions and we must take care of
it.
Nature has taken great care to protect the eyes. They
are set within bony sockets guarding them all around. The eyelids
protect the eyes from in front, by reflex bunking and closure and the
eyelashes keep off fine dust and flying particles from entering. The
lids also shield the eyes from the glare of strong light and clean the
front surface like a windshield wiper. The tear glands provide tears for
lubrication and smooth action of the lids and for washing away some
irritants. The constant movement of the eyelids distributes the tear
fluid evenly and thus keeps the eyeballs moist and clean. Tears also
help to combat minor infections and provide a mirror-smooth surface of
optical quality.
The objects we see in our field of vision are focused
on the photoreceptive retina by the clear cornea and the crystalline
lens. From the retina, electrical messages of the image are carried by
the optic nerve to a specialized visual cortex of the brain. The brain
processes the impulses received from both eyes and links it with
previous memory so that we are able to see, recognize, appreciate and
correlate the image with the name etc of the object.
Most eye diseases are either preventable or curable if taken care of
properly. Let us see how? Just read these Do’s & Don’ts
carefully and follow them.
Do’s
Wash your eyes with fresh clean water in the
morning and at night. Use own clean towel to wipe.
.
Use tinted or dark glasses, of good quality in the Sun to protect from
the effect of ultra-violet rays.
.
Take fresh, leafy vegetables, salads and fruits to keep your eyes
healthy. Carrots, mangoes, and papaya are very good for the eyes.
.
Keep a distance of 10 to 12 inches while reading a book. The light
should preferably come from above or slightly left.
.
Watch television at a minimum distance of 8-10 feet (for 20"-25" TV) and
keep at least one light switched on in the room.
.
While working on the computer keep level of the monitor at or slightly
lower than your eye level. Blink frequently while working and take rest
for 2 minutes after every half hour of computer use.
.
Protect your eyes from smoke, dust and direct sun rays.
.
Self-medication can damage the eyes. It is better to consult an
ophthalmologist in case of any injury, infection, allergy etc.
.
Use antibiotics and steroids only for the period they are prescribed by
the doctor. Long term use can be injurious to the eye.
Don’ts
.
Don’t rub your eyes if a foreign body (FB) enters your eyes. Wash your
eyes 3-4 times, Remove FB gently with clean handkerchief if easily
visible. Apply antibiotic eye ointment and rest for 10-15 minutes by
closing your eyes. Consult eye specialist.
.
Avoid reading in moving trains & buses. Reading while lying down also
causes strain on eyes.
.
Do not gaze at the Sun or the Solar eclipse. You may see reflection of
sun light transiently through water held in your hands while doing Surya
Namaskar.
.
Do not stop treatment of glaucoma, blood pressure, diabetes,
hypertension etc without doctor’s advice.
.
Do not use eye medicines after expiry dates or after they have been
opened and kept for 4 to 6 weeks.
.
Prolonged use of eye medicines containing steroids can lead to Cataract
formation, Glaucoma and fungal infections.
.
Do not forget routine check-ups if you have a family history of myopia,
glaucoma, cataract, diabetes and hypertension.
.
Do not ignore symptoms like eye strain, headaches, flashes of light,
floaters, blurring of vision and watering, redness and discharge from
the eyes. |
