Eye-Saving Practices

Eye speaks volumes. They sometimes express more than words convey. No wonder it is often said that the eyes are the windows of the soul.

Who has not blushed upon seeing a crush? Who has not cried after watching a heart – tugging movie? Who has not read a good book and felt truly blessed? Who has not gazed at the Olympic Nest and marveled at its architectural design?

Yes, of all the senses that make us aware of the world around, none gives more pleasure and opportunities to appreciate the beauty God had created than our eyes. The splendid scenery, the twinkling starts, the dancing brooklet – the water, air and sea pollution notwithstanding. Our eyes also alert us of danger – speeding cars, deep excavations, snatchers.

But many times we take our eyes for granted through unhealthy practices. We rub them. We do not eat vitamin A-rich food. We expose them to the sun. We sleep late and wake up early.

World Health Organization reported that about 85 percent of all visual impairments that affect 314 million people in the world are preventable.

Eye care is better than eye cure. Since our eyes do their job the moment we open them, we really need to take good care of them. Here are some healthy tips:

• Remove make ups before sleeping at night.


• Clean eyes with water. It is the best cleansing agent. You may also use a clean cotton ball dipped in fresh milk.


• Use your own clean face towel. Using another person’s towel puts you at risk for eye infection like pink eye (infectious conjunctivitis).


• Keep hands away from the eyes to avoid introducing infection. Instead, just blink your eyelids. Besides, blinking is good exercise.


• Never rub your eyes.


• Eat a balanced diet. Load up on fruits and vegetables.


• Drink adequate amount of water.


• Use umbrella or wide-brim hat when out in the sun.


• Wear a visor or sunglasses for protection from ultraviolet rays, strong winds and small objects floating in the air. Strong winds make the eyes dry. Visors and sunglasses should be able to block out 99 – 100 percent of UV rays.


• When swimming, wear swimming goggles. They do not only make you see the water clearly but protect the eyes from chlorine in pools or saltiness of the seawater.


• Choose a desk lamp instead of a bright fluorescent when reading or doing close-up work.


• To soothe your tired eyes, give them a five-minute rest every hour by looking up or gazing at some distance or greenery.


• For a relaxing effect, cup hands over closed eyes without applying pressure on the eyes.