The eyes, they say, are the windows of the soul. A person?s innermost feelings can be ascertained merely by looking into them and whether they are tired, angry, happy or pensive, the eyes can often reveal what?s going on in someone?s mind.

But from a health point of view, eyes are also indicators of someone?s physical wellbeing and can be used to determine a myriad of medical conditions.

Of course, many people will go for periodic eye check-ups to establish if their eyesight is deteriorating and whether they need new glasses or not. Similarly, those who have never needed glasses before may start to experience headaches which are often a tell tale sign that glasses are needed and a simple trip to the optician can help determine whether specs are the remedy to the problem.

Besides eyesight, optometrists are also able to spot the early signs of eye disease such as glaucoma, which is the collective term for a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve and often results in loss of some peripheral vision and reduced colour clarity. These early symptoms can become permanent if left untreated.

Similarly, cataracts ? a clouding that develops on the lens of the eye ? can cause complete vision-loss if left untreated.

However, eye specialists can also spot non-eye related medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure through performing a simple eye test, so even those with perfect vision can still benefit from visiting an optometrist from time to time.

For the most part, however, the majority of people will visit eye specialists for issues they are having specifically with their eyes and, with an estimated two thirds of the UK adult population wearing glasses or contact lenses, that is rather a lot of people.

Whilst opticians deal mainly with the testing of eye-sight and the provision of glasses based on existing prescriptions, optometrists deal more generally with eye health and can diagnose and treat disorders and diseases.

When carrying out eye tests, optometrists will often perform detailed lifestyle evaluations which involve asking questions on issues such as diet, exercise and any other existing medical conditions. They may also carry out focimetry, autorefraction and tonometry exams to determine the overall condition of someone?s eyes and eyesight.

The frequency of eye tests should vary from person to person and will depend on individual needs. At least every two or three years is recommended for most people though, and this will go some way towards ensuring that any lingering issue is dealt with whilst it?s still treatable.

Lasik eye surgery is used to cure three main types of eye conditions-myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. myopia, also know as nearsightedness is the problem of not being able to see what is far away without glasses. hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is the other way round. Astigmatism is something different where the patient has irregularities in his cornea which as a result distorts the image formed on the retina of the eye.

This surgery has been embraced by many a patient over the last decade to correct some specific eye defects. It has caught the imagination of people and has been gaining popularity every year. But this surgery does have its own effects and it varies from one patient to another. So before you actually decide on getting a eye surgery done, you should always consider the pros and the cons.

Operation comes with its own set of risks and they should always be considered seriously before you actually sign-up for an operation. Problems that might be caused due to this eye surgery are double vision, glare, and halo. One’s nighttime vision can also be affected, especially for certain operation procedures. Even permanent blurry vision and diminished contrast may be the effects of this operation.

There are a few basic things that any optometrist will look for before a this surgery. That would primarily include your eye health history. In case of a particular few diseases the chances of you undergoing a surgery will significantly decrease. These would include glaucoma, herpes, eye injuries or thin corneas. Any of these conditions can disqualify you as a suitable candidate for this operation. Another important criterion is whether there has been an alteration in your eyewear prescription over the last year. Before a operation of your eyes should be steady. If they are not then the optometrist might just postpone the surgery for a few months until he is satisfied that your eyes are ready to undergo that surgery.

As more and more people opt for this eye operation, the costs for the same are going down every day. But still the price might be a bit too high for many to bear. On an average one needs to pay around $1800 for the surgery of a single eye.

Laser eye surgery essentially falls into two categories: photorefractive keratectomy, and lasik, or laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. These two types of laser surgery have been modified to create variations on the same theme. Lasek as opposed to lasik is a more modern version of pkr. All these procedures are conducted with the patient fully conscious, and drops are used to dull any sensations in the eyes.

Not everyone with eye defects is the ideal candidate for laser surgery. The risks involved are many, and serious enough not to ignore. An educated choice is always the best way to proceed.

Customers should be wary of eye exercise programs such as the widespread See Clearly Method, who claimed that they can eliminate or reduce your need for eyewear. Because of these invalidated claims, all sales of See Clearly Method kits were prohibited and the company was punished to pay $200,000 as a compensation to consumers who had bought the kits. The recently published Power Vision Program by American Vision Institute is another eye exercise program that indicates natural vision improvement. Actually, researches have showed that these simple exercises can not help you throw away your glasses for vision errors such as myopia.

Focusing errors such as farsightedness and nearsightedness involve the irregular ways that your eyes refract lights, which are caused by too short and too long eyeballs respectively. And presbyopia is caused because that aging lens starts to lose elasticity and can not adjust focus at different distances. Eye exercises just provide up-and-down and back-and-forth movements for your lens, which have no relation with the above eye anatomy. These exercises will never change your eyeball shape, your cornea and irregular surface. They also can not restore your lens to its youthful elasticity.

Eye exercises help your eyes function and adapt and certain vision therapy can be used to avoid amblyopia on children. However, no evidence shows that these exercises can alter the eye?s basic anatomy, which determines people?s refractive errors. ?And no evidence has been found that visual training improves vision loss by macular degeneration, glaucoma and so on.

The ever prevailing program of See Clearly Method charged about $350 retail for each kit. Its website claimed that the vision plan was a safe and healthy alternative to eyeglasses and contacts. But later the website disclaimed that the product?s vision improvement effect will vary among different people. However, aftermath investigation and details showed that the See Clearly Method had no solid scientific basis.

While deluxe version of See Clearly Method contained a CD-ROM, its basic versions only included some videotapes and audiotapes. The program told people to do 30 minutes of exercises every day, in order to strengthen and enhance muscle flexibility that manages the eye?s focusing power. The program also provided some booster techniques and the component of ?Visualization?. The vision improvement and glasses elimination from See Clearly Method had never been supported by any clinical study. The practice conducted by the program?s creators was deliberately controlled.

In fact, eye exercise programs occupy an obscure space between medical science and fold remedy, which are dismissed by most optometrists and ophthalmologists. There are still other companies that sell similar eye training programs, some of which even claim to be FDA-approved.

People who want to buy self-improvement eye exercise programs should be careful about their vision claims. Professional advices from ECPs are always helpful. The best way is to keep your expectations in check and your money in your wallet.

Article from:http://vision.firmoo.com/

Faulty tear glands may not be something you think about until you experience the aching, itching and stinging that can accompany dry eyes. Dry eyes can be more than a minor burden; serious dryness can lead to abrasions of the cornea and possibly blindness if left untreated.

More than 3.2 million women and 1.6 million men (in the United States) over the age of 50 experience the symptoms of dry eye. For some the experience is occasional, while others must learn to deal with constant dryness.

The causes for dry eyes are varied. They can include decongestants, antihistamines, blood pressure medicine, winter winds, air conditioning and indoor heating. Whatever the cause, there is a variety of natural remedies and preventable measures you can undertake to help your eyes stay moist.

Smoking: Simple…Quit. Smoking has been shown to dry out your eyes. In addition, smoking increases the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Automobile Air vents: Vents pointed at your face and eyes can quickly drain the moisture in your eyes. Make sure to aim the vents away from your eyes or wear sunglasses for protection.

Omega-3: A recent study out of Japan has found that omega-3 supplementation could help prevent dry-eye syndrome.

Vitamin A: Taking a vitamin A supplement or eating vitamin A rich foods such as salmon or eggs can help keep your eyes moist.

Blink: In the electronic age, many of us spend a good deal of time staring at a computer screen. This can irritate even mild cases of dry eyes. When you are concentrating, you tend not to blink as much. Not blinking as frequently will make eye moisture evaporate rapidly. Ever so often, look away from your computer (or television) and take a blink break. Your eyes will thank you.

Humidify: Low moisture levels can dry your eyes fast. The winter can be especially drying during sleep. If possible, get a humidifier for the areas in which you spend a lot of time.

Your eyes are one of your most prized possessions. Think for a second what life would be like without them. It is important not to take them for granted. I hope the above remedies help, if not or if the problem persists, get to an eye doctor.

Those who use over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals always know how much medicine they are taking because FDA regulations require precision. People who use herbs face more of a challenge. However, in controlled doses, herbs cause fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals are highly concentrated, and pills and capsules have little taste, factors that make it easy to overdose. The active constituents in herbs are typically less concentrated, and most taste quite bitter, which discourages taking too much. Once you decide you want to use herbs, you are still left with some key questions. Which herbs? And how do you use them? Here is a list of common safe and effective herbs to choose from, along with some information about the conditions they treat that you can consider.

1. Ephedra

In addition to its decongestant value, Chinese ephedra has a long history of use in Asia as a coffeelike stimulant. Recent studies have also shown that ephedra boosts metabolic rate ? the speed at which the body burns calories. As a result, it has shown some benefit as a weight-loss aid, but only in those who are significantly overweight. Ephedra can also increase heart rate and blood pressure, so do not use it if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or glaucoma. You should also not take ephedra if you have thyroid problems. In fact, ephedra has been shown to be harmful when taken improperly and should not be used by anyone with health problems. If you want to take ephedra or any product containing ephedra, you should discuss it with your doctor.

2. Ginseng

Prized above gold for thousands of years, ginseng root has been Asia?s most revered tonic. It was viewed as an aphrodisiac that strengthens the body, enhances health and aids longevity. Early Jesuit missionaries in Canada discovered American ginseng in 1704 and made a fortune shipping it to China. The herb was eventually discovered growing as far south as Georgia, and it quickly became one of the American colonies? most valuable exports, until the overcollection just about wiped it out. Today Amercian ginseng is farmed in Wisconsin. Most of the crop is shipped to Asia. Evidence is mounting that the herb helps the body resist illness and damage from stress. Studies show that ginseng stimulates the immune system, helps reduce cholesterol levels, protects the liver from toxic substances and increases stamina and nutrient absorption from the intestines. Asian Olympic athletes take it regularly to boost their performance.

3. Ginger

Scientific research has shown that ginger fights nausea better than the over-the-counter anti-nausea drug Dramamine. This root herb does more than simply soothe the stomach, however. An ancient Indian proverb says, ?Every good quality is contained in ginger.? Well, not quite, but studies show that it also boosts the immune system?s ability to fight infection. And like garlic, it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol and helps prevent the blood clots that trigger heart attack.

4. Rosemary

Long before refrigeration was available, the ancients noticed that wrapping meat in crushed rosemary leaves preserved it and imparted a tasty flavour. To this day, the herb remains a favourite addition to meat dishes, and its preservative action led to its use in herbal medicine. Meats spoil in part because oxidation turns their fats rancid. Rosemary oil retards spoilage and compares favourably with the commercial preservatives BHA and BHT. Rosemary? s preservative action may help prevent food poisoning at your next picnic. Mix the crushed herb into burger meat and tuna, pasta and potato salads. Rosemary also helps soothe the stomach.

5. Aloe Vera

In ancient Egypt (1500 B.C.), the Ebers Papyrus recommended aloe vera for skin problems, and the world has been using this herb ever since. Chinese, Greek, Roman and Arab herbalists recommended it for wounds, burns, rashes and hemorrhoids. During the 1930s, radiologists discovered aloe vera?s effectiveness in treating radiation burns. The latest studies show that the herb has clear value in treating minor cuts, scrapes and burns.

6. Chamomile

When Peter Rabbit ate himself sick in McGregor?s garden and got chased out at the wrong end of a hoe, his mother gave him chamomile tea, a traditional remedy for indigestion, anxiety and wounds. Peter?s mom was a wise woman?er, bunny. German herbalists once used chamomile so extensively, they called it alles zutraut, ?capable of anything.? That is an exaggeration, but recent studies show that this popular beverage herb does indeed calm jangled nerves, relieve stomach distress, prevent ulcers and speed their healing and help fight infection by stimulating the immune system. Chamomile tea is an excellent home remedy for indigestion, heartburn and infant colic. It also has mild relaxant and sedative properties.

7. Garlic

After ephedra, garlic is considered the world?s second oldest medicine. The oldest surviving garlic prescription, chiselled into a Sumerian clay tablet, dates from 3000 B.C. The ancient world revered garlic as a virtual panacea, but none loved it as deeply as the Egyptians who consumed so much that the Greek historian Herodotus called them ?the stinking ones.? As the centuries passed, Europeans hung braided garlic plants from their doorsteps to keep evil spirits at bay ? a custom echoed today in the garlic braids that adorn many kitchens. During World War I, army doctors used garlic juice quite effectively to treat wounds and dysentery. After the war, scientists discovered why it worked: When chewed or chopped, garlic is a potent natural antibiotic. In fact, ten medium cloves pack approximately the same antibiotic punch as a typical dose of penicillin. Garlic also has antiviral properties. Garlic is a useful herb. It can help protects against stomach cancer and reduces risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol and decreasing the likelihood of blood clots that can trigger heart attack.