When the eye becomes inflamed it is usually a response to trauma, an infection (bacterial or viral), surgery, allergic reaction or irritants found in our environment.

Most of the time, eye inflammation is no cause for concern but it is still important to make sure that you keep the duration and severity of the inflammation to a minimum.

If these things are left to drag out they can end up causing scarring in the eye. Even a tiny amount of scar tissue in the eye can cause permanent problems with your sight.

You should be very careful to avoid using prescription or OTC (Over The Counter) eye drops too much. Using them for too long can result in a rebound effect where you eyes actually become dependent on the eye drops.

If you wear contact lens then you should also be wary. Make sure that you practice good hygiene with your contacts by washing your hands before getting them near your eyes. Try to take your contacts out when you can, and do not sleep with them in.  Read more...

You and I both know that the eyes are responsible for giving us the gift of sight and are very important. They are extremely sensitive organs and really do not have much protection.

Maybe as we evolve further a bulletproof shield will cover them but for now we are stuck with the eyelid, eyebrow and tears for protection. I strongly doubt we will ever have bulletproof eyes but it was worth a shot at humor. Maybe you needed a good laugh or are thinking right now ‘Wow! This guy is lame.’. No matter.

Many things can cause our eyes to become irritated. Wind, bright lights, environmental toxins, seasonal allergies and environmental pollutants can all cause our eyes to suffer. The result is often red eyes, straining eyes, eye inflammation, itchiness or dry eyes.

Medical conditions, such as diabetes, can cause eye problems to develop without warning. In the case of diabetes, glaucoma is often the unwanted result. Infections can also cause problems with the eyes such as with conjunctivitis and episcleritis. This one might blow your mind. Eye problems can be caused by STD’s (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) like herpes and genital warts. This only occurs when the eye contacts the area of infection.  Read more...

by Warren Matthews of Xtend-Life

That’s what the US National Eye Institute says after completing a study on the subject.

They also confirm that the most important part of the Omega 3 fatty acids is the DHA component which is what we have been suggesting for many years now.

It is for this reason that people should  understand the ‘normal’ 18/12 fish oil is just not potent enough…and of course the non fish based Omega 3 fatty acids are even less effective as they do not contain any EPA let alone the much more complex DHA.

They found in the study that the Omega 3 helped the eyes by acting as an anti-inflammatory.  No surprise there either.  We have always maintained that it is the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega 3 fish oil that provides the benefits…not only for eyes but for the heart and general health.  Read more...

Bitot’s Spots are little white spots that appear on the eye. The part of the eye that is affected is the conjunctiva which is the most visible part.

If Bitot’s spots are left untreated they can keep getting worse, and eventually a condition called xerophthalmia is developed. This condition is common in children between the ages of 3 and 5, in several different countries. Starvation and a deficiency of vitamin A are thought to be leading causes of xerophthalmia.

If Bitot’s spots are left untreated for too long then ulcers might develop on the eye. The cornea will then likely turn pulp like and blindness can occur soon afterwards.

If you see these little white spots popping up on your eyeball then you should talk to an eye specialist or opthalmologist. They will check to make sure your vitamin A levels are on track by checking your retinol. If you fall between the 30-60 mg mark then you are in the normal range. If your retinol shows up as below 30 mg then you are below what is normal and healthy.  Read more...

Headaches are a complicated issue. The causes can arise from so many different sources that sometimes it is hard to pinpoint how to treat them. If you suffer from headaches, have you had your vision checked?

We often think of external factors when dealing with headaches. The most common cause is stress. Stress is the single most harmful condition to our bodies.

Stress can bring on a cascade of system problems in the body. Ongoing stressful situations can cause eating disorders, hair loss, depression, disease, and a host of other problems. We prematurely age when our bodies are bombarded with free radicals, which increase when we are stressed.

Headaches are a common cause of stress. If a doctor hears that we are having frequent headaches, they will ask about our life and daily routine. We often realize that our lifestyle is making us sick and we need to make changes to feel better.  Read more...

Diabetics need to be especially careful about protecting the health of their eyes to minimize the chances for blindness. Too much glucose in their bloodstream for too long of a time period can increase the risk for eye problems.

In order to minimize your risks for eye problems you should follow your doctor’s advise and follow a healthy eating plan, exercise a minimum of 30 minutes each day and take all medications as prescribed. It is really important to know what your blood glucose readings are everyday. So check your blood glucose as instructed by your doctor and record them in your diabetic journal. Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels by having them checked on a regular basis and recording these readings in your journal too. If you smoke, quit and if you don’t smoke do not start.  Read more...

At the end of the nineteenth century two men influenced today’s world in a way that everybody who has eye problems experiences their impact without even knowing their names.

Both of them tried to find a vision correction solution for people with eye problems, and both of them came to different conclusions. Today, almost 150 years later, you are in charge to decide who was right.

Hermann von Helmholtz was born in the beginning of the nineteenth century. He was a German physician and physicist who is known for his mathematics of the eye, theories of vision, perception of sound, and empiricism. In physics he is known for his theories on the conservation of energy�

Well, I can go on and on with fancy words and Hermann’s great achievements in the world of science but let’s first have a look on how his researches influenced our world today.

Buckle up and read on, it’s getting interesting.  Read more...

For eye problems such as sties or inflammation, use a compress soaked in anti-inflammatory hydrosols such as lavender, chamomile or rose water, popular eyewash in the Middle East .

If hydrosols are not available, tea bags of chamomile or regular black tea provide a quick compress. Steep them in warm water for a few minutes then place a tea bag over each eye and cover with a cloth.

Excepted from Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, (Crossing Press)

by Warren Matthews of Xtend-Life

My father in law is 91 years of age. He has enjoyed good health most of his life up until he was about 80 and even since then it has been pretty good compared to most. No doubt a factor in his good health has been due to him being a keen gardener and up until recently grew all his own organic vegetables.

BUT, about a year ago his eyesight started to fail, and he is now blind!

Pretty traumatic going into a world of darkness after 90 years of light! He can no longer read, watch TV and of course he cannot drive any more. As a result his quality of life has taken a dramatic downturn and he says he is now ready to ‘move on’ as he feels he has had a good life and has no regrets. It’s likely that this will not be to far away as once the will to live goes, the body starts shutting down and that is happening to him now.  Read more...

First, prepare the liquid needed for a hot compress. Boil 2 teaspoons Rosewater and adding 1 drop of Chamomile. Strain this liquid through a paper coffee filter and leave to cool slightly.

Next, put 1 drop of Lavender on a cotton ball and smear it on the cheekbone, under the sty – keeping the eye well closed. Soak cotton-wool pad in the Rosewater and Chamomile liquid and put it on your closed eyelid. Leave until cool. Repeat the procedure twice a day for 3 days.