An eye opener

Eye Facts
1. Next to brain, our eye is the most complex organ and nearly half of our brain is involved in the seeing process
2. The size of the eye at birth is almost the same as when we become adults unlike the ears or nose which keeps on growing many times in size.
3. Our “tearing” capacity comes down with age and new born do not tear till they are at least 2 or 3 months old.
4. The external muscles that are responsible for the movement of the eye balls are the strongest ones in terms of the work they are required to do. Though, our eye lids need rest, the eyes as such can function without rest for 100% of the time
5. Though ants have two eyes, they have multiple smaller eyes within called “compound eyes
6. Human eye vision arc is about 120 degrees, but cats have 285 degrees of vision and also three-dimensional. This justifies how their extensive peripheral vision helps in their night hunts. The cats only need one-sixth of light that we need to see, but they cannot see in total darkness
7. It is not possible for us to sneeze with our eyes open.
8. The camels have three eyelids in each eye. The third eye lid covers the eye during a sandstorm, but it is still translucent enough to enable them to see through it.
9. Eye transplantation means actually “corneal transplant” where only the cornea (transparent portion) is being transplanted.
10. Even a 1-year-old can donate eyes. .Except people dying of unidentified cause or with a history of refractive eye surgery or with serious infections like AIDS, Hepatitis, Rabies, all others including the retinal-blind people can donate their eyes.

Eye Exam

An annual dilated eye check is recommended for everyone from the eye-health perspective. By dilating the eye, the eye doctor can clearly view the retina, optic nerves and the blood vessels behind the eye besides the cornea, iris, and lens.

Disease conditions like diabetes, blood pressure and high-cholesterol do show-up in the small arteries of the eyes and retina also. So, a periodical screening will help in identifying the onset of any eye problem and rectify that soon. For a good eye health, it is important to keep our general health in a good condition.

Also, conditions like cataracts and glaucoma can be picked up early and treated immediately.

Eye Care:

1. Good sufficient sleep prevents dark circles underneath the eyes and keeps the eyes relaxed.
2. Tired eyes need cool pads on them. Sliced potato or cucumber cool the eyes instantly and reduce puffiness.
3. Vitamin-A foods go a long way for healthier and brighter eyes.
4. Eyes must be free of make-up during sleep.
5. Eyes must be frequently washed with cool water throughout the day.
6. Simple eye exercises like cupping of eyes and focusing on objects at different distances do exercise the eye muscles. You can see our eye balls moving involuntarily during the REM sleep; this is a natural exercise to the eye muscles.a
7. Long hours of computer usage decrease the winking frequency and hence there is less lubrication of the eyes resulting in “dry eyes”. So, taking regular breaks from staring at the screen and using eye lubricants will help prevent dry eyes.
8. To avoid eye strain, proper corrective lenses should be used for those having refractive vision problems.
9. Chemical burn injury or splinters getting into eyes or eye infections should be promptly medically treated to avoid eye damage.
10. An itchy, twitchy, or blurry eye or floaters in the eye may signify a more serious problem, so get your eye doctor’s advice at once.

“The eyes are the mirrors of the soul”---so it is our duty to keep our souls healthy.

Watch the Video: Five tips to improve your eye sight

More than what meets your eye ...