Did you know that your eyes are the mirror of your health? There are 14 things that your eyes can tell about your health. Among them are:
1. DISAPPEARING EYEBROWS
If your eyebrows are thinning and 1/3 of your eyebrows has fallen out), you may be suffering from thyroid dysfunction.
2. A STYE THAT WON’T GO AWAY
A stye that doesn’t go away for more than 3 months or keeps reccurring in the same spot can indicate a rare cancer called sebaceous gland carcinoma.
3. BURNING EYES, BLURRY VISION WHILE USING A COMPUTER
‘Computer vision syndrome’ (CVS) is a condition that develops as a result of excessive eye strain due to lack of contrast on a computer screen combined with too much work.
4. A SMALL BLIND SPOT IN YOUR VISION, WITH SHIMMERING LIGHTS OR A WAVY LINE
Disturbed vision is frequently the result of migraine aura, usually followed by a headache, though not always.
5. WHITES OF THE EYE TURNED YELLOWISH
This is caused by jaundice, which is typical of newborns with immature liver function, but also of those suffering from bile ducts, gallbladder, and liver issues.
6. EYES THAT SEEM TO BULGE
Bulging eyes are typically the result of an overactive thyroid gland, a condition known as hyperthyroidism.
7. SUDDEN DOUBLE VISION, DIM VISION, OR LOSS OF VISION
Generally, dim vision, loss of vision and double vision have been identified as the warning signs of a stroke.
8. BLURRED VISION IN A DIABETIC
Eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy – a condition in which the circulatory system of the eye is affected by the disease, are quite common in diabetics. This is the leading cause of blindness in American adults suffering from diabetes.
The concerning fact is that nearly 1 in 4 Americans are either pre-diabetic or diabetic.
IS POOR VISION INEVITABLE AS YOU AGE?
In general, it is not.
However, modern lifestyles often contribute to poor vision. According to studies, people who are over 60, apart from glasses, may also need high-quality supplements in order to support their vision.
You may also need additional vision support if:
- You smoke
- You’reobese
- You’re diabetic
- You spend a lot of time staring at a computer
According to iridology, your eyes can tell a lot about your systematic health.
In The Yahoo Health article you can find some interesting links between the eyes and your general health.
Iridology, or iridodiagnosis, is an alternative medicine technique which studies the iris of your eye.
The practitioners of these technique claim that certain characteristics, such as colors and patterns can reveal significant information about your overall health.
Natural, Common-Sense Strategies to Help Protect Healthy Vision
- Quit Smoking
Smoking increases the production of free radicals in the body which can negatively affect the quality of your vision.
- Care for your cardiovascular system
High blood pressure can damage the miniscule blood vessels on the retina. You can maintain your blood pressure normal by avoiding fructose. According to a research by Dr. Richard Johnson, a chief of the division of kidney disease and hypertension at the University of Colorado, consuming 74 grams or more fructose in a day (equal to 2.5 sugary drinks) can increase your blood pressure by 77 percent.
- Normalize your blood sugar
High blood sugar levels can obstruct the blood flow in the retina and also damage the blood vessels in your retina.
- Eat plenty of fresh dark green leafy vegetables, especially kale
Studies have found that regular consumption of green leafy vegetables can significantly improve your eye health. These vegetables are abundant in lutein and zeaxanthin which can improve the quality of your vision.
- Get plenty of healthy omega-3 fat
A study published in the August 2001 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology found that omega-3 fatty acids can protect your vision. However, fish is no longer the best source of omega-3 fats since the pollution on fish farms is on high levels. Krill oil is extremely beneficial and it contains astaxanthin.
- Avoid trans fats
These fats can lead to macular degeneration. They are commonly found in processed food and baked goods, including fired foods, fried chicken, margarine, doughnuts, cookies, pastries and crackers.
- Avoid aspartame
One of the many acute symptoms of aspartame poisoning is problems with eyesight.
Antioxidants—Your Greatest Allies for Healthy Eyes
Antioxidants play a key role in protecting your body from damage that free radicals may cause. Several antioxidants have been proved as particularly beneficial:
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Black currant anthocyanins
- Astaxanthin
Lutein Helps Protect Your Central Vision
The first two antioxidants are found in the macula lutea and their roles are :
- To absorb excess photon energy, and
- To quench free-radicals before they damage the lipid membranes
The highest concentration of lutein in your eyes in found in the macula- the central part of the eye retina which is responsible for straight-ahead and detailed vision. More precisely, lutein is found in the macular pigment and it protects the central vision.
Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid which can be found in green leafy vegetables and in yellow and orange fruits.
ASTAXANTHIN—POWERFUL PROTECTION AGAINST TWO LEADING FORMS OF BLINDNESS
According to latest studies, astaxanthin is the most beneficial carotenoid for eye health and for prevention of blindness.
It is more powerful than lutein and zeaxanthin, and can protect from various vision-related problems, such as:
- Cataracts
- Age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Retinal arterial occlusion
- Venous occlusion
- Cystoid macular edema
- Inflammatory eye diseases (i.e., retinitis, iritis, keratitis, and scleritis)
Therefore, this powerful antioxidant can protect you from macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.
It is recommended that you take 2 to 4mg of astaxanthin on daily basis.