What Do Your Eyes Reveal About You?

What Do Your Eyes reveal About YouBy Jacquie Eubanks BSN, RN

Your eyes are not only the window to your soul, they are also the window to the state of your health.  The eyes offer a unique glimpse into the body’s wellbeing .  An eye exam can reveal both common and serious health issues and can provide clues to possible health changes such as potential stroke risk and signs of autoimmune diseases.  Elevated blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and changes in the vascular, nervous and immune systems are all reflected in the vessels, nerves and tissues of the eyes.  Having regular eye exams can protect not only your eye health but your general health as well.  Disease processes can appear in, on or around the eye long before other medical symptoms, leading to early intervention and treatment. 

To keep your eyes healthy and maintain your vision as you age:

Visit your eye doctor yearly for a comprehensive dilated eye exam.  Some people don’t realize that their vision is not optimal and can be improved by corrective lenses.  Many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts and age related macular degeneration have no early warning signs and can only be detected during a thorough examination. 

Genetic factors play a role in many types of eye diseases and vision problems in otherwise healthy eyes.  Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and conditions known as lazy eye and cross eyes are inherited disorders.  Glaucoma, macular degeneration and night blindness are all genetically related.  Early diagnosis is imperative for effective treatment. 

Good nutrition supports good vision.  Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, vitamin C and vitamin E can help sustain eye health and ward off age related vision problems.  A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collards is beneficial in protecting your eyes.  A well balanced diet helps to maintain your weight and lowers your risk for type 2 diabetes, a leading cause of vision loss in adults. 

Protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays.  Sunglasses are not only a cool fashion statement, they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.  Exposure to UV rays increases your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.  Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays and wear them year round.  It’s never too late to safeguard your eyesight.  If you have children, have them wear sunglasses especially at the beach or in the mountains where sun exposure and glare are more intense. 

If you smoke, kick the habit.  Smoking is linked to an increased risk of developing cataracts, optic nerve damage, glaucoma, macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome.  Smoking is as detrimental to your vision as it is to the rest of your body.

Use safety eyewear when needed.  Safety glasses or goggles protect your eyes from injury, vision loss and blindness.  Some sports such as racquetball, hockey and lacrosse carry a high risk for eye injury.  Eyes need to be protected at work and at home from hazardous or airborne objects and materials that can cause serious harm. 

Take a break from the computer.  Staring at a computer screen all day can cause eyestrain, blurred vision, dry eyes and headaches. Computer Vision Syndrome is caused by frequent computer use. A general rule of thumb to avoid eye strain is to look away from the screen for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.  Focus on something approximately 20 feet away and blink often to help prevent dry eyes.  Make sure your glasses and contact lens prescriptions are up to date and adequate for computer use. 

Your eyes are a very important part of your overall health.  Good nutrition, supplements and preventive care can protect your eyesight well into your golden years. 

Here are some great, top selling products for eye health:

Macula Complete by BioSyntrx is a high energy premium broad spectrum dietary supplement containing vitamins, minerals and antioxidant phytochemicals designed to support optimal body and retinal function. Macula Complete is properly balanced to neutralize free radicals that contribute to vascular disease and degenerative diseases of the eyes including macular degeneration. 

Oculair by BioSyntrx offers full spectrum multiple support for healthy eyes and body.  Oculair contains vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and zinc along with other nutrients for protection from the damaging effects of free radicals, oxidative stress and the detrimental effects of the aging process on the eyes and body. 

BioTears by BioSyntrx systemically addresses the root inflammatory causes and effects of dry eyes.  BioTears contains the optimal blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential  fatty acids to support normal production of lubricants and the three layer tear film necessary for optimal visual clarity. 

Zo-Omega3 by BioSyntryx is a special concentrate containing pure pharmaceutical grade cold water fish oil providing 300 mg of ethyl EPA and 200 mg of ethyl DHA for healthy body, vascular system, heart, brain and retina. 

Visual Ocuity by Longevity Science contains soothing lubricant eye drops designed to support healthy eye functions and protect the eye lens from free radical damage. 

Women’s Tear Stimulation by Natural Ophthalmics are homeopathic eye drops indicated for women with acute or chronic dry eye associated with hormone imbalance or excessive watering.  These unique eye drops stimulate the production of all three tear film layers and support the health of the cornea, conjunctiva and eye lid. 

Tear Stimulation Forte  by Natural Ophthalmics  is a homeopathic formulated specifically for men with acute or chronic dry eyes and excessive watering.  This product stimulates and supports the body’s tissues, organs and functions that produce healthy tear film and maintains cell health on the corneal surface.