This includes vision difficulties that stem from eye misalignment. Not all treatment methods have been proven effective by exercises; however the Rebuild Your Vision Program has shown to aid different vision disorders like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia (aging vision).

The Development of the Eye Exercise

In early history, the main use of eye exercises was with infants. This method of therapy involved placing a bright object in the infant’s surroundings in order to stimulate them to look in a particular direction. This was not necessarily for health purposes, but it was the beginning of eye exercises.

Ophthalmologists did not officially begin using eye exercises for aiding a person’s vision until 1928. This branch of ophthalmology was first recognized in Britain at this time. Since this formal use and recognition began, it has been embraced by many optometrists as an effective method of treatment.

Modern eye exercises have come a long way from the original training that was used. In the beginning, doctors would mainly have patients switch their vision from objects close to objects far away. However, with modern technology and innovation, there are many specialized pieces of equipment that can be used for eye exercises.

How Effective are Eye Exercises?

The fact is that when practiced regularly, eye exercises can be extremely effective in improving overall vision. The studies and testimonials are proof enough, but trying it yourself will lend the evidence to make you a believer in the effectiveness of eye exercises.

The disorders that are most aided by eye exercises are nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, astigmatism. In fact, these are known as the most common “eye problems” a person could have. Inside the Rebuild Your Vision Program we address each specific condition with tailored routines depending on your condition.

Convergence Disorder

This is a condition in which your eyes are not in proper alignment. This is the most common disorder that eye exercises are used to correct. Also, this condition has the most support for the effectiveness of eye exercises. It has been proven that the proper exercises can correct this disorder in both adults and children.

Amblyopia

This is a condition of the eyes where one eye is significantly more dominate than the other eye. This is typically treated by applying a patch to the dominate eye in order to encourage the increased activity of the lazy eye. Studies have shown for optimum effectiveness, the dominate eye should be patched for at least six hours a day.

Optic Nerve or Brain Injury

Some types of visual training has been proven to aid certain individuals who are suffering from an optic nerve or brain injury and can help to improve these individuals actual field of vision.

Types of Eye Exercises

There is a wide array of eye exercises that can be used both at home and in an office environment to help correct certain vision problems. Each of the therapies have their own benefits, and when combined, may actually prove more effective.

Pencil Push Up

This is the most common eye exercise that is recommended by ophthalmologists. During this exercise a pencil is held directly in front of the person, at arm’s length. The pencil is slowly moved toward the patient’s nose. The patient is supposed to follow the pencil with their eyes while striving to keep it in focus at all times. When the pencil begins to appear in double, the exercise is repeated. This is used to correct binocular visual problems.

Lens Fixation

This eye exercise is typically only performed in the eye doctor’s office. A series of different lenses with various strengths are used to look through. The patient is supposed to adjust their eyes in order to be able to improve their sight in different visual fields.

Prism Fixation

This is another eye exercise that is typically only done in a professional office. The patient will look through a variety of prisms in order to improve a certain vision problem.

Shifting Fixation

This is when a patient changes the focus of their eyes from distant to near objects. This also aids in training the eyes to see better in different vision fields.

There are also a series of eye exercises that can be done for the relief of temporary eye irritations. These commonly occur in people who spend a large portion of their day in front of a computer screen. Those individuals have a much higher risk of developing a vision disorder than others. Some of the eye exercises for vision problems associated with simple eye irritation or strain include:

• Eye movement: Simply move the eyes their full motion to reduce the chances of vision problems. This is important for anyone that looks in one direction for long periods of time.

• Focus on far away objects: This is another way to give your eyes a much needed break. Just like your neck gets stiff when you sit in the same position for long periods of time, the same thing can happen to the muscles in the eye. It is important to take regular breaks and “stretch” your eyes!

There are many benefits when it comes to eye exercises so what do you have to lose to try them?

While this has provided ample customers in the world of optometry, it is bad news for those suffering from the decline in vision. The solution? There are many eye exercises that can be performed easily, without any expensive or special equipment, that will actually strengthen your eyes and improve your ability to read.

The eyes contain muscles, and just like the body these muscles must be exercised in order to stay strong and healthy. For many, however, this is a fact that is taken for granted. People simply think that their eyes will keep going and if vision does begin to fail, glasses and contact lenses are the solution.

The fact is that this does not have to happen! Additionally, when you begin wearing any type of corrective lens, vision does not improve, it continues to decline over time, requiring stronger lenses in order to function as normal.

The fact is that by exercising your eyes several times a week, you can reduce the need for corrective lenses or the services of an optician. While there are some exceptions to this rule, such as individuals who have sight problems due to trauma or congenital problems, most individuals who need glasses could reduce this need if they utilized eye exercises.

Even if you currently wear glasses or contact lenses, with persistent use of eye exercises, you can return your sight to normal vision. While this may take some time, the fact is that it can, and has, been done.

The following list provides you with five easy, yet effective, eye exercises you can do to improve your vision and make reading much easier.

Exercise 1: Blinking

This is often an overlooked beneficial aspect to eye health. Blinking keeps your eyes fresh and able to focus for longer periods of time. Those who watch television or use a computer for extended periods of time will likely blink less than normal due to the intense focus they have on the screen.

An exercise you can practice is to take two minutes and actively blink every three or four seconds. Once you have done this consistently for two minutes, take note of how your eyes actually feel. Do they feel relaxed? Strained? Tired? Once you have realized how your eyes actually feel, blink once every 30 seconds, for a period of two minutes. Determine if there is a difference.

When you blink you are plunging your eyes into a brief period of darkness. This will help to ensure your eyes are fresh and helps to discharge any information and become ready for new. This can significantly reduce the amount of eye strain that you experience.

Exercise 2: Palming

During your next computer or television break try out this exercise. Palming is generally done to relieve the stress around the eyes and help them relax; this will help you read the information on your screen or in a book, causing less overall eye strain.

How to use the palming exercise:

• Step 1: Breathe deeply prior to beginning the exercise

• Step 2: Get comfortable leaning on a desk or table or resting your elbows on your knees and close your eyes.

• Step 3: Place your hands over your eyes while cupping your palms. Your fingers should be on your forehead and the heels of your hands should be on your cheekbones. You should be sure that you are able to blink freely and that there is not too much pressure on your actual eyes.

While this may not sound like much of an exercise it can give your eyes a chance to rest and recuperate for a few minutes at a time. You will be surprised how much better they feel when you are done.

Exercise 3: The Figure Eight

This exercise, too, is simple yet effective for improving your reading vision. Using this exercise will provide you with more eye flexibility. Imagine that there is a large figure eight in front of your face about 10 feet away. Once you have visualized the figure 8, flip it on its side and begin tracing it with your eyes, very slowly. You should trace it one way for a while and then the other. This exercise strengthens your eye and improves your overall vision.

Exercise 4: Far and Near Focusing

This exercise can be done anywhere. In order to perform this exercise uses the following steps:

• Sit comfortably, or stand comfortably, as this will only last for two or three minutes.

• Place your thumb 10 inches in front of your face and focus on the tip.

• The focus on an object that is 10 or 20 feet away.

• Each time you breathe switch between the objects.

Exercise 5: Zooming

Zooming is a great exercise for improvement of your vision overall. This exercise is done by placing your thumb in the “hitchhiking” position. Then you should try to focus on your thumb with your outstretched arm. As you bring your thumb toward your face, keep focused on it the entire time until your thumb is about three inches from your face. Move your thumb back and forth for a few minutes and watch your eyesight improve.

Maintaining good eye health is vital for preventing the need for corrective lenses. The exercises listed here will help you improve your vision if it is poor, or prevent it from getting worse. Additionally, when you practice these exercise regularly, you will find that reading, watching television and using a computer is possible without your corrective lenses.

The fact is that most people take steps to care for their bodies, while neglecting their eyes. With the exercises listed here you can easily care for your eyes and keep them healthy even long into your golden years.

Want a step-by-step eye exercise program that holds your hand through a daily routine that will improve your reading vision? Watch this 10 minute video on eye exercises right now!

Good hand-eye coordination is also a skill that is required to drive a car. There are also many exercises that focus on hand-eye coordination that can be used to improve your eyesight. When practiced regularly, these exercises can improve your eyesight by strengthening your eyes.

These hand and eye coordination activities are most effective for improving eyesight when they involve both hands and both eyes. These can include sports such as racquet games like tennis or racquet ball, speed bag drills, wall balls, video games and other activities such as these.

Generally speaking, if you can improve your hand eye coordination, you will also improve your eyesight. This will be beneficial in daily life activities, as well as specialized activities and hobbies that you may be interested in.

Racquet Exercises

Sports such as ping pong are very effective in improving your eyesight, as well as your hand and eye coordination. With this activity you have to respond to a person’s movement and hit a ball to them. The activities are fast-paced, meaning that you must be able to respond quickly to the motions  in order to win the game.

Speed Bag Drills

Speed bag drills are especially helpful for people in sports such as boxing or MMA. Being able to shield and attack is essential, which requires your eyes to focus on the fast moving individual across from you and respond with your hands.

Finger Exercises

Using finger exercises are extremely helpful for anyone who may have serious issues with hand-eye coordination and their eyesight. In most cases, these exercises are done in a professional therapist setting. The therapist will have the patient touch each one of their fingers, one at a time, with their thumb. It is essential that the patient touch the tips, and not the sides of the fingers.

Once the patient has mastered this activity, the therapist will then progress the activity. This will be done by placing a hand a foot away from the face of the patient. Then the patient will be prompted to touch their nose, the palm of the hand and the nose again.

Ball Therapy

A variety of ball activities and exercises can be used to improve hand-eye coordination, as well. Catching, rolling and throwing are all useful in improving a person’s eyesight. This is because your eyes are required to track the ball’s movement and then coordinate with your hands what they should do next.

Another exercise that is done is writing number on different sides of the ball and then calling out the number as the ball is thrown. Hitting the ball is another popular activity to improve hand eye coordination and eyesight. This is able to be done with a ball and racket or with a bat. If this is too difficult in the beginning, try attaching the ball to the racket or bat with a piece of string.

Card Games

Card games can improve a person’s eyesight and hand-eye coordination, substantially. In traditional types of card games, you have to scan the card prior to moving your fingers, which enables you to choose the card that you need or wish to play. Additionally, the sorting process by colors or numbers will aid your coordination and eyesight.

Video or Computer Games

One of the most fun ways you can improve your hand-eye coordination, as well as your eyesight, is to play video games or computer games. These activities require you to manipulate a mouse or a game controller with your hands, which allows you to move your character or select what you want to do on the screen.

This will require you to identify different buttons and other items as well, providing improvements on the “communication” between your hands and eyes. Additionally, your eyes will have to determine what needs to be done next to progress in the game. Using these activities will substantially improve your eyesight and help you notice and be aware of your surroundings when it may have been difficult in the past.

If you suffer from a lazy eye it could impede your eyesight. There are many exercises, however, that can aid this problem. The following exercises will actually strengthen the muscles that are in your eye.

This will help to build the necessary support that is needed medically in order for your lazy eye to become less noticeable. Additionally, these exercises will increase the eye to brain connection which will improve your overall vision and eyesight as you create a regimen.

The exercises to try these include:

• Using a patch: This will help you focus all the work on your lazy eye to improve the vision in that eye without using your stronger one. If you do not have a patch, you can use corrective lenses or eye drops.

• Rolling: This exercise simply requires you to roll your weak eye in order to build your muscle strength.

• Tracking: This is following an object, such as your therapist’s hand, in all directions while wearing your patch.

It is important to take steps to improve your vision early on. Each of these activities can be used for children or adults, in order to improve their eyesight and their hand eye coordination. If your child has developmental problems with their hand and eye coordination or their eyesight, these exercises can not only be beneficial and effective, but fun!

The response is itchy, watery, red eyes that can puff and swell. This reaction is the body’s attempt to eliminate the foreign substance. Anyone with eye allergies should understand that they are no different than other types of allergies. They are simply an overreaction produced by the body’s immune system.

There are many common allergies, which can be easily treated with various methods. The most common treatment methods include medical drugs, avoiding the irritant and natural remedies. Additionally, there are tons of tests that are performed to determine the cause of an allergy, which aids the treatment process.

Causes of Eye Allergies

The most common causes of an eye allergy, or allergen, includes: molds, pollen, dust, mites, hair, grass, trees, etc. Typically these items become airborne and when they come in contact with the eyes, an allergic reaction ensues. An eye allergy will not cause any lasting or permanent damage to a person’s eyesight. They are unpleasant, but not harmful in any way.

Treatment Precautions

If an allergy sufferer opts to put something in their eye for treatment, they should ensure they are aware of the proper way to do so. If done improperly, the eye could be damaged, causing more harm than good. Additionally, not all natural cures will work for everyone. It is a process of trial and error to find a method that works.

Natural Treatment Remedies

Typically, a natural remedy for eye allergies will not contain any dangerous chemicals or other ingredients that could be harmful. Exploring the options will help allergy sufferers find a natural source of relief for their eye symptoms.

Rose Water

This is a popular natural remedy for eye allergies, and one that has been used for generations. The proper application is three to four drops in each eye and then holding the eyes closed for a few minutes to allow the water to work.

Homeopathy

The most common homeopathic remedy is a mixture of honey and Indian gooseberry powder. This is not applied to the eye, but rather eaten each night in order to increase a person’s immunity. This is only one example of homeopathic remedies that are used, however they will typically contain a herb and other natural ingredient.

Cold Compresses

A cold compress can be created with washcloths and towels, or with cold spoons. Placing the spoons in the freezer prior to use will offer longer lasting results. This method only provides temporary relief, but can be very effective.

Warm Salt Water

Wiping the eyes with a cotton ball or cotton cloth dipped in warm salt water can also help relieve eye allergies. The salt in the water combats the histamines that have been released causing the initial reaction.

Repeated Eye Rinsing

If a person has a persistent eye allergy, they can try a cold water flush. Repeatedly rinsing the eyes with cold water may remove the offending substance, thus eliminating the allergy.

Be Aware of Pollen Counts

Most news and weather channels provide local pollen counts. However, a general rule of thumb is that if a person suffers from allergies they should stay inside mid-morning and early evening, when pollen counts are typically at their max. Additionally, turn off air conditioners, ceiling fans and shut all windows. Wear glasses outdoors, which can help block the pollen from coming in contact with the eyes.

Avoid Sweeping

No, we don’t mean stop cleaning entirely! But it is a good idea to use a damp mop, rather than sweeping, when you suffer from allergies. This is mainly because sweeping will stir up the allergens.

It is also a good idea to eliminate old carpets and rugs and replace them with hardwood, tile or other types of flooring that will not trap and hold allergens. This is especially helpful is a household has pets.

Reduce the Chance of Mold

By keeping the humidity inside the home under 50 percent, it will help prevent the growth of mold. In many cases this will require the use of a dehumidifier, especially in areas that tend to stay damp, such as the basement.

The best method for preventing eye allergies is to avoid the allergen altogether. However, this is rarely possible. If a person is unsure of the cause of their eye allergy, they should seek testing, which may help find the proper method of treatment. In most cases, a natural remedy will provide effective results, however it may be a process of trial and error.

In addition to using natural remedies, here are some tips that can help those prone to eye allergies avoid them altogether:

• Don’t allow dust and dirt to accumulate on surfaces.

• Avoid rubbing or squeezing eyes for relief.

• Wear protective eye wear when venturing outdoors.

• Limit computer and TV usage to 20 minutes at a time.

• Don’t use contacts as they will aggravate the allergy.

• Cover pillows with covers that are specially designed to be allergen impermeable. Additionally, it is important to wash bed sheets often and replace older mattresses, as they can become breeding areas for different allergens.

• Don’t allow pets in beds and keep them outside when possible.

• Avoid eye strain by reading in well-lit areas.

These tips and suggestions can help those who suffer from eye allergies find relief without having to use medications or other chemicals. The histamines that are released is the body’s natural way to defend against foreign substances, however can cause uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms.

These symptoms can become worse with continued exposure to the source, which is why sufferers should use the tips to help eliminate the exposure they have to the allergen. Being proactive about eye allergies and using natural remedies can help reduce and possibly eliminate the symptoms all together.

Eye Disease Related to Diabetes

The most common condition that affects the eyes and is directly related to diabetes is known as retinopathy. This is a disorder that will damage the actual blood vessels that are present in your eye’s retina. Additionally, the disorder will affect the tissue that provides the lining at the back area of your eyes.

Sometimes, your doctor can correct the disorder with laser treatments that will eliminate the bleeding, as well as reduce the chance for further damage to the blood vessels. However, diabetics also run the risk of developing conditions and disorders such as glaucoma and cataracts, which can both reduce vision capabilities.

But, it may be possible to take the matter into your own hands. If you’re serious and diligent about fixing your eyesight naturally, there are many vitamins that are available to help you to reduce and prevent the chance of developing eye conditions due to diabetes.

How Vitamins Help

Diabetic retinopathy cannot be aided by vitamins. However, antioxidant nutrients may help in the promotion of overall retinal health and reduce the chance of developing retinal damage. Some of the vitamins that have been proven to do this include vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E. These antioxidants will aid in the prevention of macular degeneration, which affects the retina of the eye. This has proven that the vitamins may be able to protect the eyes of diabetics against eye conditions such as retinopathy.

Omega-3

Omega-3 has been proven to reduce or even prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy. You can receive this nutrient from flaxseed and fish oil, which is rich with these beneficial types of fatty acids. Both are available in capsule form for easy ingestion.

Vitamin A

This vitamin has a crucial role in helping to secure accurate and clear vision. If you suffer from diabetes, the fact is that you are at high risk for developing disorders that can seriously impair the quality of your vision. This includes many different disorders. Vitamin A is considered an antioxidant, which will help prevent infections in your eyes and combat the occurrence of diabetic related problems.

Vitamin C

This is another antioxidant that can protect your eyes from the toxins and chemicals that are the main cause of eye conditions such as cataracts. Cataracts are a disorder that will affect the lens of each of your eyes. It will make your vision dark, cloudy and blurry, impeding your quality of vision, which can leave you unable to drive and perform basic day to day functions.

If you suffer from diabetes, you have a 60 percent higher chance of developing cataracts than those who do not suffer from the disorder. Additionally, you are likely to suffer from this disorder at a younger age. When you increase your intake of vitamin C it will also increase the levels of blood and the antioxidants will help prevent cataracts from developing. Naturally vitamin C can be found in vegetables and fruits, but those with diabetes typically need to take a supplement for optimum eye health.

Zinc

Zinc is found in trace amounts in the body. It is essential for every day functions such as development and growth, reproduction, immune response and basic neurological functions. Zinc occurs naturally in foods such as fin fish, nuts, legumes, shell fish, dairy and meat. If you suffer from a deficiency of the nutrient zinc, it can be directly associated with problems such as clouding and swelling of the corneas, as well as night blindness.

With a supplement of 25 mg of zinc, twice daily, you can have an improvement of macular function. This can also help reduce the chances of macular degeneration. This condition is typically characterized by the destruction of all of your vision, which will impair the ability for you to perform simple tasks such as driving and reading.

Magnesium

This nutrient has an essential role in the cellular structure of your body, including communication signaling, as well as helping to protect your eyes from the development of glaucoma. Magnesium is found naturally in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.

If you suffer from diabetes, you may find that you have increased loss of magnesium through your urine. This can quickly result in eye disorders, specifically glaucoma, usually characterized by pressure buildup in the eyes, which will decrease the amount of blood that can actually reach your retinas, as well as the optic nerve. With a regimen of oral magnesium supplements, it can reduce and prevent the chances of diabetics developing glaucoma.

It is important to talk with your doctor prior to starting a regimen of vitamins for diabetes related eye conditions. There are some nutrients and vitamins that can interact with the medications that you take for your diabetic condition. It is important to have your doctor evaluate your individual condition in order to determine what vitamins will actually aid your diabetic related eye condition and which may cause more harm than good.

Diabetes is a disorder that can affect your entire body. It is important to protect your eye health, as diabetes can cause many different disorders and diseases. If left untreated, your vision can be seriously impaired and may lead to blindness. If you begin treating the condition early, you can easily prevent and even eliminate the risks that occur because of diabetes.

Many of the vitamins that promote eye health also have antioxidants that will work to improve eyesight, and that have been proven to slow the effects of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration occurs when the macular area of the eye’s retina begins to wear out.

There are many vitamins that can improve eye health, including the effects caused by the degenerative disorder.

The Effect of Smoking on Your Eyes

The following information outlines the vitamins that are most beneficial to the eyes and how they can actually improve your overall eye health, reducing the effects of common eye disorders including the effects of smoking.

Smoking can be extremely bad for your eye health. Not only is smoking bad for your overall health, it also increases the risk that you have for the development of many different eye diseases and disorders, which include:

• Irritation: When you smoke regularly, it can cause chronic redness of the eyes. In fact, it can tear the film over the eyes, cause dry eye syndrome and irritate allergies of the eyes.

• Macular degeneration: When you smoke you will have a four times higher chance of developing the eye condition known as age-related macular degeneration. Even if you have smoked in the past and quit, your chances of developing this are still increased.

• Cataracts: Smoking will increase the chance of the development of cataracts, which is the clouding of the eyes lenses. This is because when you smoke it reduces the amount of antioxidants that are in your eyes.

• Optic Neuropathy: When you smoke, it decreases the blood that flows throughout your entire body. This can cause damage to the eyes optic nerve.

• Thyroid Eye Disease: Those who suffer from thyroid disease and smoke may develop Graves’ disease, which will swell the tissue around the eyes. This can cause bulging or protrusion of the eyes from the sockets.

• Vascular Disease: When you smoke it will also aid the development of a condition known as arteriosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries. If this develops, your chances of vascular disease of your eyes are also increased. Untreated it could lead to blindness.

Restoring Poor Vision Caused by Smoking

Due to the array of diseases that can be caused by smoking, there are many different vitamins that may help restore the problems that you are facing.

When you take the proper types of eye vitamins they can help you keep your eyes at optimum health for longer periods of time. Additionally, having a vitamin regimen prior to problems occurring can also prevent many eye diseases or reduce the chances of them developing.

There are many vitamins that are obtained through the foods that you eat, however it is often impossible to get the amount you need for optimum eye health. This is where vitamins that promote eye health come into play.

There are specific vitamin combinations that have been specifically developed to promote eye health.

When you are searching for a brand you should compare the mineral and vitamin composition. If a vitamin is created for the eye, it should definitely contain the following ingredients:

• Vitamin A: This vitamin plays a crucial role in vision health. It helps the eye surface and reduces the chance of developing eye infections.

• Vitamin C: This is a water soluble vitamin that is also a strong antioxidant. This vitamin helps to maintain your body’s connective tissue, which includes the collagen that is found around your eye’s corneas.

• Vitamin E: This has been proven to fight cataracts in several studies that have been performed.

• Zinc: This helps the body absorb certain vitamins such as vitamin A and will help the antioxidant enzymes to reduce the free radicals in your body. Additionally, zinc has been shown to fight night blindness and macular degeneration.

• Vitamin B2: This is also called riboflavin and is a water soluble vitamin. This vitamin is important for the overall health of your eyes and aids normal vision. Additionally, taking this vitamin regularly may help to reduce the chance of developing cataracts.

• Selenium: People who suffer from macular degeneration often have low levels of selenium. While this is a trace element, it is still vital for proper eye health.

There are both over the counter and prescribed vitamins for eye health that you doctor will prescribe for smokers. If you continue to smoke, it is essential that you protect your eye health with the vitamins listed here. They each play an important role in ensuring your eye health.

Recent vitamins that have been produced for the eye health of smokers also contain Lutein. This is an antioxidant that is typically concentrated in the lens, macula and retina portion of the eye. When you have an efficient amount of this present in your eyes, they will be able to stay healthier, even when you smoke regularly.

While there are certain vitamins that can aid the eye health of smokers, there is also some that can be dangerous and do more harm than good. Recent studies have shown that smokers who take beta-carotene supplements are at higher risk for certain diseases. It is suggested that you seek vitamins for your eyes that exclude this ingredient in order to reduce the risk that is present.

Smoking has been proven to increase the chances of various eye diseases and increases the chances of developing serious conditions such as macular degeneration. If no actions are taken to reduce the effects of smoking, it can lead to serious vision problems, with the chance of becoming blind.

Understanding the risks are as important as knowing what treatments are effective. It is important to take care of your eyes, especially if you are a smoker.

Likewise, adults spent a large amount of their leisure time enjoying the outdoors, having barbecues, taking hikes, or pursuing home improvement projects.

Times have changed, however, and an increasing number of people of all ages are using their free time for digital entertainment.

This new world of computer screens and high-definition televisions force our eyes to overcome different challenges than the great outdoors, and with these new challenges comes new hazards and damage to our eyesight, as well as some surprising benefits.

Video games, as a pastime, have existed for just over 30 years, and their popularity increases every year. The current crop of home video game consoles have sold over 100 million units in North America alone, an unprecedented level of marketplace saturation for the video game industry.

So what effects can this increasingly popular hobby have on the eyesight of its devotees? The answer may surprise you.

Vision Dangers

Most video games require lengthy involvement to finish any particular game, forcing the player to stay focused on the screen during their playtime.

This can lead to the same issues caused by long-term television watching, including headaches, blurred vision, and even nearsightedness if frequent breaks aren’t taken to relax your eyes.

Prolonged bouts of video gaming can also cause symptoms very similar to Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS. Computer Vision Syndrome, as the name suggests, is caused by staring at a computer screen for an extended period of time without any significant breaks.

CVS, and the similar symptoms related to video games, can include blurry vision, eye irritation and light sensitivity, not to mention neck and shoulder pain.

These problems, except for the neck and shoulder pain, are caused by the way computers and televisions draw images on their screens using pixels. The neck and shoulder pain is caused by improper positioning of the computer monitor or television.

Protecting Your Vision

All of the dangers posed to your vision are easily addressed. Here’s a simple list of steps you can take to minimize the impact video games have on your eyesight:

1. Make certain to position yourself properly. When playing a video game on a television, the player should be six to 10 feet from the screen. If using a computer, the very top of the monitor should be roughly at eye level.
2. Take frequent breaks. Most vision specialists recommend taking a break every 20 to 30 minutes. During this break, look off into the distance to allow your eyes time to rest. Don’t force your eyes to focus on specific details of distant objects, just give them a rest as you take in the scene as a whole. Some optometrists also suggest looking at a distant object every five minutes, for a few seconds at a time, throughout your work day or intense video game session.
3. Reduce glare. Glares from other light sources or windows can force your eyes to work harder than they need to. Turn your television or monitor until no glare is visible to reduce the risk of eye strain.

Aside from the preventative measures listed above, it should be noted that proper nutrition is also important for maintaining healthy vision. Here’s a short list of a few of the nutrients important for maintaining healthy eyesight:

• Vitamin A: This is the big one. Vitamin A helps the retina function properly, and research has shown that it could also help reduce the effects of age-related vision problems. Carrots, and other yellow, orange, or red vegetables, are excellent sources of this nutrient.
• Lutein: this substance is found naturally in the retina, and can help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. Lutein can also be found in yellow, orange, and red vegetables.
• Selenium: Selenium helps your body absorb other nutrients and vitamins. The best places to find Selenium is in walnuts and seafood.

These aren’t the only important nutrients for vision maintenance, and the full list can seem quite daunting.

That’s why it’s recommended to take a multivitamin supplement, to make certain your eyes are getting the help they need. We do offer our own special blend of nutrients in the Rebuild Your Vision Ocu-Plus Formula, but so long as it has all of the necessary vitamins and minerals, any supplement can help. Make sure to do your research before buying.

Video Game Benefits

All of this discussion about the hazards of digital entertainment might lead some readers to believe that video games are all risk, no reward, and this is far from the case. Video games can help both children and adults improve in several important areas.

Hand-eye-coordination is an obvious one, but visual attention is less so. Visual attention, for those unfamiliar with the term, is the ability to focus on one aspect of the environment while ignoring other things.

Playing action-oriented video games can give visual attention a boost, along with visual reaction time and visual ground discrimination.

Action games also improve a skill that traditionally deteriorates with age. Known as contrast sensitivity function, this ability allows people to differentiate between shades of colors displayed with a uniform background.

This ability is vital for reading, as well as driving at night, and it’s one of the first to fade with age.

It’s important to note, most of these benefits come from playing action-oriented video games only.

A study was performed comparing action games to a popular life-simulation title, and only the action games provided discernible benefits to the abilities listed above.

So, parents can breathe a sigh of relief. With healthy gaming habits, kids aren’t ruining their eyesight by playing video games, and both kids and adults can enjoy exciting benefits from their gaming.

Just make sure to take those breaks, eat the right foods or take a multivitamin, and, of course, go outside from time to time!

The foundation of all the systems used throughout life is formed during those early years, and too little of one of these nutritional building blocks can have catastrophic consequences later in life.

There is absolutely no substitute for the quality of life enhancements offered by healthy vision, so we’re going to discuss the nutrients required for that strong foundation.

Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is a condition that causes general failure of vision over time. This is one of the primary threats to eyesight worldwide, and one that research shows can be significantly affected by proper nutrition.

AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly, but with a solid foundation of healthy eating starting at a very young age, the condition can be greatly delayed or even reversed as the years go by.

We’ll be discussing several different nutrients that should be present in a balanced diet, especially during childhood, as well as what foods these nutrients are commonly found in.

Lutein

Lutein is an antioxidant, and one of two carotenoids found in high quantities in the eye, the other being zeaxanthin. The antioxidant properties of both zeaxanthin and lutein help to prevent oxidation of the lens of eye, one of the major causes of cataracts. Researchers have estimated that a large proportion of the world doesn’t get the lutein they require.

Lutein is found in kale, spinach, and other leafy greens, along with its sister carotenoid zeaxanthin. While there isn’t an exact daily recommended intake of lutein, research has shown benefits after 10mg daily. While not the most popular foods with kids, these leafy greens can be added to sandwiches, hamburgers and other fun foods.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, like lutein, is a powerful antioxidant thought to help prevent cataracts. It also serves as a vital nutrient for full body health, as it helps cells absorb iron. Basically the entire body depends on sufficient Vitamin C intake to stay healthy and functioning.

Vitamin C was also an instrumental part in the study that resulted in AMD being classified as a “nutritionally-responsive disorder”.

Vitamin C is found mostly in fruits and vegetables, and citrus fruits are an especially good source. A single cup of orange juice provides more than enough Vitamin C to exceed the FDA’s daily recommended intake of 90mg for males, and 75mg for females. So, for the kids, a glass of O.J. at breakfast is the perfect way to get the daily dosage needed.

Vitamin E

Like the other nutrients mentioned so far, Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can combat cataracts and AMD. Vitamin E also aids the body in absorbing other nutrients.

Research has shown that an increase in Vitamin E can aid in the absorption of beta-carotene and other important, vision-protecting nutrients and minerals.

Experts estimate that most Western diets are lacking in Vitamin E. According to the FDA, an intake of 22 IU (or International Units, a slightly outdated system of measurement) is recommended, making nuts and salads an important dietary addition.

The best sources for Vitamin E are nuts, peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and fortified cereal, though it is also found in salad vegetables and some oils. And since most kids love peanut butter and cereal, Vitamin E is an easy one to get!

Fatty Acids

Despite what the low fat food industry says, fat is an essential component of the human diet, and enhances almost every system and function in the body. Fatty acids are one of the parts of fat cells, and two specific acids have been shown to improve and safeguard eye health, Omega-3 DHA and Omega-3 EPA. DHA is found in high concentrations in the retina, and EPA is required for the body to manufacture EPA.

Through studies done on infants and young children, DPA and EPA has been shown to be very important for the formation of retinal muscles and other systems in the eye, and researchers believe the acids to be equally important in healthy eye function later in life.

Studies have correlated low dietary levels of DPA and EPA with several degenerative conditions, including AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity.

Most naturally-occurring Omega-3 acids are found in fatty fish and sea-dwelling mammals. The American Heart Association recommends a daily intake of .5-1.0 grams of DPA and EPA, but estimates that the typical American consumes much less. Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are the best sources of Omega-3.

Zinc

Zinc is what’s known as an essential trace mineral, also categorized as a ‘helper molecule’. It plays an important role in the body’s production of melanin, which functions as a protective pigment in the eye. It has also been shown to slow the effects of advanced AMD, so it is especially recommended for people with a high risk of that disorder.

The FDA has recommended an intake of 11mg of zinc daily, although research has shown that those with a high risk of AMD could benefit from a higher amount. High levels of zinc can cause stomach upset, however, and is believed to interfere with the absorption of copper. The best sources of zinc include raw oysters, cooked red meat, and lobster.

Eat Smart Early

All of the nutrients listed above play an important role in the development and maintenance of healthy eyes. For parents, it can be hard enough to make sure their children eat something green and leafy between the cheeseburgers and pizzas, much less making sure they get all the nutrients in the proper amounts, so supplementation is something to consider.

Make certain to speak with your pediatrician before starting a supplement regimen for children, however, and keep in mind that the daily intake amounts quoted above are for adults. Children require smaller amounts of nutrients, increasing as they get older. So exercise caution when increasing amounts, speak to a doctor, and start laying that foundation for a lifetime of healthy vision.

What effect is this having on our eyesight?

It’s becoming common knowledge that these screens cause our eyes to work in different ways than print does. With the rise in recognized cases of Computer Vision Syndrome (or CVS, a condition that arises from frequently looking at a computer monitor, without giving your eyes the requisite breaks), worrying about the effects that eReaders, such as the Kindle and Nook, have on your vision is certainly warranted.

Let’s get started.

Pixelated Problems

You might think, after reading about CVS, that similar problems would arise from eReaders. After all, digital screens are all one and the same, right? That’s not necessarily the case.

Computer Vision Syndrome is caused by several different factors that combine to form a nasty set of issues. Partially, this is related to the way computer monitors display images.

Rather than showing one full image, pictures and text on a monitor are drawn in tiny little pieces called ‘pixels’. This causes the eye to focus a little bit harder while looking at images on a monitor, and can lead to eyestrain, headaches, and blurry vision, if you don’t give your eyes a rest from time to time.

While CVS is a possible concern when reading on an iPad or other tablet, as they use pixels for their screens as well, it probably isn’t an issue for most eReaders.

Two of the most popular dedicated eReaders, Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes and Nobles’ Nook, use a different type of display, called eInk. This display type more closely mimics the look of printed paper, and has shown a reduced tendency to cause eye problems, as compared to other digital screens.

There has also been research showing that newer LCD screens, with their faster refresh times and higher resolutions, cause many fewer problems with eyesight than older screens. It’s likely that, as technology continues to advance and screens become better, CVS will cease to be a problem entirely.

Traditional Reading

Reading a printed page has its own set of issues. Reading is much more involved than simply looking at an object. Experts have said that, when reading, the muscles in your eyes move around 10,000 times an hour. So even when picking a book up from the shelf, eyestrain is a risk.

Avid readers should try and take a break every 10 minutes like in our “10-10-10 Rule” to prevent any problems from arising.

Light sources are another concern. Digital media can come with backlighting, allowing for higher contrast even in the darkest of environments. Regular, printed books don’t have that option, so consideration must be given to the places you plan to read.

The Verdict

So, if eyestrain is a risk with digital media as well as plain old printed books, which is the right choice? Experts say it largely comes down to personal choice, although those with already lower eyesight might be better served by the digital version.

A recent study, performed by researchers at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and reported on by Time Magazine, has shown that, depending on your own particular situation, you might be better suited for one or the other reading medium.

The study in question had 100 different participants reading passages on three different mediums: the traditional printed form, on a Kindle, and on an iPad. Their words-per-minute for each were calculated, and then compared.

The results were startlingly clear.

People with poor eyesight could read better on a backlit screen. Even the Kindle used for the study, an older version that didn’t have the newer lighted screen, showed an increase in reading speed for those with worse vision.

The researchers believe that the digital mediums’ increased background contrast was the root cause of the improvement. Individuals with good eyesight preferred the traditional printed book.

So, the answer to the eReader versus printed book debate seems to be, whatever works best for you. Take into account the lighting conditions where you’ll be reading most of the time, your own particular level of vision, and your budget (since eReaders and tablets can be pricey), and get to reading. Although, regardless of the medium, make sure you rest your eyes often.

Pink eye is caused by the lining on our eyelids and the whites of our eyes becoming inflamed: this inflammation causes the eye to take on a pink color. Many people don’t realize that they have pink eye because the symptoms are similar to tired eyes in the beginning.

Causes of Pink Eye

Unfortunately, there are many ways one can get pink eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by:

1. Person-to-person viruses: This could be as simple as shaking hands with someone who has pink eye. If they happen to have rubbed their eyes before meeting you.
2. Pollution: Air or water pollution can lead to conjunctivitis. It’s sad to think that normal hygiene, like washing your face in the morning could result in this painful and irritating problem.
3. Chemicals: Household cleaners often contain chemicals that can become air born and irritate eyes. It is also possible that the cleaning solutions could transfer to your hands and come in contact with your eyes. Always be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after using cleaning products.
4. Allergens: Almost anything you are allergic too could be included in this group; however, some common allergens include dust and pollen. 
5. Bacteria: Bacteria can be picked up almost anywhere. Public restrooms are a common breeding ground. The safest way to protect your eyes from this source of contagion is to wash your hands.

Any or all of these can lead to  infection and/or irritation of  our eyes.

The main symptoms of pink eye are as follows:

• Swelling and pink tissue around the eyelid and whites of our eyes

• Increased tear production due to the irritation

• Eye discharge that is green, yellow or white in color

• Itching around infected area

• Feeling of grittiness in your eyes

• Burning around infected area

• Crusted-over eyelids (from discharge)

• A new sensitivity to light

If you have any of these symptoms, you may have a case of conjunctivitis.

If you are the type of person who likes natural alternatives to traditional medicine and eye care (and you probably are if you are reading this blog), you may be interested to know that there are some ways of treating conjunctivitis naturally at home. Though the treatment for pink eye really will depend on its root cause, pink eye can often improve on its own with time being the only medicine needed.

Keep in mind that pink eye is a very contagious condition. You need to take special care not to spread the infection to other family members while you are treating it. This can be difficult to remember because we often touch or rub our eyes without even realizing it. The best way to prevent the spread of this condition is to wash your hands carefully after every time you touch your eyes. Family members can pick up the infection by handling things you have touched after touching your eyes, so it is important for their safety to wash your hands immediately after touching your eyes.

The following is a list of some ways you can treat pink eye naturally at home:

Chill Out

A cold compress may be just the thing for you if allergies are what caused your case of conjunctivitis.Frequent applications of  a  soothing and anti-inflammatory, cold press can help your pink eye clear up faster. Applying a cold compress helps to relieve the irritation associated with pink eye. Less irritation means that you are less likely to rub or press on your eyes to relieve the irritation.

Get Toasty

A warm compress may be especially soothing if your eyes are burning but keep in mind that the warmth can actually cause the infection to hop on over to your other eye (use with care). This transfer is one of the dangers of pink eye. If you have only one eye affected you need to be especially careful not to spread the infection to the other eye as this will prolong the problem.

Good Housekeeping

Frequent wiping of your eye from one side to the other may help your pink eye clear up faster as it can help remove the bacteria or allergen that is causing the irritation. Be sure to dispose of your tissue promptly, wash your hands, and to not reuse your tissue for another swipe or the other eye! We can’t stress enough the danger of transferring the infection from one eye to the other or to other members of your household.

Probiotics Power

This may sound nuts, but the bacteria in yogurt, raw milk and breast milk can help combat the bacteria in your eye. Some folks swear by a drop of yogurt or raw milk in the eye (and breast milk for infants suffering from conjunctivitis).

Though it is entirely feasible to treat your pink eye at home with the natural remedies outlined above, there are times when you may want to see a doctor. If your vision seems to worsen, your pain continues or increases with time, or your symptoms take a turn for the worse, be sure to consult with your medical professional for guidance and care! Physicians will normally prescribe eye drops for the treatment of pink eye. This helps to flush the infection from the eye but can sting when applied. If you are concerned about trying a natural remedy for this problem talk to your medical practitioner about it.