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 a third of your eyebrows fall out, it may indicate a thyroid disease.

2. A STYE THAT WON’T GO AWAY

If the stay doesn’t go away for more than three months or it keeps re-occurring at the same area, it is very likely that you are suffering from a rare cancer called sebaceous gland carcinoma.

3. BURNING EYES, BLURRY VISION WHILE USING A COMPUTER

Lack of contrast on a computer screen combined with extra work leads to eyestrain, which then leads to development f ‘computer vision syndrome’ (CVS).

4. A SMALL BLIND SPOT IN YOUR VISION, WITH SHIMMERING LIGHTS OR A WAVY LINE

Disturbed vision is often caused by migraine aura, which may or may not be followed by a headache.

5. WHITES OF THE EYE TURNED YELLOWISH

This condition is commonly known as jaundice and it mainly affects newborns with immature liver function as well as those suffering from bile ducts, gallbladder, and liver issues.

6. EYES THAT SEEM TO BULGE

Protruding eyes are mostly caused by overactive thyroid gland, known as hyperthyroidism.

7. SUDDEN DOUBLE VISION, DIM VISION, OR LOSS OF VISION

In most cases dim vision, loss of vision and double vision are warning signs of a stroke.

8. BLURRED VISION IN A DIABETIC

Diabetics are more prone to eye problems, especially to diabetic retinopathy, a condition in which the circulatory system of the eye is affected by the disease. This condition is the leading cause of blindness in American adults.

You shouldn’t take vision for granted as eyesight is one of the most precious senses. If you don’t care about your eyes and take these signs for granted, you are at an increased risk of blindness, as many other diabetics. Did you know that 1 in 4 Americans are either pre-diabetic or diabetic?

When it comes to the prevalence of vision problems, it is worth mentioning that the increased use of computers and video display terminals are the major culprits.

IS POOR VISION INEVITABLE AS YOU AGE?

This is a total myth. However, if you are not cautious enough, the modern lifestyle may take its toll and contribute to poor vision. Luckily, there are many preventive measures available which can help you maintain good vision. For instance, people over the age of 60 should take high quality nutritional supplements and additional vision support.  Groups of people who MUST take additional vision support are the ones below:

Smokers

Obese people

Diabetics

Those who spend a lot of time staring at a computer

Iridology – Your Eyes as the Mirrors of Your Health?

The Yahoo Health article presents a couple of interesting link between the eyes and the overall health. There is even a study in regard to this topic, which used an alternative technique called Iridology, a study of the iris of the eye. Although this study dates from the mid 17th century, mainstream medicine hasn’t accepted it yet.

According to this technique, various characteristics of the iris zone, such as colors and patterns, tell a lot about the systemic health. This is done with the help of examination of the iris and matching it to iris charts. These charts allow the iridologist identify systems and organs in the body which may be inflamed.

In case you decide to give this technique a try, make sure you visit a licensed medical practitioner as iridologists are not obliged to have license.

Natural, Common-Sense Strategies to Help Protect Healthy Vision

Making some lifestyle changes is the best way to protect vision. Consider the following common-sense strategies which help maintain healthy vision:

1. Quit Smoking

Smoking increases the production of free radicals, which in turn increases the risk of decreased vision.

2. Take Care of Your Cardiovascular System

Obstructions in the blood flow and high blood pressure negatively affect the miniscule blood vessels on the retina. To maintain healthy blood pressure, you should avoid fructose at any cost. In fact, according to a research by Dr. Richard Johnson, chief of the division of kidney disease and hypertension at the University of Colorado, consuming 74 grams fructose on a daily basis increases the risk of having high blood pressure.

3. Normalize Your Blood Sugar

Hindered ability to focus excessive sugar in the blood pulls out fluid from the lens of your eyes. Consequently, the blood vessels in the retina may be damaged and the blood flow restricted.

4. Eat Plenty of Fresh Dark Leafy Greens

It has been scientifically shown that a diet high in dark leafy greens supports eye health. The consumption of carotenoid-rich veggies and those high in lutein and zeaxanthin are shown to improve vision heath.

5. Get Plenty of Omega-3 Fats

According to a study published in the August 2001 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, the consumption of omega-3 fats protects your vision. Due to the increased pollution, fish is no longer the best source of these acids. Instead, you should consume krill oil which is also abundant in astaxanthin.

6. Avoid Trans Fats

Trans fats are found to contribute to macular degeneration. Trans fats can be found in many baked goods and processed foods, such as cookies, pastries, crackers, fried chicken, fried foods. doughnuts, etc.

7. Avoid Aspartame

Aspartame poisoning is one of the main causes of vision problems.

Antioxidants – Your Greatest Allies for Healthy Eyes

Antioxidants are responsible for neutralizing the free radicals in the body, including the ones in the eyes. Some of the major eye-friendly antioxidants include:

Lutein

Zeaxanthin

Black currant anthocyanins

Astaxanthin

Lutein Helps Protect Your Central Vision

Lutein and zeaxanthin are found in the macula lutea. In high concentrations, these antioxidants absorb excess photon energy and destroy free radicals before they get the chance to damage the lipid membranes.

The tiny central part of the retina which is called the macula is responsible for the straight-ahead vision. It contains high concentrations of lutein, which is shown to protect the central vision. Lutein can be found in green leafy vegetables and yellow and orange fruits.

ASTAXANTHIN – POWERFUL PROTECTION AGAINST TWO LEADING FORMS OF BLINDNESS

It has been scientifically found that a taxanthin is the ultimate carotenoid for eye health as well as the ultimate preventive measure of blindness. Still, the benefits of lutein and zeaxanthin cannot be neglected.

Astaxanthin is more potent than both lutein and zeaxanthin  and it works as preventive measure against the following eye-related issues:

Retinal arterial occlusion

Venous occlusion

Cystoid macular edema

Inflammatory eye diseases (i.e., retinitis, iritis, keratitis, and scleritis)

Cataracts

Age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)

Diabetic retinopathy

Glaucoma

This list encompasses the three leading causes of blindness: macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, which makes this antioxidant of utmost importance.

Besides the healthy omega- 3 fats and krill oil mentioned above, there are many other sources of astaxanthin, such as supplements which are specifically designed to support optimal eye health.

If you decide to give astaxanthin a try, it is recommended to start with 2-4 mg on a daily basis. Make sure you check the label of every krill oil supplement as not all types have the same concentration of astaxanthin.