Different Types of Pink Eye

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is inflammation of the eyes clean membrane or conjunctiva. Causing redness, itching, swelling and discharge.

Symptoms include pink or red color in the whites of the eye, itching or burning or grittiness, the feeling of something in the eye. Watery or thick discharge from the eye. Swollen eyelids. Light sensitivity and crustiness on the lashes.

There are different types of pink eye. 

• Viral pink eye-is an infection of the eye caused by a virus and is the most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis can spread when you come in close contact with someone who has a viral eye infection, and then you touch your face or eyes. You can also get it from someone who is coughing or sneezing with a cold.
• Bacterial pink eye- The bacterial form of conjunctivitis is very contagious and caused by many types of bacteria, including staph and strep. The bacterial type has rapid onset and progression.
• Allergic pink eye- is a type of pink eye that occurs when allergy-causing foreign substances (allergens) cause inflammation in your conjunctiva.
• Chemical/Irritant pink eye- or toxic pink eye happens when substances like smoke, dust, chemicals (chlorine, makeup), or even contact lens issues inflame the eye's clear lining, causing redness, watering, and a gritty feeling, but unlike infectious pink eye, it's not contagious and usually resolves after removing the irritant, often with flushing and rest. Common culprits include smoke, fumes, pool chlorine, cosmetics, and contact lens overuse. 

While most cases clear up with home care like compresses and hygiene. Some need doctor’s prescribed treatments like antibiotic or antiviral medication.

 

Sources:

www.preventblindness.org

www.cdc.gov

www.clevelandclinic.org

www.myhealth.alberta.ca

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Is Hibiscus Tea Good for Eyesight

 

Hibiscus tea is a tart, caffeine-free, cranberry-like infusion made from the dried magenta calyces, the fleshy, edible parts of the roselle flower. The tea can be served hot or cold. Packed with beneficial compounds like anthocyanins and polyphenols, they offer anti-inflammatory effects and protect against cell damage. Anthocyanins responsible for the colors, red, purple, and blue, are in fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols are a class of compounds found in many plant foods that includes flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes. There are more than 8,000 different types of polyphenols that have been identified so far.

Hibiscus tea can be beneficial for eyesight, as it contains antioxidants and vitamin C, which help to strengthen the blood vessels of the eye, reduce oxidative stress, support retinal health, and potentially aid in managing high blood pressure.

Hibiscus tea is generally safe when consumed in moderation, though some side effects are possible. One study found that hibiscus and other hot teas may negatively affect the quality and water content of the ocular tear film. While research supports several health benefits of hibiscus, larger studies are still needed. Consult your doctor before using hibiscus supplements, especially if you take prescription medications.

Sources:

www.chhs.colostate.edu

www.wikipedia.org

www.clevelandclinic.org

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Is There Any Value to Apple Vision Pro to People Who Are Visually Impaired

 

The launch of Apple Vision Pro (AVP) is an important step in the intersection of technology and healthcare, offering unique capabilities in mixed reality, which Apple terms “special computing “.

AVP stands out over other devices, such as meta quest pro and Microsoft’s halo lens, for advanced integration within healthcare workflows. The AVP‘s unique combination of high resolution, displays, precise, I, tracking, and seamless user interface offer distinct advantages in a clinical setting by enhancing, patient care, medical training, and immersive visualization experiences.

*Does insurance cover in the case of visually impaired? No, the Apple Vision Pro is not currently covered by medical insurance for the visually impaired because it is not classified or approved by the FDA as a medical device. It is sold as a general consumer electronics device. 

*How much does it cost?  $3499

*Does the newest AVP improve on the original? Apple Vision Pro headset, the newest model with the M5 chip notably improves on the original M2 version in performance, motion clarity, and comfort.

*What are the differences between VR and AR:

AR adds to the real world; VR replaces it. 

Hardware: AR uses smartphones/glasses; VR needs immersive headsets. 

Interaction: AR interacts digital with physical; VR interacts within the virtual space. 

• Both have many uses in healthcare.

AVP integrates VR and AR into a cohesive mixed reality platform to create a versatile platform that combines both functionalities.

There is room for improvement some visually impaired testers have compared it to wearing someone else’s glasses while other testers have said it is life altering technology for them. In some cases, it may depend on a person’s visual condition the AVP can be fitted with a custom lens insert. When you order your AVP at an Apple Store the strap is fitted for you. Some of the settings may need to be adjusted for eye tracking needs.

Sources:

www.pmc.ncbi.nih.gov

https://sopa.tulane.edu

https://www.princetonreview.com

Photo:

Apple.com

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Are You Joking-Christmas Edition

 

1. What are ugly Christmas sweaters made of?

Fleece Navidad

2.What reindeer games do reindeer play at sleepovers?

Truth or deer

3.What do grapes sing at Christmas?

Tis the season to be Jelly

4. What is the difference between the regular alphabet and the Christmas alphabet?

The Christmas alphabet has No-el.

5. What do elves say before telling Santa a joke?

This will sleigh you.

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UPMC Vision Institute Using Ocular Genetics

UPMC Vision Institute uses the medical and research knowledge of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh Department of Ophthalmology.

The ocular genetics team, including genetic counselors, are very important for patients with inherited vision problems, such as retinal dystrophy, front-of-the-eye disorders, developmental disorders, cornea problems, uncontrolled eye movements, optic nerve damage, and albinism, among many other conditions.

The most common disorders which UPMC specialists are skilled at treating include:

• Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited disorders that progressively reduce the retina’s ability to respond to light, leading to a loss of vision.
• Stargardt disease is the leading inherited juvenile macular degeneration, characterized by progressive vision loss due to the degeneration of cells in the central retina.
• Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is an inherited retinal degenerative disease that causes severely reduced vision from birth. This condition is characterized by early-onset visual impairment
• Retinoschisis is a genetic eye disorder in which the retina splits into separate layers. This separation impairs both central and peripheral vision, potentially affecting activities such as reading, recognizing faces, and navigating spaces. Early diagnosis and management are important to help preserve vision and quality of life.
• Optic neuropathy refers to damage to the optic nerve, which may result in vision loss. Common symptoms include blurry vision, blind spots, and reduced color perception. While genetic factors are a frequent cause. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to help preserve vision and improve quality of life.
• Pediatric cataracts are clouding of the eye's lens in children, which can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired) due to causes like genetics, infection, trauma, or certain medical conditions.

Genetic counselors collaborate closely with optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists to assess patients’ medical and family histories. They also coordinate genetic testing and provide expert interpretation of results, helping patients and families understand their inherited vision conditions and make informed decisions about care.

Ultramodern care, diagnostic evaluation, testing, genetic counseling, advanced genetic testing, and access to modern treatments. Some of those initiatives include repairing genetic defects in the eye using gene therapies, using stem cells to repair severely damaged corneas, cortical vision, or sending images directly to the brain from a camera, implantation of a bionic chip new treatments for macular degeneration and glaucoma, and regenerating the optic nerve.

Sources:

www.aao.org

www.wtae.com

www.health.pitt.edu

Photos:

www.linkedin.com

 

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Crusty eyelids in the A.M., why it happens

 

Sleep crust, also known as eye gunk or by its technical term, rheum, is a common occurrence. Rheum is a harmless mixture of exfoliated skin cells, oils, and tears produced or shed that accumulate in the eyes. We all get that crusty stuff in the corners of our eyes when we wake up in the morning.  It is all part of a good night's sleep.

This buildup happens because, during sleep, you do not blink, allowing secretions and debris to collect and dry in the corners of your eyes and along the eyelash line.

This residue is a result of the eye’s normal protective processes. Blinking throughout the day helps flush away mucus and other debris from the surface of the eye.

Therefore, finding crusty residue in the corners and along the lash line of your eyes is normal, unless it is accompanied by symptoms such as redness, pain, or excessive discharge, which may indicate an underlying condition. It should be white or light cream color—which is normal. 

If the discharge is yellow or green, that can be a sign of bacterial conjunctivitis—a common form of pink eye. There are also chronic conditions, like blepharitis (a type of inflammation), dry eye, and allergic conjunctivitis that can cause sleep crust. In some cases, it could be enough to make your eyes stick together. In those cases, see an eye care professional.

Sources:

www.healthcare.utah.edu

www.healthline.com

www.aao.org

Photo sources:

www.reichpharm.com

www.healthcare.utah.edu

www.amconlabs.com 

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1. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day until 1954 when it was renamed Veterans Day.
2. Veterans Day coincides with Holidays in several countries including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day
3. Veterans Day occurs on the Anniversary of the end of WWI
4. Major hostilities of WWI were formally ended on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918.
5. There are distinct holidays commemorating the service of all US Veterans

• Memorial Day in May
• Veterans Day in November
• Armed Forces Day also in May
•  Women’s Veterans Day in June 

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How many of you play pickleball, it’s a burg thing right? With nearly 20 million people playing pickleball has quickly become big in the United States. Pickleball-related eye injuries are on the rise in the US. Although the increase in ocular injuries may simply reflect the increasing number of players. It is possible that casual players are more susceptible to injury due to limited experience and unfamiliarity with the game.

A study found that pickleball-related eye injuries have increased at an alarming rate over the past 4 years as the sport continues to grow in popularity. It is not that the game is getting more dangerous.

Common kinds of ocular injuries from pickleball have been reported by ophthalmologists and Emergency rooms including:

• Lacerations around the eye

• Corneal abrasions

• Inflamed irises

• Retinal detachment or tear

• Orbital fractures

• Globe trauma

• Berlin's edema is damage to the retina's outer layers, which can cause temporary decrease in vision.

• Hyphemia is bleeding in the front chamber of the eye

To prevent these injuries, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and other experts recommend wearing shatterproof polycarbonate safety goggles that meet ASTM F3164 standards. These standards ensure that eyewear is rigorously evaluated for impact resistance and safety during play, providing reliable protection against the types of injuries commonly seen in pickleball.

Eye protection is not currently mandated to take part in amateur or professional pickleball play. However, there is a push to establish standardized guidelines that is strongly recommended, as evidence from other sports   a significant reduction in ocular injuries when protective eyewear is required. For example, studies in racquetball and hockey have shown a 90% decrease in common eye injuries after mandating protective eyewear. This underscores the potential benefit of implementing similar safety measures in pickleball.

Sources:

www.livescience.com

www.jamanetwork.com

www.aao.org

Photo sources:

www.potthoffeyecare.com

https://www.foxnews.com

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Much to the delight of chocoholics everywhere, dark chocolate specifically. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants from the cocoa beans called cocoa flavanols or CFs.

In a recent study, the authors hypothesize that cocoa flavanols may improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels, thereby enhancing the availability of oxygen and nutrients to the blood vessels of the eye and brain. This process is believed to potentially improve both visual and cognitive function.

The retina in particular, they point out, is very highly vascularized, meaning it is rich in blood vessels and may be the area of interest in these study findings. It is worth noting that this study was not supported by any cocoa or chocolate companies.

The study examined how consuming milk chocolate vs. dark chocolate affects visual acuity, as well as large and small letter contrast sensitivity. 

Milk chocolate can have as little as 10% of Coco flavanols but has more fat, were as dark chocolate contains 50 to 90% of Coco flavanols.

It was found to show improvements within two hours of ingesting a 47 g chocolate bar. 

The primary outcomes of the study were changes in retinal perfusion, using Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a noninvasive image modality that provides depth-resolved imaging of the retinal and choroidal vasculature. 

High flavonol, dark chocolate, help to activate stem cells and repairs, blood vessels.

Sources:

www.scientificamerican.com

www.health.harvard.edu

www.nature.com

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Zeaxanthin for Vision

 

n a recent blog post I discussed lutein, a carotenoid. Another carotenoid is zeaxanthin, which can be found in foods you eat daily. It also comes with a host of benefits, like promoting eye health. Zeaxanthin is the companion of Lutein and often appears side-by-side in foods. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants. They give fruits and vegetables their vibrant hue.

Zeaxanthin and lutein are present in significant concentrations within the macula, where they are referred to as macular pigments. These antioxidants are present in various vegetables and also naturally occur in the lens, retina, and macula of your eyes.  That’s why doctors believe they play a key role in healthy vision. Zeaxanthin helps safeguard your eye tissues by filtering harmful sunlight and preventing oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

The macula is the most sensitive part of the retina and the part with the highest concentration of photoreceptors. These are special cells that convert light into signals that can be interpreted by your brain. As such, the macula is the place where your sharpest vision is produced. It is also responsible for your ability to perceive colors.

Five servings of fruits and vegetables daily provide enough zeaxanthin and lutein for your body. Make sure you choose each color of the rainbow, to help you continue to see rainbows.

Food Sources of Zeaxanthin:

If you are looking to boost your zeaxanthin intake, look for green, leafy vegetables since they have the highest amount of the carotenoid. The chlorophyll in dark green vegetables actually masks the lutein and zeaxanthin (yellow-orange) pigments, giving the vegetables their recognizable green color.

You shouldn't limit yourself to just a few veggies. In addition to greens, eggs and brightly colored fruits and vegetables are also good sources of both zeaxanthin and lutein. Eggs may be your best source. Although vegetables often contain more zeaxanthin, it isn't naturally combined with the fat-soluble enhancers needed for absorption, which lowers their bioavailability. Your body absorbs it more efficiently from eggs due to their fat content.

After ingestion, zeaxanthin is preferentially transported to the ocular tissues. It is incorporated into the lens, the transparent, curved structure located at the front of the eye. This yellow pigment functions as a protective barrier.

 

Sources:

www.webmd.com⁠

www.health.clevelandclinic.org⁠

www.verywellhealth.com⁠

 

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Lutein - How it Benefits Your Eyes

Lutein is an organic pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family, closely related to beta-carotene and vitamin A. Commonly called the "eye vitamin," lutein is made by plants. It's present in large amounts in the macula area of the eye, which plays a crucial role in vision.

These essential nutrients can improve eye health and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. Research shows that this antioxidant plays a key role in maintaining vision and supporting eye health. Lutein also has anti-inflammatory properties. 

Lutein is known to support the improvement or prevention of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, which are leading causes of blindness and vision impairment. 

Lutein can help protect the retina from phototoxic light damage.

Food sources rich in Lutein include:

• Berries
• Broccoli 
• Papaya 
• Peaches
• Mangoes
• Egg yolks
• Kales
• Spinach
• Peas
• Corn
• Bell peppers
• Pistachios

Sources:

www.aarp.org

www.healthcentral.com

www.webmd.com

www.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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Common Refractive Errors

These conditions affect how the eye is shaped. Emmetropia is a normal shaped eye with correct refraction. 

Symptoms of refractive errors can be:

• Squinting
• Eyestrain
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Blurry or fuzzy vision
• Headaches

Common refractive errors can be corrected by eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser surgery.

Annual eye exams are recommended every year before age 18, and after age 65, every two years in between. Unless a medical or eye problem occurs that requires more frequent attention.

To avoid these common disorders and injury to the eye:

•  Regular Eye Exams
• Wear protective eyewear
• Take breaks during screen time
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Limit alcohol intake

To schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Wendel go online: Click here or call (412) 788-1288

Sources:

www.clevelandclinic.org

www.health.ny.gov

www.pearlevision.com

Photo source: www.eyedoctorophthalmologistnyc.com

 

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Hydration for the Eyes

 

Dehydration is a condition that is caused by the loss of 

fluid from the body. It occurs when you’re losing more fluids than you're taking in, and your body doesn't have enough fluid to function properly.

Dehydration can be mild to life-threatening. Get to the ER at once if you experience: 

• Confusion
• Fainting
• Lack of urination
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Shock

It is well known that dehydration can cause dry skin and lips and can also harm the kidneys and other organs. What most people don’t know is that not drinking enough water can make the moist surfaces in your body dry out. This includes the surface of your eyes.

Dehydration causes a condition called tear hyperosmolarity, which is high levels of salt in tears.

The body’s response to a lack of hydration can be:

• Dry eye, cataracts, reflective changes, and retinal vascular disease
• Burning eyes, sensitivity to light, and the feeling of a foreign body in the eye.
• Certain medications can also cause dehydration.
• Dehydration can cause dark circles and sunken eyes.
• Dry, red, and irritated eyes.
• Blurred and double vision
• Eyesight is critically dependent on healthy blood flow; dehydration restricts blood flow.
• The cornea can become cloudy from too little water

Conditions that may cause the body to need more hydration:

• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems
• Sjogren's disease
• Addison’s disease

Dehydration can cause these problems with the eyes:

• Dark circles and sunken eyes.
• Dry, red and irritated eyes.
• Blurred and double vision.
• Eyesight is critically dependent on healthy blood flow dehydration can restrict blood flow to the eyes.
• Dry eye
• The cornea can become cloudy from too little hydration.

The body‘s other physical responses to loss of fluid includes:

• Thirst
• Dry mouth
• Decreased urine output
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Sleepiness
• Lack of tear production, which leads to dry eye and eye strain.

To prevent dehydration stay hydrated:

• Drink plenty of water
• Drink a sports type of drink to help replenish electrolytes
• Reduce the intake of caffeine: alcohol, high protein, foods, and excess salt.

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Eye Movement

Eye movement encompasses both voluntary and involuntary movements of the eyes.

There are four basic types of eye movement: 

• Saccades
• Smooth pursuit movements
• Vergence movements 
• Vestibulo-ocular movements

Saccades are rapid, jerky movements of the eyes that shift focus from one point to another, such as when reading or during the rapid eye movement stage of sleep. These movements can be performed voluntarily but mostly occur automatically to adjust for areas without vision receptors.

Smooth pursuit movement is the ability of the eyes to track a target that typically moves along smoothly. During these movements, the nervous system tries to maintain the velocity of the eye at the same level as the velocity of the target.

Vergence movements are slow, simultaneous movements of both eyes in opposite directions (toward or away from each other) to maintain focus on objects at different distances, helping with depth perception.

Vestibulo-ocular movements are automatic adjustments of the eyes that stabilize vision during head movements. Controlled by the inner ear, they help maintain clear vision and support coordination during activities that involve movement.

Sources:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

www.imotions.com

www.sciencedirect.com

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Iconic Eyewear in Movie History 4

 

1. Abigail Breslin as Olive in Little Miss Sunshine
2.  Robert Wagner as Number 2 in Austin Powers
3.  Jonathan Lipinicki in Stuart Little
4. Brendon Gleeson as Mad Eye Moody in Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire
5.  Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken in Escape from New York

 

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Juvenile Macular Dystrophy

 

Juvenile Macular Dystrophy (JMD) is sometimes referred to as Juvenile Macular Degeneration. It is different from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD occurs as part of natural aging. Normal aging processes can lead to structural and blood flow changes that can predispose patients to AMD.

Juvenile macular degeneration is a rare, genetic condition that affects vision early in life. JMD causes central vision loss and often begins in childhood into young adulthood. 

The most common forms of JMD are:

• Stargardts Disease

• Best's Disease

• Juvenile Retinoschisis 

Unfortunately, there is no treatment. However, there are several treatments under clinical trials to manage these diseases, which may help to slow the progression and preserve vision longer 

Visual aids, adaptive training, and other tools can help with vision loss. 

JMD damages the macula, the tissue in the center of the retina at the back of the eye. This area provides sharp central vision. 

All forms of JMD cause problems with central vision. Some children do not show signs of having JMD. A healthcare professional may identify an issue during a comprehensive eye exam.

A doctor may use family history to determine a child's risk, as well as special labs, which may be used to conduct genetic testing that can help to identify the exact gene that is linked to the disease. 

The eye doctor may also proceed with other tests to confirm or rule out JMD diseases, those tests may include:

• OCT

• Fluorescein Angiography

• ERG (Electroretinography)

Source:

• www.aao.org

• www.webmd.com

• www.medicalnewstoday.com

• www.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.go

Photo Source:

www.irhto.com

www.opticalimages.com

www.aboonline.org

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The Benefit Received from Back-to-School Eye Exams

Imagine trying to learn with blurry vision, eye strain, or headaches. Clear vision is essential for learning, and undiagnosed vision problems can impede a child's education. Many children cannot recognize or express their vision issues because these problems may have always been present or progressed gradually. 

If children can’t see well, they may have difficulty reading, writing and taking part in activities at school, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).

School-provided vision screenings are tempting due to cost or convenience, but they are limited and can miss up to 75% of children with vision or eye health problems. Even children with 20/20 vision may have undetected eye health issues.

As children progress through their education, they face increasing demands on their visual abilities. The size of print in textbooks gets smaller and the amount of time spent reading increases. To meet these demands, a child should have the vision skills to be an effective learner:

• Visual acuity

• Eye Focusing

• Eye Tracking

• Eye teaming

• Hand-to-eye coordination

• Visual perception

• Recognition

• Comprehension

• Retention

Without a comprehensive eye exam from an Optometrist, many eye and vision disorders go undetected, or worse, a child may be misdiagnosed as having behavior problems, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning disability. Signs of vision problems that are less obvious to watch for are:

• Difficulty completing tasks.

• Not performing up to their full potential

• Difficulty working alone and following directions.

• Difficulty organizing and prioritizing work and time.

• Heavy reliance on pictures or auditory memorization

• Lack of interest in books or reading

• Disruptive or inattentive in class

Since much of a child's learning is visual, undetected vision problems may cause a child to miss out on a significant part of their education. Without good vision, a child's foundation for future success in school, sports and life in general can be compromised. Due to the lack of public awareness about vision disorders and how they can affect a child’s ability to meet developmental milestones, engage socially, achieve academic success in the future.

Sources:

www.uhc.com

www.visionmonday.com

www.Optometrists.org

www.aoa.org

www.clevelandclinic.org

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Oxygen for the Cornea to Breathe

 

The cornea receives oxygen directly from the air when the eyes are open, rather than relying on blood vessels. This unique adaptation helps maintain clarity for vision. The process involves atmospheric diffusion and aqueous humor, which supplies nutrients to the corneal cells without obstructing light. This makes understanding why contact lenses must be oxygen-permeable and how the eye harmonizes its biological needs with optical precision.

The front part of the eye needs to remain clear and unobstructed to allow light to enter the cornea. Transparency is crucial, as visible blood vessels would hinder the passage of light.

The avascular tissue of the cornea depends on atmospheric diffusion and aqueous humor to nourish its cells without blocking light. This unique adaptation clarifies why oxygen permeability is necessary for contact lenses and illustrates how the eye balances its biological requirements with the need for optical clarity.

When the cornea is deprived of oxygen, it can swell, leading to a condition known as corneal hypoxia. This lack of oxygen can cause corneal clouding, decreased visual acuity, discomfort, and various long-term adverse effects. For best functioning, the front part of the eye must remain transparent to allow light in.

Without adequate oxygen, the cornea will swell, resulting in corneal hypoxia. This deprivation leads to clouding, reduced visual clarity, discomfort, and potential long-term complications.

Other sources of oxygen for the cornea include tears, where nutrients and oxygen dissolve and then diffuse throughout the cornea. Furthermore, when the eye is closed, the lining of the eyelid (the palpebral conjunctiva) provides oxygen to the cornea.

Sources:

www.wtamu.edu

www.shorelinevision.com

www.texaseyesurgeons.com

www.pmc.ncbi.nih.gov

Photo sources:

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Eye Can Quote You

 

1. The heart sees what is invisible to the eyes – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
2. That old “law” “An eye for an eye” leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
3. Why does the eye see a thing more clearly in dreams than the imagination when awake? – Leonardo Da Vinci
4. The health of the eye  seems to demand a horizon. We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.-Ralph Waldo Emerson
5. Nothing contributes so much to tranquilize the mind as a steady purpose-a point on which the soul may fix it’s intellectual eye. – Mary Shelley 

 

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Unpack Those Bags Under Your Eyes

 

1. Salt-Consuming excessive salt can lead the body to retain water, which often accumulates in areas low in sodium, such as around the eyes.

2. Manage Allergies-There are several strategies to reduce eye puffiness caused by allergies. Consider the following:

• Limit exposure to allergens.

• Wash allergens off your skin.

• Keep windows closed during high pollen periods.

• Use allergy relief eye drops.

• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.

• Take an antihistamine.

• Consider immunotherapy (allergy shots).

3. Use a Neti Pot-A Neti pot can help clear out the sinuses, alleviating allergy issues and decreasing puffiness under the eyes.

4. Switch Sleep Positions-Gravity can cause fluids to pool, so your sleep position may contribute to puffiness. Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated can help prevent fluid buildup in and around the eyes and face.

5. Remove Makeup Before Bed-Leaving makeup on overnight can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes, clog pores, and lead to inflammation.

6. Avoid Alcohol-Alcohol can contribute to puffy eyes by causing dehydration, which leads to fluid retention and swelling under the thinner skin of the eyes. It also disrupts sleep, further exacerbating the issue.

7. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays- Long-term exposure to UV rays can damage the skin around the eyes.

8. Don't Smoke-Toxins present in cigarette smoke that can damage, collagen and elastin, leading to sagging and puffiness. Smoking also can impact lymphatic drainage, increasing fluid buildup under the eyes.

9. Give Your Eyes a Cool Down-A quick way to reduce puffiness is to apply cold compresses for 10 to 15 minutes. Cucumber slices can be effective; the cold helps constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation.

10. Consider an Eye Cream-Eye creams containing ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help reduce puffiness over time.

Additionally, some vitamins may help diminish puffiness. Ultimately, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can greatly impact the appearance of eye bags. Managing stress, prioritizing sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can prevent the need to "unpack" those bags once they appear.

Sources:

www.everydayhealth.com

www.hopkinsmedicine.org

www.webmd.com

www.mayoclinic.org

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