They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul. But in reality, they're just sophisticated pieces of biological machinery that send visual signals to your brain for processing. In that sense, they're the primary mode in which we experience external reality and one of the body's most critical parts.

Looking after the eyes, however, is easier said than done. They're extremely sensitive to damage, and so even the slightest change in the environment (such as bright light) can cause problems.

Here we provide you with several tips for taking care of them. Take a look at the following:

Get Sufficient Sleep

Many neuroscientists view the eyes as a kind of extension of the brain. They're so full of nerve endings and deeply integrated that viewing them as a separate system is difficult, if not impossible.

It should come as no surprise, therefore, that getting enough sleep helps the eyes tremendously. It both stops them from getting strained during the day and also reduces the incidence of bags.

If you find it challenging getting sufficient sleep, there are all sorts of strategies you can try. Experiment with the following if you find yourself struggling to nod off:

• Wear a cooling gel pack on your eyes to relieve swelling and inflammation after a long day in the office
• Drink chamomile tea - an ancient herbal remedy designed to calm the mind and help people drift off into a deep slumber
• Turn off your email reminders and notifications several hours before you go to bed to help calm your mind
• Establish a rigid sleep schedule where you hit the sack at the same time every night, regardless of what is happening in your life
• Each cherries before you sleep to give your body a melatonin boost (the sleep hormone)

Get Your Eyes Checked Regularly

Whether you wear glasses or not, you should get your eyes checked regularly. Ideally, you want to discover problems as early as possible to help manage them better as you get older.

Also, remember that eye doctors can also detect other health problems via a comprehensive eye exam. For instance, they might be able to tell you whether you have diabetes or another condition that affects the back of the retina. 

Wear Sunglasses In Bright Weather

Did you know that the same UV light rays that damage your skin can also harm the thin, sensitive layer of cells that sit at the back of the eye? Well, it turns out that UV damage is one of the leading causes of sight loss worldwide.

Fortunately, you can prevent this by wearing sunglasses. Sites, such as https://www.eyeglasses.com, talk in detail about the different types of lenses and how they can help defend you against damage. You need to make sure that you only buy spectacles rated for UVA and UVB protection. Remember, just because the light entering your eyes is darker doesn't mean your glasses protect your eyes. Invisible UV light could still be getting through and causing damage. And once it does, there is practically nothing you can do to reverse it.

Add Soothing Cream To Tired Eyes

Long days staring at the computer, exposure to pollution, and lack of sleep can all take their toll. For instance, research shows that people who stare at screens for long stretches tend to blink less, which dries out their eyes.

Fortunately, there are cosmetic solutions. Adding soothing cream to tired eyes, for instance, can brighten them considerably, even if you feel tired on the inside.

You can also try taking a break from looking at your computer screen every twenty minutes or so. Simple acts like this give the eyes a chance to recover and re-moisturize.

Avoid Using Makeup That Irritates You

The type of makeup that you use plays a large role in how your eyes feel. Try to avoid using products that are past their "best before" date. Unfortunately, old makeup becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, some of which thrive in your eyes and cause conjunctivitis.

Also, be sure to use makeup remover regularly. Find a brand that doesn't sting or require much effort to remove pigment. You want something that works with every kind of makeup you might use, including the heavy, waterproof variety.

Keep Your Hands Clean

Finally, keeping your hands clean is a wonderful way to protect your eyes from damage and infection. You'll sometimes notice that rubbing them with dirty hands causes them sting. That happens because of the acid byproducts of bacteria on the hands. Washing them removes this residue, making touching your eyes more comfortable.


Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***