"Sarvendriyam Nayanam Pradhanmanam"

"Among all sense organs, the eyes are the most important."

Protecting Your Vision: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Healthy Eyes

As the most vital of our sensory organs, our eyes require special care to maintain their health and function. Unfortunately, many common practices can compromise eye health. Here are five mistakes to avoid, along with expert advice on how to promote healthy vision.

1. Using Warm Masks or Hot Packs

When dealing with eye infections or styes, it's essential to use cold packs and cold water. Heat can exacerbate the issue, while cold compresses can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.

2. Over use of Eye drops

While eye drops can be helpful, it's essential to use them judiciously and under the guidance of an eye care professional to avoid potential complications from overuse.

It can cause Dry eye, Damage to the oily tear film, Masking Underlying Conditions, Irritation and Allergic Reactions.

3. Washing Eyes with Warm Water

Ayurvedic principles dictate that the eyes are seats of pitta or fire, making it crucial to keep them cool. Always use cold water to wash your eyes, as warm water can aggravate pitta and lead to discomfort.

4. Rubbing Your Eyes

When experiencing itchiness, avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can cause small blood vessels to break, leading to redness and irritation. Instead, rinse your eyes thoroughly with cold water.

5. Misdiagnosing Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can be mistaken for allergic shiners. However, dark circles are often caused by stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep. Allergic shiners, on the other hand, are characterized by visible veins around the eyes due to nasal congestion caused by allergies. If you experience dark circles accompanied by itchy eyes, sneezing, or nasal congestion, it's essential to address the underlying allergy.

For healthy eyes, a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids is crucial. Foods like leafy greens, fish, citrus fruits, and eggs are particularly beneficial. These foods can help protect against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, and support overall eye health.

Conclusion

By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting healthy habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of eye problems and maintain optimal vision. Remember to always prioritize cold compresses, oil-based eyedrops, and gentle eye care to keep your eyes healthy and strong.

Dr.Babilu  Aju (B.A.M.S)
Medical      Offficer
Dr. P. Alikutty’s Ayurveda and Modern Hospital, Kottakal