Restore My Vision

A complete guide to understanding and im proving your eye sight

naturally
Table of Contents

Disclaimer .......................................................................................... 1
Introduction........................................................................................ 2
What is Vision? ............................................................................. 3
Healing the Eyes, Naturally ............................................................. 3
How to Proceed Through the Book .................................................... 4
Section 1 UNDERSTANDING VISION ....................................................... 5
Chapter 1 How the Eye Works ............................................................. 6
Anatomy of the Eye ....................................................................... 6
Working Principle of the Eye ........................................................... 8
Field of View of the Human Eye ....................................................... 9
Chapter 2 Common Reasons for Eye strain .......................................... 10
Causes of Eye strain ..................................................................... 11
Symptoms of Eye Strain ................................................................. 12
Preventing Eye strain .................................................................... 12
1. Correcting Bad Habits ........................................................... 13
Breaking Bad Habits ...................................................................... 14
1. Find a Good Habit to Replace Your Bad Habit ............................. 14
2. Eliminate Glare .................................................................... 16
3. Reduce the Contrast.............................................................. 17
4. Toughen Your Eyes ................................................................ 17
5. Rest Your Eyes ..................................................................... 17
6. Focus from a Distance ........................................................... 18
Chapter 3 Poor Eyesight: Facts and Misunderstandings ....................... 19
Myths ........................................................................................ 20
Facts ......................................................................................... 23
Chapter 4 Types of Vision Problems and Their Solutions ..................... 26
Loss and Impairment of Vision ........................................................ 27
What Causes Vision Loss? .............................................................. 28
Level of Visual Impairment ............................................................ 28
Visual Disturbances ...................................................................... 29
1. Diplopia .............................................................................. 30
Causes of Double Vision (Diplopia) .................................................. 30
Types of Diplopia ......................................................................... 32
2. Halo Vision .......................................................................... 33
Causes of Halo Vision ................................................................... 33
3. Blurred Vision ...................................................................... 33
Types of Blurred Vision ................................................................. 34
Symptoms of Blurred Vision ........................................................... 34
Causes of Blurred Vision ............................................................... 34
4. Color Blindness .................................................................... 35
Types of Color Blindness ............................................................... 35
Defects in the Three Cones ............................................................ 36
Missing Cone ............................................................................... 37
Black and White ........................................................................... 37
Causes of Color Blindness .............................................................. 38
5. Blindness ............................................................................ 38
Types of Blindness ....................................................................... 39
Causes of Blindness ...................................................................... 39
Risk of Blindness ......................................................................... 39
Blindness in Infants ...................................................................... 40
Symptoms of Visual Impairment in Young Children ............................. 41
6. Eye Pain .............................................................................. 41
Types of Eye Pain ......................................................................... 41
Ocular Pain ................................................................................. 41
Orbital Pain ................................................................................ 42
Eye Conditions ............................................................................. 42
Refraction: What is it? .................................................................. 43
Presbyopia .................................................................................. 43
 How Does Presbyopia Occur? ......................................................... 44
Who May Be Affected By Presbyopia? .............................................. 44
Symptoms of Presbyopia ............................................................... 44
How Can Presbyopia Be Diagnosed and Corrected? ............................. 44
Myopia (Nearsightedness) .............................................................. 45
How Does Myopia Develop? ........................................................... 45
Who May Be Affected By Myopia? ................................................... 45
Symptoms of Myopia .................................................................... 46
How Can Myopia Be Diagnosed and Corrected? .................................. 46
Hyperopia (Farsightedness) ............................................................ 47
How Does Hyperopia Develop? ....................................................... 47
Who May Be Affected By Hyperopia? ............................................... 47
Symptoms of Hyperopia ................................................................. 48
How Can Hyperopia Be Diagnosed and Corrected? .............................. 48
Astigmatism ................................................................................ 49
How Does Astigmatism Develop? ..................................................... 49
Who May Be Affected By Astigmatism? ............................................ 49
Symptoms of Astigmatism .............................................................. 50
How Can Astigmatism Be Diagnosed and Corrected? ........................... 50
Glaucoma ................................................................................... 51
What is Glaucoma? ....................................................................... 51
Risk of Glaucoma ......................................................................... 53
Symptoms of Glaucoma ................................................................. 54
Treating Glaucoma ....................................................................... 56
Cataract ..................................................................................... 57
Causes of Cataract Development ..................................................... 57
Risk of Cataract ........................................................................... 58
Symptoms of Cataracts .................................................................. 58
Diagnosing Cataracts .................................................................... 59
Treating Cataracts ........................................................................ 59
Prevention .................................................................................. 60
Age-Related Macular Degeneration .................................................. 61
 Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration ..................................... 61
Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration ............................... 63
Treating Macular Degeneration ...................................................... 63
Risk Factors ................................................................................ 64
Charles Bonnet Syndrome .............................................................. 64
Amblyopia .................................................................................. 65
Causes of Amblyopia ..................................................................... 65
Recognizing Amblyopia ................................................................. 66
Risk Factors ................................................................................ 67
Tests for Diagnosing Amblyopia ...................................................... 67
Treating Amblyopia ...................................................................... 67
Ptosis (Drooping Eyelids) ............................................................... 68
Causes of Ptosis .......................................................................... 69
Symptoms of Ptosis ...................................................................... 70
Treating Ptosis ............................................................................ 70
Complications ............................................................................. 71
Conjunctivitis .............................................................................. 72
Types of Conjunctivitis ................................................................. 73
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis ............................................................ 74
Treating Conjunctivitis .................................................................. 75
Keratoconus ................................................................................ 76
Causes of Keratoconus .................................................................. 76
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Keratoconus .......................................... 77
Treating Keratoconus .................................................................... 78
Retinal Detachment ...................................................................... 81
Causes of Retinal Detachment ........................................................ 81
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment .................................................... 82
Risk Factors ................................................................................ 82
Complications of Retinal Detachment .............................................. 83
Treatment for Retinal Tears and Detachment .................................... 83
Eye Floaters ................................................................................ 85
Why Do Eye Floaters Appear? ......................................................... 85
 Characteristics of Eye Floaters ....................................................... 85
What do they indicate? ................................................................. 86
Diabetic Retinopathy .................................................................... 87
Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy ...................................................... 87
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy .................................................. 88
Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy ................................................. 88
Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) ................................... 89
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome .......................................................... 90
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome ...................................................... 91
Diagnosis and Treatment o f Dry Eye Syndrome .................................. 92
Chapter 5 Drugs Harmful to the Eye ................................................... 95
Acne Medication .......................................................................... 96
1. Isotretinoin ......................................................................... 96
2. Minocycline ......................................................................... 96
Alzheimer's Medication ................................................................. 97
1. Cholinesterase Inhibitors ....................................................... 97
Antibiotics .................................................................................. 97
1. Fluoroquinolones.................................................................. 98
2. Synthetic Penicillin ............................................................... 98
3. Terbinafine ......................................................................... 98
4. Tetracycline ........................................................................ 99
Antidiuretics ............................................................................... 99
Antihistamines ............................................................................ 99
Anti-Anxiety Medication .............................................................. 100
Arthritis Medications .................................................................. 101
1. Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate .................................................. 101
Asthma Medication ..................................................................... 101
1. Corticosteroids .................................................................. 101
Birth Control ............................................................................. 102
Parkinsons Disease Medication .................................................... 102
Blood Pressure Medication ........................................................... 102
Blood Thinning Medication .......................................................... 103
 Cancer Medication...................................................................... 104
Depression Medication ................................................................ 104
Diabetes Medication ................................................................... 106
Dilating Eye (Pupils) Medicine ...................................................... 106
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) ............................................................. 107
Heart Medications ...................................................................... 107
High Cholesterol Medication ........................................................ 108
Hormone Replacement ................................................................ 108
Inflammation ............................................................................ 109
Insomnia .................................................................................. 109
Malaria Medication .................................................................... 109
Pain Relief Medication ................................................................ 110
Psychiatric Medication ................................................................ 110
Steroids ................................................................................... 111
Vitamins ................................................................................... 112
Weight Loss .............................................................................. 112
Section 2 Treating Defective Vision ................................................... 113
Chapter 6: Wearing Glasses: Is it safe? ............................................. 114
The Optics of Eye Glasses ............................................................ 115
Minus Lenses for Reading ............................................................ 116
Importance of the Optic Center of Eye Glasses ................................. 117
Glasses and Their Effects on the Size of Eyes ................................... 118
Glasses: Annoyances and Inconve nience ......................................... 118
Chapter 7: Laser Eye Surgery ........................................................... 119
Types of Laser Eye Surgery ........................................................... 120
LASIK ....................................................................................... 120
PRK ......................................................................................... 120
LASEK ...................................................................................... 120
RLE .......................................................................................... 121
EpiLasik ................................................................................... 121
PRELEX ..................................................................................... 121
Intacs ...................................................................................... 121
 Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants .................................................. 121
AK ........................................................................................... 122
RK ........................................................................................... 122
Side Effects of Laser Surgery ........................................................ 122
Infections and Delays in Healing ................................................... 122
Under or Over Correction ............................................................ 123
Worsening of Vision ................................................................... 123
Excessive Corneal Haze ............................................................... 123
Regression ................................................................................ 123
Halos ....................................................................................... 123
Damage or Loss of Flap ............................................................... 124
Section 3 Natural Ways to Improve Eyesight ...................................... 125
Chapter 8: Bates Method of Improving Eyesight ............................... 126
The Bates Method ...................................................................... 127
Conventional Way of Treating Vision ............................................. 128
Bates Treatment Method ............................................................ 129
Circle of Eye Strain ..................................................................... 130
Principles of Clear Vision ............................................................ 131
1. Central Fixation ................................................................. 131
2. Shifting ............................................................................ 132
3. Sunning ............................................................................ 132
4. Relaxation ......................................................................... 132
Chapter 9: Importance of a Healthy Diet

.. 133
Nutrition for the Eyes ................................................................. 134
Lutein and Zeaxanthin ................................................................ 134
Important Vitamin and Minerals ................................................... 135
Vitamin A ................................................................................. 135
Vitamin C ................................................................................. 136
Vitamin E ................................................................................. 138
Zinc ......................................................................................... 138
Beta-Carotene ........................................................................... 139
Chapter 10: Basic Exercises for Improving Vision .............................. 140
Exercise 1 Breathing ................................................................. 141
Exercise 2 Affirmations of Vision ................................................ 143
Present Affirmations .................................................................. 143
Future Affirmations .................................................................... 143
Natural Affirmations ................................................................... 144
Exercise 3 Palming ................................................................... 145
Exercise 4 Figure Eights ............................................................ 146
Exercise 5 Scanning .................................................................. 147
Chapter 11: Eye Training Techniques ................................................ 148
 Technique 1: Better Blinking ........................................................ 149
Technique 2: Infinity .................................................................. 150
Technique 3: Switching Focus ....................................................... 151
Technique 4: Palming .................................................................. 153
Technique 5: Tracing ................................................................... 155
Technique 6: Peripheral Exercise ................................................... 156
Technique 7: Tracking ................................................................. 158
Technique 8: Soaking .................................................................. 159
Technique 9: Quick Focus Breaks ................................................... 161
Technique 10: Fingertip Massage ................................................... 162
Technique 11: Distinguishing at a Distance ..................................... 163
Technique 12: Art ....................................................................... 165
How Often Should You Exercise Your Eyes? ....................................... 167
 Disclaimer

Copyright 2014 - All Rights Reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means,

including scanning, photocopying, or otherwise without the prior written
permission of the copyright holder.

The Author has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the

creation of this book, notwithstanding the fact that he does not warrant or
represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the
rapidly changing nature of the subject.

While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this
publication, the Author assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or
contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

1
Introduction
Eyes are among one of the most complex yet fragile organs of our body. We
often take this blessing for granted until we begin experiencing problems
with it. The eyes are nothing short of being extraordinary. They let us
perceive our surroundings in ways that cannot be conveyed in words.
Through our eyes, we enjoy the colors of life after all, sight is considered
to be among the Five Senses of the human body.

However, the capabilities of our eyes tend to decline with time. Such a
decline sometimes occurs far quicker than you may have been expecting. A
couple of eye tests follow where the optician tries to determine how much
your vision has deteriorated. The next thing you know, youve been
prescribed a pair of glasses or contact lenses apparently in an attempt to
assist your eyes to function normally.

There is no doubt that youll see much better and clearer with a pair of
glasses or contact lenses, but the truth behind them is far more daunting
than people believe. Research has proven that thes e vision aids do not help
in improving your eye sight in anyway. Think of them as an aid designed to
help you deal with your vision problems on a temporary basis whereas the
underlying problem lies as it is, and with time, may even get worse as
experienced by most people when their vision continues to get poorer.

This does not mean that glasses or contact lenses are of no use. On the
contrary, without glasses, people with vision problems wouldnt have been
able to lead their lives as normally as they do n ow. Nevertheless, the whole
point is, why not seek a more permanent solution? A solution that perhaps
heals your eyes and improves your vision to an extent that you dont need
glasses any longer?

In this book, we will begin by learning about how the human eye actually
works, what factors determine vision and how they affect the performance of
your precious, delicate organ. Well then proceed to study the main reasons

2
that lead to the decline in vision, along with the common types of problems
related to the eye which are experienced by a lot of people.

It is also important to know the particular types of drugs that are known to
cause damage to the eye. The eye, no matter how valuable, is extremely
delicate which makes it prone to harm from a variety of things . A clear
understanding of these things is vital so that we can carry out the needed
precautionary measures against such harm.

What is Vision?
We have been used the word Vision several times, but do we really know
what vision is? It is commonly used to imp ly things which we see. However,
it is much more than that.

A vision is an outlook on life. It is how you perceive the world around you. It
encompasses more things than just eye sight. It is a wonderful blend of an
individuals imagination, their feelings and thoughts regarding an umpteen
number of things.

You may be wondering, what has this got to do with your eye sight? Well, it
has everything to do with it. As we previously said, sight is one of the five
senses humans are blessed with. As humans, we need inputs from all of our
senses in order to comprehend, and to feel and propel ourselves towards a
bright future.

If even one of your senses starts to give up on you, your awareness of the
things around you will begin to change. Such is the importance of yo ur eye
sight. It is precious beyond any measure.

Healing the Eyes, Naturally

Let us return to the c ore topic of this book; that is, the natural ways through
which you can heal your eye sight and improve your vision.

In this book, well learn about a very interesting idea by a Professo r of

Ophthalmology. A Professor called William Horatio Bates carried out a

3
detailed study of the use and effects glasses have on its wearer. He believed
that almost all of vision problems were related to some kind of a habitua l
strain on the eyes. He even believed that wearing glasses had nothing but
harmful effects, and that they are not necessary.

Surprising, isnt it? You must be growing more interested in Professor Bates
research. However, its always a good idea to proceed through this book one
step at a time so that you are able to grasp all the important knowledge
related to your eyes.

The aim of this book is to empower you to lead a much more confident and
pleasurable life, without your glasses. This book conveys vital knowledge in
an interesting and logical way to help you make the right decision related to
your eye sight.

How to Proceed Through the Book

This book is carefully divided into three distinct sections.

The first section deals with how the eye works, the common problems which
affect it, their solutions and contains information about drugs that can harm
the eye sight.

The second section discusses the treatment methods for healing eye sight,
including use of glasses and surgery.

The third section talks about n atural ways that can help you heal and protect
your eyes from harm. Th is section includes useful information about a
healthy diet, eye exercises and other things that can contribute to improving
your vision.

4
Section 1 U N D E R S T A N D I N G V I S I O N

Chapter 1: How the Eye Works

Chapter 2: Common Reasons for Eye strain

Chapter 3: Poor Eyesight: Facts and Misunderstandings

Chapter 4: Types of Vision Problems and Their Solution

Chapter 5: Drugs Harmful to the Eye

5
Chapter 1
How the Eye Works

FACT: On average, p eople

The eye is extraordinary to say the least. Similar to
blink around 12 times a
the way our other senses of sound, taste, hearing minute
and touch are connected to the human anatomy, the
sight is also very closely interconnected to other parts of our anatomy - most
importantly, the brain.

Before we begin to discuss how the eye performs its functions and gives us
vision, it is necessary to understand the anatomy of the eye itself.

While a detailed understanding of the eye is not necessary to be able to

improve your vision naturally, it sure is interesting to learn about how our
delicate eyes work in order to be able to appreciate the delicate yet
powerful organs.

Anatomy of the Eye

6
Cornea

Cornea is a clear covering which is responsible for transmitting an d focusing

the incoming light.

Fovea

The Fovea is the center of macula and provides the sharp vision.

Iris

Iris is the colored part of our eyes. It helps in regulating the amount of light
that enters the eye. In bright light conditions, the iri s contracts the pupil in
order to reduce the incoming light. On the other hand, in low light
conditions, the opposite happens and the iris causes the pupils to dilate to
let in more light.

Lens

The lens is responsible for directing the light onto FACT: When compared to
the retina at the back of the eye. The lens is all the other muscles in
your body, the muscles
transparent. Degradation in lens is common as we
that control the eyes are
grow older. Cataracts are among one of the the most active.
common eye problems, as we will learn in Chapter
3.

Macula

Macula is the area found in the retina which contains light sensitive cells. It
is due to these cells that we are able to view the finest of details clearly at
the center of our visual field. The macula deteriorates with age.

Optic Nerve

The optic nerves consist of millions of nerve fibers that act as a transport
passage allowing transmission of visual messages from the retina to the
brain. These signals are then interpreted by the brain and it is this
interpretation that allows us to perceive things as they are.

7
One of the most common problems of the eye includes Glaucoma that is
related to optic nerves, which we will learn about in detail in Chapter 3.

Pupil

Pupil is the darker opening in the center of the iris. We learned that the
pupil alters its size in order to adjust the amount of light that enters the eye
(see Iris).

Retina

FACT: The retina registers
images as being upside
down. It is the brain that
turns the images the right
side up.
Retina is the nerve that lines the back of
the eye. The incoming light is directed onto
the retina which then generates electrical
impulses that are sent to the brain to be
converted into images.

Working Principle of the Eye

The whole working principle o f the eye is based on the correct working of
each of the various parts of the eye. In essence, the human eye works in
remarkably similar ways to a digital camera.

1. The cornea focuses the incoming light, similar to the way the lens of a
camera does.
2. The light focused by the cornea enters the iris, which acts similar to
the diaphragm of a camera controlling the pupils to determine the
correct amount of light reaches the back of the eye.
3. The lens automatically adjusts in order to focus near and approaching
objects correctly, just like an auto -focus camera lens.
4. The light that is focused by the cornea and the lens (and controlled by
the pupil and iris) then hits the retina. The retina acts as an electronic
image sensor of a camera by carrying out the conversio n of optical
images into electrical signals.
5. These electrical signals are then transmitted to the brain through the
optic nerves.

8
 6. The visual cortex (part of the brain that controls sight) then helps us
to see.

Field of View of the Human Eye

The field of view is simply the extent of the environment that can be seen at
any given moment. The placement of the e yes determines the extent of the
field of view. Many birds are able to see 360 degrees meaning they are
able to see who or what is at the front, the si des, and the back!

For humans, the combined field of view is limited to around 180 degrees.
This explains why you can see from the corner of your eye even when you
are focusing ahead of you.

Several eye conditions can restrict and significantly degrade t his field of
view, thereby greatly limiting a persons ability to see.

Monocular Vision (orange Binocular Vision (red area)

area) is the vision when each is the vision when both eyes
eye is used on its own. This are used simultaneously.
increases the field of view, This decreases the field of
but restricts the depth of view, but increases the
perception depth of perception

The difference between the two visions determine s the ability to calculate distances
correctly

9
Chapter 2
Common Reasons for Eye strain

Simply put, eye strain is a kind of discomfort in the eyes that occurs
whenever our eyes tire after focusing on any particular task for an extended
period of time. There is no doubt that eye strain can be extremely annoying
and uncomfortable. However, it is not harmful in most cases and diminishes
once the eyes are given some time to rest.

Nevertheless, the probability that cert ain symptoms of eye strain can
indicate certain underlying eye problems cannot be ignored. This is why it is
of an utmost importance that people understand the causes and effects of
eye strain so that they can maximize their efforts to keep the eyes well -
rested.

10
Causes of Eye strain
The causal factor that results in eye strain is health - the lack of it, to be
more precise. Poor health goes a long way in reducing vision along with
several other factors that are linked to a persons lifestyle. This is why it is
vital that a person, who is experiencing from frequent eye strain issues,
analyze his or her lifestyle to filter out any factors that may be behind the
diminished vision.

One of the things that

would need to be
analyzed is the type of
life a person leads. The
pace at which they lead
their lives a hectic,
under pressure and a
stressful life can
significantly reduce the
strength of the eyes.

It is often necessary to trace the steps back to the childhood of an

individual. It is often as a child that w e acquire and develop poor habits
which in turn lead to the weakening of the eyesight. A lot of scientific
evidence is available to prove the fact that infants and toddlers have
brilliant eyesight, and this starts to deteriorate when a child begins to go t o
school.

The question that comes up is, how can school contribute to a weakening of
eyesight? Well, the answer is simple enough: school puts a lot of pressure on
the students to learn and keep up with their peers. This pressure causes
stress to build up in many of the pupils; and as we already know, stress is a
factor that has detrimental effects on health, leading to eye strain.

Some of the factors that contribute to eye strain are:

11
Focusing the eyes for extended periods Focusing on an object for exten ded
periods of time can result in eye strain. Due to the very nature of the eyes,
they are designed to shift their focus between near and remote objects; this
is why forcing them to focus on an object at close range persistently can tire
them.

Poor or inadequate lighting Poor lighting forces the eye to work in difficult
conditions, thereby putting strain on the eyes.

Excessive Glare Glare, regardless of whether its direct or indirect, makes

creates problem for proper vision. A direct glare occurs when a light from
any type of light source- shines upon the eyes directly. Indirect glare, on the
other hand, is the glare that it reflected off computer screens.

Symptoms of Eye Strain

Now that its clear as to what factors cause eye strain. It is important to be
able to recognize the symptoms of eye strain.

The following symptoms can mean that a person is suffering from eye strain:

1. Burning or itching eyes

2. Blurred/Double Vision FACT: Eyes are strained
more easily when they are
3. Sore Eyes
focused on nearby objects
4. Sore Neck for prolonged periods as
5. Frequent Headaches compared to focusing on
distant objects.
6. Shoulder Pain
7. A Heightened Sensitivity To Light

As it was previously said, the effects of eye strain do tend to vanish when
the eyes are allowed to rest. Nonetheless, repeated straining of the eyes will
ultimately result in weakening of the vision .

Preventing Eye strain

Our daily lives are filled with stressful routines and the work that we do
places enormous amounts of stress on our eyes. In todays tech -savvy world

12
where digital devices are found almost everywhere, it is extremely difficult
to completely eliminate eye strain. However, certain preventive measures
can be taken that would greatly reduce the chances of eye strain.

Here are some ways to help you prevent eye strain:

1. Correcting Bad Habits FACT: Bad habits usually

Most of the time, the cause of eye strain is not the cause most of the damage
to a persons vision.
particular thing that we do, but the way we d o it. It
Eliminating bad habits and
is vital that you break these bad habits and develop replacing them with good
good ones to replace them. ones can have a
tremendous effect upon
A great number of people vision.
possess the following bad
habits:

Reading/Writing in Poor Lighting Conditions

While it is great to read yourself to sleep, reading
in inadequate lighting conditions is among one of
the most common bad habits that people acquire at a
very young age.

Smoking Medical science has proved that smoking

severely damages the tissues in the eye; over 25 percent
of cases of age-related macular degen eration were found
to have links with smoking.

Reading While On The Move Reading while

on the road makes the journey easy. Nonetheless, this makes it
difficult for the eyes to focus . Motion sickness may also kick in
and lead to headaches, dizziness and vomiting.

Staring At The Sun Staring at the stars at night is another

thing, but this shouldnt be taken literally when it comes to
looking up at our solar systems giant fireball. A lot of people

13
 have a habit of
directly looking up
at the sun. Too
much exposure can
cause the macular
in the eye to
degenerate and
cataracts to build
up.

Rubbing Itchy Eyes Rubbing the eyes can damage

them. A cold compress is more suitable for
treating any irritations however, avoid a warm
compress as it will only make the itching grow
worse.

Breaking Bad Habits

Breaking a bad habit is not as easy as it might seem. This is why the
following guidelines have been included in the book to help you overcome
your bad habits once and for all.

1. Find a Good Habit to Replace

Your Bad Habit

A bad habit cannot be simply eliminated; it

has to be replaced by another habit in order
to properly get rid of it. You will need to
prepare a plan for yourself that will help
you through the whole process.

14
Firstly, decide which bad habit you will try to replace, and with what. For
example, you may want to quit the habit of
FACT: Breaking a bad
reading in low-light conditions and replace it habit is not an easy task.
with a good habit such as ensuring that whenever However, it is not
impossible either. With a
you read, you do so in a well-lit area.
little determination, you
can easily replace them
Once you have defined goals and tar gets for
with good ones.
yourself, the actual process would become much
easier than you think.

Remove the Triggers

Triggers do what their name implies; they trigger something. Anything.
For example, you may have a habit of smoking whenever you go to the
bar for a drink. In this case, going to the bar is the trigger that makes
you smoke. The logical course of action in such a case would be to
avoid going to the bar at least until you have some positive control
on your smoking habit.
Surround Yourself With Motivation
An important part of giving up a bad habit is to have role models
around. This does not mean that you leave your current friends or
social circle to enter a new one; all it means is that you find some
people who can help you with whatever you are trying to ach ieve.
Be Prepared For Failure

Anyone can fail. What matters is that how an individual takes the
failure. A failure can be a source of motivation for the next time, as
youll know why you failed, and youll avoid it the next time. To avoid
being disappointed, plan for failure so that you can continue
progressing in a different manner its all about moving forward.

15
 2. Eliminate Glare

Glare is among the primary causes of eye strain. Certain measures should be
taken in order to reduce or completely eliminate glare.

Control the Source of Light It is the direct light that is responsible for the
greatest glare. Indoor lighting that is exposed
FACT: Glare is a great
can cause glare, try to have them enclosed in
contributor to eye strain.
Eliminating glare in day- some form of a casing (such as shades or
to-day activities can globes) so that you diffuse the light. Also,
protect your eyes from
consider putting curtains or blinds on the
straining.
windows to diffuse the incoming sunlight.

Use the Proper Surface The shinier an object, the greater the resulting
glare. If your work desk has a tabletop made of glass, then it will create an
enormous amount of glare and you will have eye strain much quicker. Cover

16
 the table with, say, a fabric to eliminate this issue. Same goes with computer
monitors; put a glare filter over them to reduce the amount of glare.

It is also recommended that you put y our work surface at an angle of

approximately 90 degrees from the light source in order to reduce the glare
and reflections.

Protecting Your Eyes Outdoors You cannot have the luxury of curtains and
blinds while you wander outdoors. The best way to protec t the eyes from
glare is to wear polarized sunglasses that are designed for this very purpose.
Such types of glasses are ideal for driving as sunlight will get reflected a lot
from vehicles around you.

3. Reduce the Contrast

Reducing the contrast is another w ay to greatly reduce the glare. Todays
high contrast displays no doubt make the images look sharp and beautiful,
but they arent necessarily good for the eyes. Whenever you use a computer
or a tablet, do try turning down the contrast to levels that you fe el are easy
on your eyes. Among one of the most eye -straining combinations is reading
black text on a bright white background.

4. Toughen Your Eyes

While it is great to be able to control external factors which affect the eye,
but you should also pay great a ttention to strengthening your own eyes. One
of the greatest ways to naturally improve eyesight is by exercising your eyes.
A number of exercises can be found in Chapter 10

20-20 Rule of this book.

For every twenty minutes 5. Rest Your Eyes

spent focusing on any
Working for prolonged periods of time imposes a
particular work, a break
should be taken where great amount of strain on our eyes. It is
you should look at understandable that extended breaks are not
something that is placed
possible all the time. This is why the 20 -20 rule
twenty feet away for
twenty seconds.. should be applied whenever possible. According

17
to the 20-20 rule, for every twenty minutes spent FACT: It is interesting to
focusing on any particular work, a break should be know that only 20 percent
of an eyes focusing power
taken where you should look at something that is
is due to the lens; the
placed twenty feet away for twenty seconds. rest comes from the
cornea!
6. Focus from a Distance
Our eyes work more effectively when we focus at distance objects.
Prolonging our focus on nearby objects can cause eye strain. Whenever
working with objects that are close to your field of view, it is vital that you
take regular breaks in between to avoid straining your eyes.

18
Chapter 3
Poor Eyesight: Facts and
Misunderstandings

Our eye sight tends to deteriorate with time due to several factors. Some of
deterioration is from natural causes, that is, due to aging. While some are
the direct result of the way we live our lives (lifestyle). Lifestyle, or the way
we live our lives, is an extremely broad topic when it comes to discussing its
effects on the eyes. Up till now, we have discussed some of our bad habits
and a few of the factors pertaining to the environment (glare).

Our diet is yet another important factor in determining the health of our
eyes, and we will be discussing nutrition in detail in Chapter 9 of this book.

There are also specific drugs which tend to have side effects strong enough
to harm our eyes. These drugs will also be discussed in detail in the next
chapter.

19
The purpose of this chapte r is to empower you with some facts about poor
eyesight, as well as clear up some of the misunderstandings that are
widespread among people. There are a lot of things that we have been
believing in for years, and perhaps in some cases, since childhood. It is of an
utmost importance to dismiss these misunderstandings so that a clear
understanding of what is good and what is not good for our eyesight can be
gained.

Let us proceed through this chapter by talking about, and clearing the
common myths.

Myths
Myth Number 1: Not using glasses will damage the eyes

This is not entirely true. On the contrary, research has shown that using
glasses can actually further deteriorate vision rather than healing it. Our
eyes can heal themselves naturally provided that they a re given the proper
attention and care. A combination of eye exercises, proper nutritional intake
as well as common sense can go a long way in naturally healing vision
problems.

Myth Number 2: Reading in Dim Light Damages the Eyes

This is yet another myth. Reading in dim lighting conditions in no way

damages your eyes; however, it can strain your eyes. This is the reason why
it is recommended not to read in poor lighting conditions.

Myth Number 3: Consumption of Carrots Can Heal Vision

Carrots are a rich source of Vitamin A, and vitamin A is indeed a requirement

of our eyes. However, it is commonly believed that eating lots of carrots can
improve the eyesight this isnt true, because the quantity of vitamin A that

is required is very little, and it can be absorbed by consuming a healthy diet

in general.

20
Myth Number 4: Nothing Can Be Done To Prevent Loss of Sight

This is among one of the most discouraging statements that are circulated
around. Our eyes are a set of wonderfully crafted organs, and given the t ime
and care, they can heal themselves. Regular eye examinations should be
scheduled to keep a track on the eyes health.

Natural ways of healing include consuming a healthy, balanced diet and

performing numerous exercises.

Myth Number 5: Eye Examinations Are Only Necessary When Experiencing

Problems

The whole purpose of eye examinations is to ensure that the eyes are
functioning properly without any problems. An examination brings to light
any lingering problems before they actually set in. An examination may also
reveal any serious conditions that may not be showing any obvious
symptoms.

That been said, eye examinations should never be missed and must be a part
of your health care regime.

Myth Number 6: Using a Computer for Extended Periods Can Damage the
Eyes

Computer screens do emit harmful rays at all. X -Rays and Ultraviolet rays are
known to damage the eyes, and these types of rays are not emitted by
computer screens.

A lot of people tend to confuse eye strain with eye damage yes, monitors
can cause eye strain if they are used for extended periods of time with no
breaks in between but no, they cannot damage your eyes.

Myth Number 7: Sitting Too Close to a Television Can Damage Childrens

Eyes

21
There is no evidence at all that could prove this stateme nt to be true. On the
contrary, children can focus at closer objects much better than adults can. It
is also observed that children tend to read books by holding them close to
their eyes. This habit tends to go away with age, but if a child frequently sits
close to a television then they should undergo an eye examination to check
whether or not they are suffering from myopia, or shortsightedness.

Myth Number 8: People with Weak Vision Should Avoid Focusing on

Intricate Details

It is also commonly believed that focusing on fine details can further

deteriorate the vision further, especially in people who already have weak
eyesight. This concept is based on the idea that an eye is a muscle, and using
it will wear it out.

A better and more accurate comparison of the eye is that to a camera. A

camera does not wear out if it is used to take pictures of very fine details
same is the true with our eyes.

Myth Number 9: Eyes can be Transplanted

This is not true. No matter how advanced medical science becomes, this is
something that will remain impossible. The eyes are connected to the brain
through the optic nerve which is a collection of millions of nerves. Once
the optic nerve is severed, there is no way of connecting these back together
again.

This is why during surgery; the eyes are never taken out of the socket. On
the other hand, the cornea in the eye has undergone numerous
transplantations over the years. People tend to confuse this corneal
transplant with an eye transplant. Corneal transplant is possible; eye
transplant is not.

Myth Number 10: Wearing Contact Lenses Prevents Nearsightedness from

Worsening

22
Contact lenses, similar to glasses, are not a permanent solution to eye sight
problems. They only provide a temporary method to correct vision and they
are not able to heal or improve vision conditions in any way. On the
contrary, wearing contact lens exposes the user to many risks as follows:

o They can cause dryness of the eyes

o They can result in corneal scratches
o They can cause corneal infections
o They can cause the shape of the cornea to change
o They can cause eye inflammation
o They can cause eyelid inflammation
o The lens solutions can result in an allergic reaction

Facts
Problems related to the eye and vision are regarded as being the
second most common health care issue in the US. Some sort of vision
problems are known to affect more than 120 million people all across
the country.

It is estimated that around 61 percent of the American population

needs some form of correction for proper vision. This percenta ge
accounts for around 172 million people. However, majority of these
people are not aware of the fact that they can greatly enhance their
eyesight without the need of going through a surgery or without
wearing glasses or contact lenses.

Those people who repeatedly go to an optician with the same

complaints of not being able to see clearly enough are not aware that
wearing glasses will have hardly, if any, effect on improving their
vision. Glasses actually cause their vision to get worse day by day.

Common complaints are about children not being able to see the
boards at school, many teenagers inability to clearly see street signs

23
 causing them to fail driver licenses tests. The solution that is
provided, with the corrective devices increasing in power, rarely solve
the problem!

One out of four of American children aged between 3 and 16 wear

glasses to correct their vision.

Around 75 percent of people who frequently use a computer (at work,

on daily basis), suffer from some sort of a vision problem; th e
symptoms could range from headaches, dry eyes, or blurred vision and
irritation in the eyes as a result of excessive eye strain.

Among one of the most common types of self -reported vision problems
are cataracts. It is also the third leading cause of bli ndness that could
have been prevented.

If you remember the time you got your first pair of glasses, you would have
been told to wear them until you got used to them. Sounds familiar? Well,
once you got used to them and you took them off, everything would s eem
blurry and cause you to become dizzy. If you remember more precisely,
things would be far blurrier than they were before you started wearing the
glasses. Why?

Theres only one logical explanation for all of this. By using stronger
prescriptions each time, we have only been causing our vision to deteriorate.

The human body has been designed in a way that it has the ability to heal
itself and regenerate, given the time. There is no doubt that modern medical
science has made exceptional advancements and h as introduced things that
improve healing ability of the body. Nevertheless, there are some things that
need time and nothing can accelerate them. Similarly, our eyes can heal and
regenerate if given the time without any additional aid such as glasses or
contact lenses.

24
The eyesight is unarguably the most vital sensory channel that humans are
blessed with; over 90 percent of all the information that the brain receives
from varying senses is actually from the eyes. Through this sensory input,
the brain figures out when to react to what we see. Our movements, our
speech and conversations with other people as well as gestures all are result
of the interpretation of the electrical signals executed by the eye. All the
bodys systems are in fact interlinked in one way or another.

25
Chapter 4
Types of Vision Problems and Their
Solutions

In a manner similar to other parts of our body, the eyes tend to deteriorate
with age. A problem with the eyesight is no small problem at all by reading
through the previous chapters of this book, you would have developed a
clear picture of how important vision is for humans. Nevertheless, as
important as it is, it is also fragile and can experience many disorders that
may not be particularly related to aging.

In this chapter, we will discuss several types of vision problems in detail and
talk about the factors that cause these problems to occur in the first place.
We will then move on to discuss the possible solutions for these vision
problems in order to help improve vision acuity.

Before we get into the depths of learning about vision problems, it is

necessary that you first have a standard set that can act as a reference to
which you can compare. This standard is a healthy eye, and as we know, the
bodys sensory and processing systems work in conjunction, i.e. eyes and
brain transfer information through the optic nerves. For a healthy eye to
operate at peak efficiency, it is vital that all the other related systems of the
body are also working in harmony.

That been said, vision involves not only the eyes, but the brain and all that
connects them:

For a healthy vision, a pair of healthy eyes with each of the eyes
components working perfectly is required.

For a healthy vision, a healthy brain that is capable of correctly interpreting

the signals sent to it by the eyes is required.

26
Apparently, by leading a healthy lifestyle that consists of an adequate diet,
regular exercise and good habits does an excellent job of keeping the whole
body in perfect shape.

The complex interaction between the brain and eyes is a sensitive one; and
proper control of the mind is of an utmost importance when it comes to a
bodys self-healing abilities. The mind can have powerful effects on the rest
of the body the mind can either assist in hea ling, or it can become a
hindrance on the road to self -healing.

Let us recall the main purpose of this book: which is to help you to restore
your vision naturally this means that you will be using your bodys own
healing properties to encourage healing of your vision. To achieve this, you
will need to have the right mindset a mindset that is willing to assist the
body in achieving the set goals and targets; only then you will have the
capacity to benefit from this guide.

Loss and Impairment of Vision

Most of the people experience various vision problems at some point in their
lives. Some people have difficulty focusing on far -off objects, while some
have problems in viewing things that are closer to them. Some also suffer
from blurry vision. All in all, one vision problem or the other can severely
affect the quality of life a person leads. These problems can create a
hindrance in performing even the simplest of daily tasks, such as reading
newspapers, browsing the internet or even recognizing people can be
difficult.

By definition, Visual impairment is defined as being any kind of a loss of

vision that causes someone to some of their eyesight, or in some cases, make
them completely go blind. Visually impaired people have vision problems
even with assistive aids.

On the other hand, Loss of Vision is a much broader term that generally
implies a loss of vision that may have occurred abruptly, or slowly over time.

27
What Causes Vision Loss?
There can be a number of reasons that can cause loss of vision. Loss of
vision can occur at any age for a number of reasons, but in most of the
cases, age is a major factor the eyes begin to deteriorate with age which in
turn causes some form of vision loss to kick in.

Usually, vision loss does not occur in children, unless or until they have had
an accident in which the eye was damaged in some way , or it could also
occur if they have a really unhealthy lifestyle.

Some babies are born with a condition called congenital blindness, which
means that they are visually impaired at birth. This could be due to a number
of reasons:

Congenital Blindness can be inherited if this condition prevails in

either of the parents, then there are chances that the baby will be
born with it.
Congenital Blindness can be caused by some infection This condition
can also be transmitted onto the baby as a result of an infection. If the
mother was infected (with something like the German measles) then
the developing fetus could contract it.

Level of Visual Impairment

In the United States, the follo wing four terms are used to describe a
students visual impairment in order to help them accordingly :

Partially Sighted students who are categorized as being partially

sighted usually require a person who is able to provide them with
special education
Low Vision Low vision refers to a more severe visual impairment.
This term applies to all those individuals who are unable to read a
newspaper from a normal reading distance.
Legally Blind This implies that a person has a vision that is less than
20/200 after use of corrective aids.

28
 Totally Blind students who are totally blind are provided with Braille
or other non-visual study materials to learn.

However, a visual impairment does not necessarily has to be this severe,

numerous conditions that we will talk about also result in temporary visual
impairment of some kind that can be healed if proper measures are taken.

There are, of course, other vision problems that may develop after birth at
any point during a persons life. Some of those problems which we will
discuss in detail are as follows.

Visual Disturbances
A number of vision problems can occur that can cause one or more of the
following visual disturbances:

1. Diplopia
2. Halo
3. Blurred Vision
4. Color Blindness
5. Total Blindness
6. Eye Pain

Regardless of the type, any symptoms of vision loss are undoubtedly a great
cause of apprehension. Some of the underlying factors that may have lead to
the vision loss can be extremely severe medical conditions. In some cases,
any changes in the vision of a person can be classif ied as a medical
emergency as it could lead to a complete loss of sight, or even death.

Even if the loss of vision is temporary, it still should not be taken lightly at
all. The culprit behind temporary loss of vision can be from one of the
following serious medical conditions:

Stroke
Hypertension
Epilepsy
Migraine

29
 Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

1. Diplopia

Diplopia, or double vision, is a symptom that must be taken very seriously.

While some of the causes of double
vision may be negligible, some of the
causes necessitate that immediate
medical attention be provided.

Causes of Double Vision

(Diplopia)
A lot of people take their vision for

granted; until one day they open their Figure 1: A person with diplopia has
double vision
eyes and fail to see a single, lucid
image they used to see with their perfect vision.

Let us quickly recap on the different areas of the vision system before we
proceed with discussing the causes of double vision.

Cornea - The cornea is a clear window that lets light into the eye. It is
responsible for focusing the incoming light o nto the appropriate parts
of the eye.
Lens The lens is situated behind the pupil and it also helps in
focusing the incoming light onto the retina.
Extraocular Muscles (muscles of the eye) The extraocular muscles
are responsible for rotating the eye this is precisely what lets us
move our eyeballs.
Nerves It is the nerves that transport all of the visual information to
the brain for processing.
Brain The brain has dedicated areas that are responsible for
processing the incoming visual information f rom the eye.

30
As long as these systems work in harmony and continue to function as they
are supposed to no vision problems are encountered. However, as soon as
even a single part begins to malfunction in any way the problem of double
vision can be experienced by a person.

Cornea Problems Certain problems with the cornea can lead to double
vision. Any such problems in the cornea usually cause double vision in a
single eye only. If a person covers that specific eye, the double vision
problem tends to go away. It is due to the abnormal surface (cornea) that
twists the incoming light in a way that results in double vision.

This abnormality can happen due to the following reasons:

Any infections in the cornea of the eye, including herpes zoster or

shingles
Corneal Scars can create unequal visual images
Dryness of cornea also causes double vision

Lens Problems Among lens problems, cataracts are one of the most
common problems that can lead to double vision. If the cataract develops in
both the eyes, then both eyes will create inaccurate images. More
information about cataracts will follow in this chapter.

Muscle Problems Weakening of the muscles can hinder the smooth

movement of the eye. If a person gazes in the direction of the weak muscle,
they may experience double vision. Muscle problems can result from the
following:

- Myasthenia Gravis: This is an illness of the autoimmune system that

tends to block the stimulation of muscles by the nerves that are
present inside the head of a person. Signs of myasthenia gravis are
drooping eyelids and double vision.
- Graves disease: This is a thyroid condition that has certain effects on
the eye muscles. This disease is commonly known to cause diplopia in

31
 the vertical plane thereby causing one image to be superimposed on
top of another.

Nerve Problems The nerves that are responsible for carrying the visual
information to the brain for processing can also become damaged for number
of reasons. These nerves not only carry the message, but some of these
control the muscle movements. The following problems can affect the
nerves:

- Multiple Sclerosis: is a problem that affects the brain and the spinal
cord. This can affect the nerves anywhere around these two areas. If
any of the nerves that control the eyes are damaged, doubl e vision can
occur.
- Gullain-Barre Syndrome: This is a condition that progressively weakens
the nerves and one of the first symptoms that may show in the eye is
double vision.
- Diabetes: Diabetes is among one of the major culprits responsible for
damaging nerves near the eyes. It can damage the muscles that are
responsible for controlling the eye muscles, thereby causing double
vision.

Brain Problems Some of the factors that cause double vision are originated
from the brain itself. Any of the following in t he brain can result in double
vision, because the brain is the ultimate visual processing unit:

- Aneurysms
- Increased blood pressure
- Brain Tumor
- Migraine
- Strokes

Types of Diplopia
There are mainly two types of diplopia:

32
Monocular Diplopia is said to occur when only one eye experiences double
vision. This is usually a result of abnormal surface in the affected eye.

Binocular Diplopia is said to occur when double vision is experienced in both

the eyes. This usually results if the eyes are poorly aligned or any kind of
nerve damage has occurred.

2. Halo Vision

A person is said to experience halo vision

when halos appear as circles of light around
the objects a person views. To be more
precise, a medical dictionary describes Halo
vision as a condition in which colored or
luminous rings are seen around lights.

Causes of Halo Vision

Halo vision can be caused by the following
eye disorders:
Figure 2: Halos appear around lights
Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy
Cataract
Glaucoma

The above conditions will be discussed in more detail later on in this

chapter.

3. Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is caused by loss of sharpness in the eyesight of a person. It
makes objects appear hazy and out of focus . Blurry vision can be a prime
indicator of any underlying eye diseases. Regardless of whether it occurs
occasionally or on a regular basis, it should not be left untreated. People
with blurred vision will have problems in viewing the finer details of a scene
while the lack of focus can really frustrate them.

33
Types of Blurred Vision
Similar to diplopia, blurred vision c an occur in either one or both of the
eyes. When it occurs in a single eye, it is termed as unilateral blurred vision ,
and when it occurs in both, bilateral blurred
vision.

Symptoms of Blurred Vision

In certain cases, blurred vision may be
accompanied by several of the following
symptoms, apart from the problems of lack
of focus and haziness:

Photophobia Sensitivity to light

Spots or Floaters
Pain in the Eye
Any Discharge from the Eyes
Loss of Peripheral Vision
Loss of Central Vision
Eyes becoming Dry

Figure 3: A person who has blurred Itchy Eyes

vision will see something like this
when looking at a person standing Night Vision Problems
in front of them. The level of
Bloodshot Eyes (red)
blurriness will depend on the
severity of the case.
Causes of Blurred Vision
As stated above, blurred vision can be an indication of a serious underlying
problem. It is obvious that people who wear glasses experience blurred
vision when they take the glass es off. However, the actual problem arises
when blurred vision occurs with corrective measures in place.

Blurred vision can occur due to the following:

Myopia
Hyperopia
Presbyopia
Astigmatism

34
 Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration
Cataracts
Migraines
Dry Eyes

The above eye disorders will be discussed in more detail further ahead in
this chapter.

Other factors that may cause blurry vision include pregnancy. During
pregnancy, it is common to experience blurred vision. Double vision
(diplopia) may also accompany blurry vision as a result of the hormonal
changes that are known to change the thickness and shape of the cornea. Dry
eyes which can cause blurred vision also occur frequently in pregnant
women, and can thereby play its part to lead to a blurred vision.

4. Color Blindness
It is estimated that color blindness affects around 1 in 12 men around the
world; women are less affected with 1 in every 200 being color blind. Color
Blindness is known as color vision
deficiency. Color blind people
usually see as clearly a s other
people who have normal vision;
however, they have problems in
seeing red, green or blue light.

Types of Color Blindness

Retina is the part of the eye that
senses light and controls color

Figure 4: An example of how a color blind person vision. The retina is composed of
may interpret different colors.
two unique types of structures,
and they are:

Rods The rods are designed to help us see in low light conditions

35
 Cones The cones are designed to help us see color

Both the rods and cones have photosensitive chemicals in them. Rhodopsin is
found in the rods; and photopigments are in the cones.

The cones themselves are divided into three types

with each cone incorporating a different FACT: In the late 1700s,
John Dalton was an
photopigment that is sensitive to a specific light
English chemist,
(based on the wavelength). Most of the people meteorologist and a
who have normal vision (called trichromatic) are physicist. He was color
blessed with all of the three types of cones. blind and he had
requested that his eyes be
The term colorblindness is actually quite examined after his death.
He thought his eyes were
ambiguous as it implies that a colorblind person
tinted blue and that
sees everything in black and white. This is why we caused him to see
will use the term color vision deficiency as it differently from other
people around him.
helps in describing this vision condition more
accurately. Simply put, it is the defect in any of Deuteranopia is also
known as Daltonism.
those three cones that causes a person to
experience CVD.

The three types of cones with their unique photopigments (red, green, blue)
are present in normal human vision; however, any defect in any of the three
cones will upset the balance of color.

Defects in the Three Cones

Those people who have slight defects in their color vision are said to have
anomalous trichomacy , meaning that they have all three types of the cones,
but one of their cones is faulty.

Anomalous trichomacy can be further divided into three types of anomalies:

o Deutranomaly defect in the red cones

o Protanomaly defect in the green cones

36
 o Tritanomaly usually quite rare people with these types of
anomalous trichomacy have problems in distinguishing between yellow
and blue colors.

Missing Cone
Color Vision Deficiency does not occur only because of a defective cone, but
also because of an absence of one. An absence of a cone is more severe than
anomalous trichromacy.

Those people who have a missing cone are said to have dichromatic vision,
and it can be divided into the following:

o Deuteranopia is the absence of green cones. The green cones are

also commonly referred to as the L cones, due to their sensitivity to
longer wavelengths of light.
o Protanopia is the absence of red cones. The red cones are also
commonly referred to as the M cones, due to their sensitivity to
medium wavelengths of light.
o Tritanopia is the absence of blue cones. The blue cones are also
commonly referred to as the S cones, due to their sensitivity to shorter
wavelengths of light.

Black and White

Monochromacy is a type of color blindness in which people see everything as
black and white with shades of gray in between. Monochromacy can als o be
divided into two types:

o Achromatopsia This is also known as rod monochromacy and people

suffering from this also have an extremely poor vision as well as high
levels of photosensitivity (sensitivity to light). Nystagmus also
accompanies this making their eyeballs look unsteady.
o Cone monochromacy This type of monochromacy is quite rare,
however it does not deteriorate the vision.

37
Monochromacy renders a person unable to distinguish between any colors
whatsoever. This has them facing a lot of probl ems in everyday activities.

Causes of Color Blindness

Unlike other vision problems that we have been discussing above, color
blindness or color vision deficiency is hereditary and is passed down in the
family. It is the X chromosome that is responsible for carrying this condition
and this explains why men are more likely to be color blind than women.

Nonetheless, some people may also contract this condition from the effects
of long-standing diseases that may include multiple sclerosis, liver diseases,
diabetes or some major types of eye diseases.

If this condition is inheritated, then it is unlikely that any change (better or

worse) will occur; the color blindness will simply remain as it was at birth .

5. Blindness
Blindness is defined as the inability to see anything. Being partially blind
means that there is a limited ability to see things. A person who is
completely blind cannot see anything at all just like being in a pitch dark
room.

38
Legal blindness is a term that is used to refer to a highly compromised vision
ability:

A person who has healthy eyes can see an object from a distance of 200 feet;
however, a legally blind person will only be able to see that object if the
person is standing at a distance of 20 feet from it.

Types of Blindness
Consensus is that there are two types of blindness: partial, or complete.

Partially blind people have limited vision and may suffer from blurred vision
(see page 30 of this book for more details on Blurred Vision).

Total blindness, as described above, results in a com plete blackout for a

person.

Causes of Blindness
Numerous eye diseases and conditions can lead to blindness. We will be
discussing these diseases in detail later in the chapter. They are as follows:

Macular Degeneration
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Optic Neuritis
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Tumors

Risk of Blindness
The following people are at an increased risk of blindness:

Those who are suffering from a serious eye condition, including

macular degeneration and glaucoma
Those who have diabetes
Those people who have had a stroke
Those people who have undergone an eye surgery

39
 Those who work in hazardous environments (such as around toxic
chemicals)
Babies that are born prematurely

Blindness in Infants
Eye diseases are not the only factors that are to be blamed for causing
blindness. Some babies are
born blind, while the eyesight
of some infants begins to
deteriorate soon after their
birth.

The visual system begins

developing in the womb;
however, the system usually
does not develop until at least
2 years after birth. When the child is of around 6 to 8 weeks of age, the
child may become able to fixate their gaze onto a moving object. By the time
the child has reached the age of 4 months, the eyes should have become
properly aligned.

It is recommended that the first eye examinat ion be carried out when the
child has reached the age of 6 months.

Any of the following conditions can cause an infant to become blind:

Any eye infections, including, but not limited to the pink eye
Any blocked tear ducts
Cataracts
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Ptosis (drooped eyelid)
Strabismus (crossed eyes)
Congenital Glaucoma
Delayed development of the infants visual system

40
Symptoms of Visual Impairment in Young Children
Following are some of the symptoms that may indicate some kind of visual
impairment in young children. If you feel your child is showing any of the
following symptoms, have them checked by a pediatrician.

Constantly rubbing eyes

Showings signs of extreme sensitivity to light (photosensitivity)
Problems in focusing on objects
Chronic red eyes
A white pupil instead of a black one
Problems in keeping track of a moving object
Incorrect alignment or abnormal movement of the eyes

6. Eye Pain
The technical name for eye pain is opthalmalgia. Eye pain is a common
occurrence and usually is not an indication of a serious underlying condition.
In most cases, the pain tends to go away without any need of treatment.

Types of Eye Pain

Eye pain can be divided into two types
depending on where a person is
experiencing it. If a person experiences pain
on the surface of the eye, then this is called
ocular pain. Pain that occurs within the eye
is termed as orbital pain.

Ocular Pain
Ocular pain generally feels as if something is being scratched on the surface
of the eye. Burning or itching sensations are also common. O cular pain is
usually caused by external factors such as foreign objects, or as a result of
an infection or even trauma.

41
If any foreign object finds its way onto the surface of the eye, eye pain will
be felt. Irritation, redness and running eyes along with the pain are common
symptoms that indicate presence of a foreign object.

Theres a tissue that lines the eye and the underside of your eyelid. If it is to
become infected and inflamed as a result of an allergy ocular pain will
result. Inflammation of th is tissue is known as conjunctivitis, more commonly
known as the pinkeye.

Orbital Pain
Orbital pain, on the other hand, is mostly caused by internal factors.

Glaucoma - Glaucoma sets in when the intraocular pressure (which is

the blood pressure inside the eyes) begins to rise beyond normal
levels. Glaucoma will be covered in more detail later on.
Optic Neuritis any inflammation of the nerve that connects the eye
to the brain will result in orbital pain.
Sinusitis Sinusitis can also cause abnormal levels of pressure to build
up behind the eye, leading to eye pain.
Migraines Migraines are yet another factor that contributes to eye
pain.
Injury Any injuries that cause a foreign object to penetrate into the
eye will cause great amounts of pain .
Iritis This is rare, but inflammation of the iris can result in pain
inside the eyes.

Eye Conditions
We have been discussing several types of visions some of which offer a clear
warning of any underlying eye conditions. We will now proceed to discuss
the symptoms, causes and other useful information about these eye
conditions.

Please note that if youre experiencing any symptoms of any of the following
eye conditions, it is imperative that you immediately see your doctor.

42
As many of the conditions are due to som e sort of refractive errors in the
eye, it is important to understand what refraction is and how it affects our
vision.

Refraction: What is it?

Simply put, refraction is nothing but the bending of light as it passes from
one medium to another.

Vision is dependent on refraction, because as the light enters the eye, it is

refracted by the cornea and the lens onto the retina. The light that is
focused onto the retina causes the retina to generate visual message which
in turn are transmitted to the brain for p rocessing.

Presbyopia
Presbyopia is often
referred to as an aging
eye condition. It is quite
common among aging
people and in results in a
loss of their ability to
focus; thus making it
difficult to see close-up
objects.

It is a problem that is
associated with
refraction, or the
improper refraction - to
be more precise, in the
eyes.

43
How Does Presbyopia Occur?
As previously mentioned, presbyopia occurs as people age. The lens of the
eye hardens and this causes the light to be improperly refracted and ther eby
the incoming light is not correctly focused onto the retina.

The muscles around the lens are also affected as a person ages, and this
makes it difficult for a person to focus on close -by objects: the ineffective
lens focuses the light behind the retina.

A young person has a lens that is extremely soft and flexible and this allows
the muscles to adjust the shape of the lens based on what the person is
trying to focus upon whether close or distant objects.

Who May Be Affected By Presbyopia?

Whenever a person crosses the age of 35 years, they are exposed to the risk
of developing presbyopia. However, every other person experiences some
sort of loss in their ability to focus onto near objects, the extent to which
they experience it, differs.

Symptoms of Presbyopia
A person who may be suffering from presbyopia will experience the following
signs and symptoms:

Problems in reading small prints

Inability to view close-up objects, making them hold the object at a
distance greater than an arms length in order to view it
Frequent Headaches
Eye Strain
Blurred vision at normal reading distances

How Can Presbyopia Be Diagnosed and Corrected?

A comprehensive eye examination can reveal presbyopia. If any of the above
symptoms are experienced, the person should pay a visit to an eye specialist.
Eye exams should be increased in frequency as a person reaches 40 years of
age.

44
Eyeglasses can provide a temporary solution by directing the incoming light
onto the correct part of the retina.

However, certain eye exercises can help in strengthening the eye s and can
significantly contribute to a lesser dependency on glasses or contact lenses.

Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia is also commonly known as nearsightedness. It is a condition in which
objects that are close to a person appears clearly, but those that are at a
distance, appear blurred.

How Does Myopia

Develop?
Unlike presbyopia, myopia is
not an age-related condition. It
can occur at any age and
causes the eye to focus light in
front of the retina . This is the
result of the eye ball becoming
too long. It is also known to be
caused b y an abnormality in
the shape of either the cornea
or the lens.

Who May Be Affected By

Myopia?
Age is not a factor for
development of myopia; it can
affect both adults and
children. Quite often ,
nearsightedness is diagnosed
in children bearing ages of
between 8 and 12. The

45
condition may get worse as they approach they become teenagers. Little
changes are expected in the age band of 20 to 40; however, in particular
cases, the condition may contin ue to get worse with age.

Those people whose parents are shortsighted may also be at a greater

chance of developing myopia.

Symptoms of Myopia
Common symptoms associated with myopia include:

Eye Strain
Headaches
Squinting in an attempt to see properly
Difficulty in seeing far-off objects; children that have myopia often
have trouble is seeing the blackboard clearly, especially if they are
seated at the back of a classroom

The presence of these symptoms may indicate myopia see your eye care
professional immediately.

How Can Myopia Be Diagnosed and Corrected?

An eye care professional can diagnose myopia during a detailed eye
examination.

Myopia can be temporarily corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses.

There are also natural ways of correcting myopi a by consuming a healthy
diet, by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and performing a series of exercises
which will be covered later on in this book.

These natural ways can have great effects on reducing, or sometimes

eliminating the need and dependence on g lasses and contact lenses.

46
Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
Hyperopia is also commonly known as farsightedness, because this condtion
does not affect a persons ability to see distance objects, as compared to the
reduced ability of viewing closer objects.

Nevertheless, farsightedness varies in its nature from people to people. A

number of people may not even notice any problems with their vision at all,
especially when they are young. For others, farsightedness may be
considerable enough to make
their vision blurred for both near
and far objects.

How Does Hyperopia

Develop?
When the eyes begin to focus
images onto the back of the
retina, rather than onto it
farsightedness is said to have
developed. As opposed to an
elongated eyeball as in myopia,
the eyeball tends to become
compressed or shortened.

It may also result due to an

irregular shape of the cornea or
the lens which would cause the
light to be focused onto an
incorrect portion of the eye.

Who May Be Affected By

Hyperopia?
Hyperopia can affect adults and

47
children alike. It is estimated that around 5 to 10 percent of Americans are
affected by hyperopia a percentage much less than that of people having
myopia (30 percent).

If the parents have hyperopia, then their children are more likely to develop
it.

Symptoms of Hyperopia
The symptoms of hyperopia are known to vary from person to person. Most
people experience some or all of the following:

Eye Strain
Headaches
Squinting in order to try to see clearly
Blurred vision, especially when trying to bring closer objects into focus

How Can Hyperopia Be Diagnosed and Corrected?

An eye examination can reveal whether a person has hyperopia. Those people
that visit an eye care professional with complaints of vision problems often
complain about blurry vision and d iscomfort.

Eye glasses are, again, a solution to correct farsightedness. Contact lenses

can also do the same job while a more invasive method of surgery is also an
option.

If youre willing to reduce your dependency on glasses and contact lenses,

then you can try to improve your vision in more natural ways by leading a
healthier lifestyle and by exercising your eyes.

48
Astigmatism

Astigmatism is yet another type of refractive error in the eye. It is a

condition where the eye is not able to focus light evenly onto the retina,
thereby affecting vision.

How Does Astigmatism Develop? FACT: Astigmatism alters

A normal eye consists of a cornea that has a the natural curvature of
the eye, causing an
curvature similar to that of a basketball. This
uneven distribution of the
curvature focuses the incoming light evenly onto incoming light.
the retina.

However, an eye with astigmatism has a cornea that is shaped more like a
football; this causes the curvature to be uneven as some areas are steeper or
more rounded. This cornea focuses light unevenly onto the cornea.

Who May Be Affected By Astigmatism?

Astigmatism is not dependent on age, and can affect the vision of both
adults and children. Astigmatism will affect each person differently; some

49
 people who have slight astigmatism may not even notice any kind of change
in their vision.

Symptoms of Astigmatism
The signs and symptoms of Astigmatism are
similar to that of other eye disorders, with
some additional indicators:

Eye Strain
Headaches
Squinting in an attempt to clear up
the vision
Blurry vision or distortions in the
vision for all distances

Figure 5: This is how a person with Problems in driving at night

astigmatism might see.

How Can Astigmatism Be Diagnosed and Corrected?

A detailed eye examination can reveal whether or not a person is suffering
from astigmatism. If any of the above symptoms are experienced then t he
eyes should be examined by a professional eye care specialis t immediately.

Eye glasses and contact lenses can correct the refractive error. A more
permanent, yet invasive, method is refractive surgery to change the shape of
the cornea. This tends to restore the natural focusing power of the eye.

Nevertheless, astigmatism can be reduced by leading a healthy lifestyle

along with performing appropriate eye exercises.

50
Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a vast term that covers a number of eye conditions; theres one
thing that is same to all of these conditions and that is the f act that all of
them damage the optic nerve. It is the optic nerve which carries the visual
information to the brain for processing. If this nerve is damaged, vision will
be seriously affected.

Glaucoma is serious; it is the second most common condition th at leads to

blindness in the US the first being cataract.

As a result of glaucoma, large gaps begin to appear in a persons field of

vision. The field of vision is the range a person is able to view (see Chapter 1
How the Eye Works).

What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a set of conditions that are associated with increasing pressure
inside the eye. This pressure is called the intraocular pressure .

51
A fluid called aqueous humor is located at the front part of the eye, and it is
made just behind the iris. It circ ulates around the channels at the fron t of
the eye in an area which we call the anterior chamber angle. If for any
reason, this flow is slowed down or blocked, this fluid will tend to cause the
pressure to build up (intraocular). The pressure build -up tends to damage
the optic nerve.

Four major types of glaucoma are present, each having different

characteristics:

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma (chronic)

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma (acute)
3. Congenital Glaucoma
4. Secondary Glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma (Chronic)

This is the most common type of glaucoma and the cause of its development
is not clearly known as of yet. The increase in pressure is slow and steady;
the pressure builds up until it pushes against the optic nerve. It is hereditary
and runs in families.

This type of glaucoma does not show any symptoms until after considerable
damage has occurred to the eye.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma
(acute)

The angle-closure glaucoma is

known to occur when the exit
points of the fluid are blocked
abruptly. This results in a
rapid, severe and painful
increase in the intraocular

Figure 6: An eye suffering from acute glaucoma.

52
pressure.

This is a severe condition, and an emergency situation arises when it occurs.

Compared to open-angle glaucoma which is slow yet painless; angle -closure
glaucoma is quite sudden and painful to endure. Those p eople who already
have this type of glaucoma in one eye are at a greater risk of an attack on
the other one.

Congenital Glaucoma

Infants are prone to have congenital glaucoma if it runs in the family. It is

usually present at the time of birth and is caus ed by an abnormal
development in the visual system more precisely, the eye.

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma can result by other eye conditions , by use of certain

medications and other medical conditions. This type of glaucoma can also
have been inherited, which then can be further divided into two types:

- Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome is discernible as flakes that are

similar to dandruff. These can accumulate on the lens of the eye and
clog the drainage of the fluid (aqueous humor); thereby leadin g to an
increase in intraocular pressure. PEX has a sturdy genetic component
but other triggers such as sunlight, a slow virus or the response of the
autoimmune system may be needed.
- Pigmentary Glaucoma begins with a condition which we call the
pigment dispersion syndrome. This is an inherited condition which
causes the granules of pigments to flake -off into the fluid (aqueous
humor). These flakes tend to clog the drainage and in turn increase the
ocular pressure.

Risk of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the second highest cause of blindness in the United States after
cataracts. Over 4 million Americans have open -angle glaucoma and more than

53
half of them are not aware because no clear symptoms of this type of
glaucoma are noticeable until it is too late and the dam age has been done.

Some of the factors that bring on the risk of developing glaucoma are as
follows:

Increase in Intraocular Pressure Elevated levels of intraocular

pressure can damage the optic nerves and cause development of
glaucoma.
Age Age is a major factor when it comes to glaucoma. The risk of
developing glaucoma increases considerably as the age of a person
increases. Each and every person over the age of 60 years is at a
greater risk of developing glaucoma. Some ethnic groups, such as those
of an African descent, are more prone to develop glaucoma even at a
younger age.
Race and Ethnicity Race and ethnicity is a major risk factor when it
comes to developing glaucoma. People of African origin are
approximately five times more likely to develop it than Caucasians.
They are also four times more likely to become blind as a result of it.
People of Japanese ancestry are at a greater risk of developing closed -
angle glaucoma as compared to other races.
Family History of Glaucoma Glaucoma is inheritab le and runs down
the family line. Open-angle glaucoma is more likely to be passed down
to newer generations as compared to the other types of glaucoma.
Medical Conditions Several medical conditions such as diabetes and
hyperthyroidism are associated with an increased risk of glaucoma .
Other conditions such as high blood pressure as well as migraine may
also contribute to the increased risk. Even certain eye conditions such
as myopia may heighten the chances of the development of glaucoma.

Symptoms of Glaucoma
Symptoms of Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is a chronic condition that
develops slowly over the years and no pain or any kind of visual
changes are experienced in its early developing stages. However, as it

54
 progresses, the optic nerve is damaged over time and then the
following symptoms start to appear in the affect eye or eyes:

1. Peripheral Vision starts to diminish and people start to develop

tunnel vision in which they are only able to see straight ahead.

2. The next symptom that follows is the decr ease in the tunnel vision,
steadily decreasing the field of view of the person.

If at this point the condition is left untreated, blindness will follow.

Symptoms of Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This is a more severe type of

glaucoma as the symptoms are quite ob vious as soon as the pressure
starts to rise rapidly. Intense pain is felt in the area surround the
eyebrows along with development of blurry vision, usually in a single
eye. A person may also feel as of their eye is about to burst. Redness
follows together with rainbow-like halos around sources of light.
Nausea and vomiting are also known to occur . All of these symptoms
appear randomly and not at all as a full -fledged attack.
Symptoms of Congenital Glaucoma: A baby is usually born with
congenital glaucoma if it runs in the family. However, no symptoms
may appear until the baby is of a few months of age. If an infants eyes
are observed as becoming cloudy, watery , enlarging or if the infant

55
 shuts their eyes when they see light an ophthalmologist must
examine the infants eyes.

Treating Glaucoma
Glaucoma is usually treated with medication, laser therapy or even surgery.
The aim of the treatment is to bring down the intraocular pressure in order
to reduce the risk of the person going blind. It is estimated t hat between 4
to 20 people out of a total of 100 who have high intraocular pressure may
lose their vision in just under 5 years time.

However, this time is dependent on the following factors:

The amount of intraocular pressure in the eye

The thickness of the cornea
The persons age

This is why it is important to lower the intraocular pressure in order to

reduce the risk of a person losing their vision. Glaucoma is a condition that
cannot be cured because the damage to the optic nerve is irreversible.
However, the intraocular pressure can be lowered to prevent further damage
by means of eye drops. If the eye drops fail to bring down the pressure, then
surgery becomes the last resort in lowering the pressure permanently down
to appropriate levels.

Due to the seriousness of this eye condition, along with the discrete
approach (in the case of open -angle glaucoma), ophthalmologists recommend
regular eye checkups so that any developing condition can be spotted before
it gets too late.

56
Cataract
A cataract is the clouding of your eyes lens which leads to a decrease in
visual acuity. The lens in the eye is responsible for focusing the incoming
light onto the retina , where the
visual images are captures by
light-sensitive retina and
transmitted through the optic
nerve to the brain for processing.

The clouding diminishes the

amount of light that is able to enter the eye. As the cataract progresses and
becomes mature, glare, contrast and color sensitivity are experienced
besides the decrease in vision.

Causes of Cataract Development

Protein and water are the main components of which the eye is made of. The
protein is set in a way that it allows the passage of light while keeping the
lens clear. The cataract begins to develop when some of this protein starts
to cluster together, thus clouding the lens.

Cataract is not contagious and it does not spread from one eye to the other;
however, for most people, it develops in both eyes at the same time.

There are a number of causes of cataracts, and they are as follows:

Aging The most common cause of cataracts

Diabetes
Smoking
Eye Infection
Injuries to the eye
Exposure to high levels of radiation
Excess exposure to sunlight (UV radiation)
A Birth defect

57
Risk of Cataract
Risk factors are those particular aspects that increase the chance of
developing or acquiring a disease. Chances of developing cataracts are
increased by:

Increasing Age
Excessive Exposure to Ultra Violet-B radiation
Family members who have cataracts
Diabetes
Trauma
Smoking

Symptoms of Cataracts

In the early stages of cataract development, people may not notice any
changes in their vision at all. Cataracts are known to mature at slow rates
and this causes a slow-yet-steady decrease in the vision.

Some people sometimes experience a sudden improvement in their close-up

vision; however, this is short lived. As the cataract continues to mature and
cloud the lens, the vision decreases. A lot of people do not realize that they
have cataract until it is discovered during an eye examination.

People with cataracts usually experience the following symptoms as the

cataract matures:

Blurred vision or cloudiness

58
 Increased sensitivity to light; the headlights of oncoming cars may
seem too bright at night.
Glare from bright sources of light
A halo is seen around lights
The colors appear to be faded and not as bright as they were
Rapid changes in glasses or contact lenses prescription

Nevertheless, a lot of eye conditions have similar symptoms. If any of the

above symptoms are experienced, it is better to undergo a detailed e ye
examination as the eye specialist would be better able to determine the
reason behind your vision problems.

Diagnosing Cataracts
Looking at the symptoms above, you may feel as if you have a cataract.
However, the only way to reach that conclusion is to undergo a detailed eye
examination. An eye specialist will perform a number of tests to figure out
the overall health of your eye .

You can expect the following to be a part of a detailed eye examination:

Visual Acuity Test This is an eye chart test that helps in determining how
well a person can see from varying distances.

Pupil Dilation- The pupil in the eye is widened using eye drops in order to be
able to see more of the lens and the retina during the exam

Tonometry This is a standard test that is used to measure the intraocular

pressure of the eye. Increased eye pressure may lead to development of
Glaucoma (see page 44 of this book).

Treating Cataracts
When the cataract is in its early stages , there are chances that the vision can
be improved by using eye glasses. If they fail to work, or if the loss of vision
has become severe enough to interfere in your day to day activities such as
reading, watching television and driving, then the other option that remains
is surgery.

59
Cataract surgery does not req uire to be performed on an urgent basis; this
means that you can wait until you are ready for the procedure. However, the
cataract will continue to mature and the cloudiness will become more and
more prominent.

The surgery requires removal of the clouded lens and replacement by an

intraocular lens in its position. The intraocular lens then becomes a
permanent part of your eye and requires no care at all. After the surgery is
successful, some people may need reading glasses to read clearly, while
some may need glasses to see distant objects clearly.

However, if the cloudy lens was replaced by a multifocal intraocular lens,

glasses will not be required for either purpose.

Prevention
Cataracts cannot be completely avoided; nonetheless, the chances of
developing one can be reduced significantly by leading a healthy lifestyle
that includes plenty of exercise as a part of your daily routine.

The following can also help in reducing the risk of developing a cataract:

Quit Smoking
Consume antioxidant vitamin supplements
Protect yourself from excessive exposure to the sun by wearing
sunglasses with UV protection as well as a hat

Regular eye examinations should also be carried out, especially when a

person crosses the age of 60 years.

60
Age-Related Macular Degenerati on

Age-Related Macular Degeneration is a

common type of eye condition that causes
the deterioration of the central part of the
retina which we call macula. The retina is
a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye
and consists of light-sensitive cells that
capture light and transmit the visual
signals to the brain through the optic
nerve.

We use macula to view the fine details of an image; everyday activities such
as reading, watching television, recognizing peoples faces and any other
visual activities that require detailed analysis are the work of macula.

The major factor that is responsible for degeneration of macula is age.

Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

There are two types of age -related macular degeneration (AMD) and any
person can develop both types of AMD. The rate with which the disease
develops also varies from person to person; it can either develop at a slow
or fast pace.

The types are:

Dry age-related macular degeneration

Wet age-related macular degeneration

Dry age-related macular degeneration

This is the most common type of macular degeneration. Macula is the central
part of the retina and is thus composed of light -sensitive cells. In this
particular type of AMD, the cells break down at a slow rate.

61
When the cells begin to break down, yellow deposits which are called drusen
are deposited under the retina. Drusen deposits are commonly found in the
eyes of older people. However, any significant increase, whether in quantity
or size, can indicate that the macular is degenerating.

Dry AMD can continue to develop and cause significant vision loss without
transforming into wet macular degeneration. On the other hand, it is also
possible that dry macular generation may change into the wet type in its
early stages.

Wet age-related macular degeneration

It is not unusual to have wet macular

degeneration follow the dry type. In
the wet type of this disease, Bruchs
membrane (that is a barrier that
supports the retina) begins to break
down. This breakdown normally
happens in close proximity to drusen
deposits. A growth of blood vessels
takes place (neovascularization) as a

result. These new blood vessels are Figure 7: Neovascularization

apparently extremely fragile and are
known to leak blood leading to a greater risk of macular scarring and
severely damaging it. Neovascularization disturbs the natural systems of the
eye and can cause the vision to become vague or even completely lost within
a few days or weeks time.

Only about 10 percent of AMD are of the wet -type; however, it is so serious
that over 90 percent of the time, patients with this condition go legally
blind.

62
Symptoms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The following symptoms may indicate macular degeneration:

Difficulty in reading or in performing everyday activities such as

driving and watching television
Having a distorted vision which causes straight lines to appear bent
Problems in recognizing faces of people
Dark patches appear at the center of your field of vision

Age-related macular degeneration can develop in one eye only. However, as

the disease develops, both the eyes may begin to be affected by it. If you
have AMD in one eye only, it is very likely that your other eye will also be
affected.

Treating Macular Degeneration

Presently, no cure is available for age -related macular degeneratio n. It is a
progressive disease and the treatments that are available can only help to
provide the best vision possible for as long as feasible.

There are a number of medications available for people with wet macular
degeneration to help control neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel
growth and the leaking of blood or fluid) in order to minimize the damage to
the retina.

63
Risk Factors
Following are the risk factors that increase chances of developing macular
degeneration:

People aged 50 and above are at a greater risk

Smoking is known to increase the risk
If macular degeneration runs in the family, newer generations are
more likely to develop it

Charles Bonnet Syndrome

In some cases, macular degeneration is known to cause phantom images to
appear. Whatever these images show, the object is actually not present.
These images can range from being as simple as random lines to as complex
as people and buildings.

The frequency of these images can be several times in a month, in a week or

perhaps even daily. This phenomenon tends to go away once the brain
adjusts to the vision problems.

64
Amblyopia
Amblyopia is commonly referred to as a lazy eye. It is a childhood disorder
as a result of incomplete development of the vision system in the early years
of an individuals childhood.

Infants are not born with a 20/20

vision. They develop their vision
system from birth till an age of
around 6 years. This development
takes place when identical images
are formed on retinas of both the
eyes. If they do not, vision does
not properly develop and the
affected eye thereby becomes amblyopic. It is estimated that around 4
percent of children experience this condition.

If the vision is to be prevented from deteriorating, this condition must be

diagnosed and treated during the early childhood years. If the treatment is
pursued after the age of 6 it is very likely that restoring vision becomes an
impossible task.

Causes of Amblyopia
There are three factors that can
cause a childs eye to become
amblyopic.

1. Strabismus Misaligned Eyes

Misalignment of the eyes is among

the most common reasons for causing
amblyopia. In a situation where the
eyes are not aligned and aimed in the
similar direction, the brain ignores

the image from the eye that is Figure 8: A child with strabismus

65
assumed to be misaligned in or der to prevent double vision. This results in
the child using the correct eye only. If this continues for even a few weeks,
the eye will fail to establish a correct link to the visual cortex of the brain.

2. Anisometropia Uneven Refractive Error

The refractive error has to be the same in both eyes in order for the eyes to
be able to focus simultaneously. This causes the eye with the greater
refractive error to become amblyopic. This situation again causes one eye to
become more dominant than the other; rob bing the other eyes chance to
develop normal vision. Compared to misaligned eyes, anismetropia is far
more difficult to detect as both the eyes look similar.

Only thorough examinations that focus on visual acuity and ocular

preference tests can detect this cause.

3. Deprivation Obstruction in the Visual System

If any sort of obstruction is present on eye tissues, then this can result in
amblyopia. Any type of eye condition that acts as a hindrance in forming of a
clear image onto the retina will consequentl y become the cause of
development of amblyopia (cataract, for example).

Recognizing Amblyopia
It is not at all easy to identify amblyopia as it is difficult (and impossible, in
some cases) for a child to identify a reduction is vision. A child may not even
be aware the problem as adults would be, because they have no experience
that they can compare it to.

The only possibility there is of an adult identifying this problem in a child by

visual examination is an external abnormality such as misalignment of t he
eyes.

The other causes may only be detected through a thorough eye examination
by an eye specialist.

66
Risk Factors
Here are some of the factors that will amplify the chances of a child
developing this disease:

Family History of cataracts, glaucoma or amb yopia itself

Numerous other genetic conditions of the eye
Pediatric Cataracts
Ptosis (droopy eyelids)
Tumor in the eyelid which blocks the pupil

Tests for Diagnosing Amblyopia

The following tests may be performed on a child to detect any development
of amblyopia:

Cycloplegic Refraction
Slit Lamp Exam
Visual Acuity Measurement
Fundus Exam
Detailed Eye Exam

Treating Amblyopia
As we previously discussed that a child begins to use only one eye because
the brain shuts off the images from the other faulty eye.

To ensure proper development of both the eyes, a child must be forced to

use both eyes (especially the weak one). This can be achieved by correcting
any factors that may be leading towards amblyopia. In some cases,
specialists recommend patching the stronger eye so that the weak eye is
used by the child.

In some cases, glasses are used to treat amblyopia . Children usually do not
understand the reasons behind all the treatment methods, and as a parent, it
is your responsibility to make sure their treatment i s not affected as a result
of their discomfort towards patching, glasses or eye drops.

67
Ptosis (Drooping Eyelids)

Figure 9: Ptosis can affect one, or both eyes. It is the upper eye lid that droops, as can
be seen in this picture.

Drooping of an eyelid is called ptosis. This is a condition in which the upper

part of the eyelids falls to a position that is lower than the normal.
Depending on the severity of this condition, the eyelid can drop down to an
extent that it covers part o r whole of the pupil thereby affecting vision.

Ptosis can affect one or both of the eyes and is a condition that may be
present at birth or may even develop in the later years of ones life.

In several of the cases, ptosis is an isolated issue that does not affect the
overall health of a person without even deteriorating the vision at all.

On the other hand, for some, it can be an indication of other severe

conditions that may be affecting the muscles, brain, nerves or socket of the
eye.

68
When a ptosis develops within a period of several days or hours it becomes
an alarming indication of a prevailing medical condition.

Causes of Ptosis
Here are some possible causes that may lead to development of ptosis:

Congentical Ptosis (At Birth) This is a condition that an infant is born with.
It could be due to a problem in the development of the involved eye muscles
(levator muscle). Only one eye is affected in 70 percent of the cases. If the
eye lid is drooping down enough to block the pupil, then a corrective surgery
must be performed in order to prevent any vision problems.

Aponeurotic Ptosis (Age-Related) Aging is a common cause of the

weakening of the muscles around the eyelids. This condition is caused by the
accumulated effects of gravity and increasin g age that weaken the tissues
involved in assisting levator muscle in performing its job. If this is the cause
of the development of ptosis, then both the eyes are likely to be affected.

Myasthenia Gravis Myasthenia gravis is a rare condition that alters the

way muscles react to nerve inputs. This condition is known to progressively
weaken muscles. These muscles are not limited to the eye lid area, but also
those that of arms, legs, face and other body parts.

However, the weakening of muscles surrounding the eye lid lead to ptosis
and it is extremely likely that both eyes will be affected.

Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OMD) OMD is disease that is

usually passed down the family tree into new generations. This disease
affects the muscles and can sig nificantly affect eye motion as well as
induce difficulty in swallowing. This condition can also lead to ptosis
in both eye lids.
Nerve Problem The brain controls the muscles by sending signals
through the nerves. If any sort of condition develops that d amages the
brain or the involved nerves, then it is extremely likely that ptosis will
follow. Nerves can also be damaged as a result of diabetes.

69
 Horners Syndrome is yet another factor that can lead to ptosis. This
syndrome causes the pupil to become unu sually smaller while half the
face loses its ability to excrete sweat.
Other Eye Conditions Other problems related to the eye can also
cause ptosis. An infection, tumor or trauma is among leading factors
that are responsible for the onset of ptosis.

Symptoms of Ptosis
One of the most obvious symptoms of ptosis is the fact that the eye lid
seems to be drooped at a position that is lower than the normal point. This
is easier to spot if ptosis is only affecting a single eye.

If ptosis advances to severe stag es, then vision will be obscured as a result
of the eye lid covering the pupil.

Treating Ptosis
Mild symptoms of ptosis where vision is not being affected do not usually
require any treatment. Even when the treatment is required, it is carried out
in order to resolve the underlying cause.

In some cases, eye exercises are sufficient as they help in strengthening the
weak muscles by helping them to return to their original working state. In
other cases, use of eye glasses may be r ecommended by an eye specia list;
these eye glasses are nothing like the ordinary they have a crutch attached
to them whose function is to hold the eye lid up and prevent it from
drooping down.

When ptosis is found to be of a severe kind, the only option for correcting it
may be surgery. The surgical process that corrects ptosis is called

70
blepharoplasty.

This surgical procedure involves the tightening of levator muscles , which in

turn lift the drooping eyelids that may be interfering with normal vision. In
most of the cases, after the surgical process is complete, no loss of eyelid
movement is reported.

The surgery does not guarantee that the eyelids will be perfectly
symmetrical; however, they will definitely be at a higher position than
before.

Complications
Untreated ptosis in c hildren can lead to a condition called the amblyopia
(see page 54 of this book). If the amblyopia is also left untreated, then the
childs vision will surely deteriorate.

Complications after blepharoplasty include:

Excessive bleeding
Forming of blood clots
Infection
Scarring
Asymmetrical muscles (facial)
Nerve damage (facial)

71
Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition that is commonly referred to as the pink

eye. It is the inflammation of the outer layer of the eye, and causes the eye
to appear red or pink.

Conjunctivitis is known to occur in both adults and children; however,

children are more susceptible to the infection that causes this condition to
occur. It is a contagious condition that can spread extremely quickly from
person to person. Children generally have a weaker immune system as
compared to adults, and it is not uncommon to see pink eye spreading among
the students at a school or children at day care centers.

The eye has a clear membrane that lines the white part of an eye as well as
lining the inner part of the eyelid know as conjunctiva. When either of these
becomes inflamed, conjunctivitis is said to have occurred.

This inflammation causes the blood vessels in the conjunctiva to enlarge, and
this is precisely what makes the eyes app ear red.

72
Types of Conjunctivitis
There are mainly three types of conjunctivitis. The pink eye condition can be
caused by allergies, bacteria, viruses or in the case of new born babies a
block tear duct can be responsible.

Here are the three types of pink eye:

1. Viral Conjunctivitis
2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
3. Allergic Conjunctivitis

Viral Conjunctivitis

Viruses are among the most common causes of conjunctivitis. Adenovirus is a

virus that is known to cause the common cold, is also responsible for causing
this inflammation. Some of the other viruses that are to be blamed for this
include:

Varicella-Zoster Virus
Picorna Virus
Pox Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Viral conjunctivitis typically results in a watery discharge from the eye s.

Both the eyes contract it, even if the infection only started with one, due to
the contagious nature of this virus.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

The bacterial conjunctivitis is far more common in children as compared to

adults. The bacteria that are known to cause this type of pink eye infection
are:

Staphylococci
Streptococci
Gobococci

73
 Chlamydia

Contrary to the watery discharge that is caused by viral conjunctivitis,

bacterial conjunctivitis causes a thick discharge to emerge from the eyes can
be of a yellow, white or green color. This discharge can make a person feel
as if their eyelids are being glued together, this feeling is more prominent
when they wake up in the morning.

Only one eye is more likely to be affected by the bacteria, however, this
doesnt mean that it cannot spread to the other eye.

Allergenic Conjunctivitis

Allergenic conjunctivitis is known to causes redness, itching and tearing in

both the eyes. Discharge may also emanate from the nose and cause itching
within. This is not a contagiou s type of conjunctivitis as it occurs when
certain irritants are present in the environment (such as dusk and smoke).

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis
The symptoms of each type of conjunctivitis differ slightly.

Symptoms of Viral Conjunctivitis

Redness in the eye, especially on the white area

An Itching or burning sensation on the eye lids
Swollen areas at the front of ears
Lots of tearing
Clear, watery discharge from the eyes

These symptoms typically last for 5 days to a week. However, their duration
may extend up to three weeks.

Symptoms of Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Redness in the eye, especially on the white area

Yellow discharge from the eyes that causes the eye lids to stick
together; especially in the mornings

74
 Pain in the eyes
Swollen upper eye lids

Treating Conjunctivitis
Due to the fact that there are three different types of conjunctivitis, the
treatment also varies.

Viral conjunctivitis is typically caused the same virus that causes the
common cold. Therefore, similar to the cold, virus conjunctivitis mu st also
run its course which lasts from anywhere between 4 to 7 days. This is a
highly contagious type of conjunctivitis and thus physical contact should be
avoided with the infected person.

Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics. Th ese come in

numerous forms, including eye drops, pills or ointments.

Ointments or eye drops should be applied to the inner part of the eye lid at
least 3 to 4 times a day for duration of 4 to 7 days.

Pills, on the other hand, should be consumed for a few days. The condition
usually begins to improve within a weeks time.

Allergenic conjunctivitis tends to improve once the allergens have been

removed. If any irritants have gotten into the eye, then the eye must be
thoroughly washed with lots of clean water.

75
Keratoconus

The literal meaning

of Keratoconus is a
cone-shaped
cornea. The cornea
is the clear part
which is located at
the front of the eye.
The cornea in its
natural state can be
described as being
dome-shaped.
However, keratoconus occurs when the layers near the center of the cornea
become thin, thereby causing the cornea to become pointy.

There are some ways through which keratoconus can be corrected; however,
those people who have received successful treatment continue to have
reduced vision for the rest of their lives.

Causes of Keratoconus
The eye consists of tiny fibers that are called collagen. The collagen are
responsible for keeping the cornea in its right position and for preventing it
from bulging out. The problem starts with the collagen becoming weak. This
weakening leads to their inability to hold the cornea in its place; this causes
the cornea to progressively develop a cone-shape.

Keratoconus is hereditary; it runs in families and people whose parents have

it are at a greater risk of developing this condition. The chances of the
development of this condition increases in people who have other types of
medical issues.

It has been observed that keratoconus begins to set in during teen years of
an individuals life. However, it c an also start even in a persons childhood

76
years. The chances of its occurrence start to diminish once the age of 30
years is crossed.

The rate at which the cornea begins to change is variable; it can either take
years, or it may happen suddenly.

Similarly, the changes can either stop all of a sudden, or continue to get
worse. The highly variable nature of this condition makes it not so
predictable. If one eye is affected, then it is likely that the other eye will
also develop keratoconus, eventually.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Keratoconus

The symptoms of keratoconus usually start with blurring of a persons vision.
The changes in the eye glasses prescription also increase in frequency up till
a point where the individuals vision simply cannot be corrected with eye
glasses or contact lenses. Some of the other symptoms include the following:

Increased sensitivity to light (photosensitivity)

Difficulty in driving at night
Appearance of halos around light sources
Eye strain
Irritation of the eye (leading to exc essive rubbing)
Headaches and pain in the eyes (to learn more about the types of eye
pain, go to page 35 of this book)

As it can be seen, the above symptoms are not unique to keratoconus. All of
the above symptoms are usually associated with several other eye
conditions. Therefore, it is not possible to diagnose keratoconus by simply
observing the symptoms.

A thorough examination by an eye specialist is essential who has the ability

to utilize both direct measurement techniques along with analyzing at a
microscopic level using a slit lamp to detect keratoconus.

77
A slit lamp examination can reveal keratoconus. A specialist typically
observes for the following signs of keratoconus when performing this
examination:

Corneal thinning
Apical scarring apical scarring is the scarring of the apex of the
cone)
Vogts straie Vogts straie refers to the stress lines that are caused
by thinning of cornea
Fleischers ring The Fleischers ring is a iron -colored ring which
surrounds the cone

The curvature of the cornea needs to be checked to confirm any development

of keratoconus. This can be done by:

Performing Corneal Topography This is an computerized instrument

that can make a three dimensional image of the cornea
Keratometry This instrument is designed to shine several patterns of
light onto the cornea. The pattern at which the light is reflected helps
specialists determine the curvature and shape of the cornea.

Treating Keratoconus
There are generally two ways of through which the effects of keratoconus on
the vision can be corrected:

By Wearing Eye Glasses

By Wearing Contact Lenses

Eye Glasses

During the early stages of Keratoconus, eye specialists may prescribe glasses
in order to help the patient improve their vision. Eye glasses can reduce the
vision problems that are typically experienced by a person suffering from
keratoconus. An individual may experience problems with adjusting to their
new pair of glasses if:

78
 they have never worn eye glasses previously;
a new, stronger prescription of glasses has been give n to them than
the one they were previously wearing
keratoconus has progressed in its intensity and has distorted the vision
to a greater extent

As the keratoconus continues to distort the natural shape of the cornea, the
vision will deteriorate and the pe rson will need to keep changing their eye
glasses. Glasses can help only up till a certain point, after which they are
rendered useless by the severely distorted cornea.

One of the symptoms of keratoconus is an increased sensitivity to light. This

problem can be reduced by getting tinted prescription eye glasses, by use of
sunglasses and hats to minimize exposure to light as much as possible.

Contact Lenses

As of now, contact lenses are a standard way of dealing with Keratoconus:

Contact lenses can restore vision beyond the limit of eye glasses. A lot
of individuals who have Keratoconus spend several years using contact
lenses.
Typically, special types of contact lenses are required for people with
Keratoconus. These lenses are can only be fitted at an eye clinic.
These special lenses require precise and careful fitting due to the
highly abnormal shape of the cornea.

Individuals who have Keratoconus have to face similar issues as those people
who use contact lenses to correct their vision. Nonetheless, some additional
issues are faced by them because of their eye disorder:

The eyes of people with keratoconus are generally much more

sensitive.
These people are more prone to allergies; this can lead to itching in
the eyes.

79
 These people are also more susceptible to eye infections as well as
other eye disorders.
Use of normal contact lenses can cause severe damage to their eyes.
Ordinary lens cleaning solutions can cause permanent eye damage to
people with Keratoconus. This is because these solutions have not
been specially designed for them and thus can cause allergic reactions.

Types of Contact Lenses for People with Keratoconus

Individuals with keratoconus require specially designed contact lenses. These

contact lenses are designed in a way that makes the curve at the front
spherical in shape. This design not only helps in reducing the amount of
restoration, but also acts as a solution to other eye disorders such as
myopia, hyperopia
and astigmatism.

Some types of
contact lenses are as
follows:

Soft Lenses
Hard Lenses
Combination
Lenses
Scleral Lenses
Tinted Lenses (to cater for light sensitivity)

80
Retinal Detachment

Figure 10 This is how a person would see when the retina begins to detach a s a result
of retinal tears.

The retina is located at the back of the eye and is covered with light -
sensitive cells that are responsible for generating electrical impulses as a
result of the light that is focused onto them by the pupil and the lens. These
impulses are sent to the brain through th e optic nerve.

When the retina separates itself from the back of the eye, retinal
detachment is said to occur. This is an extremely serious condition and can
lead to blindness if the retina completely detaches itself from the back of
the eye.

Causes of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment begins when small cuts in the retina give way to fluid
from the eye. This liquid seeps through the cuts and begins to separate the
retina from the tissue to which it was connected.

81
To better understand how the retina get s detached, image a poster that has
been glued to the wall. Now let us consider that the poster has been cut
slightly, and this cut has exposed the wall behind the poster. If water is
poured through this cut, the water will eventually separate the poster from
the wall by dissolving the glue; this is
precisely how a retina gets separated from the
underlying tissues.

Retinal tears can also be caused by the

shrinking of the vitreous. The vitreous is a
thick substance that resembles a jelly and it
keeps the eyeball steady. Once the vitreous
begins to shrink, the retina is pulled away
from the back.

Symptoms of Retinal Detachment

Around 1 in 10000 people are affected by retinal detachment to varying
degrees. This risk of retinal detachment increases as the age of an individual
increases.

Here are the symptoms of retinal detachment:

Blurred vision
Appearance of bright light at the corners of a persons field of view
Appearance of dark areas in the field of view of a person
Loss of vision

Risk Factors
Some individuals have a greater chance of experiencing retinal detachment
than others. Some of the factors that increase the chances of suffering from
retinal tearing include:

Family History If retinal detachment problem runs in the family, then

the newer generations have a greater chance of suffering the same

82
 Myopia (Shortsightedness) People who have myopia are more likely
to experience a retinal tear.
Prior Cataract Surgery If an eye surgery has been performed, then
the risk is higher as well.
Eye Injuries Eye injuries increase the likelihood of suffering from
this condition
Increasing Age Older people have an increased chance of retinal
detachment
Prior Retinal Detachment If an individual has had retinal detachment
in one eye, then it is very likely th at the other eye will experience the
same.

Complications of Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye illness, and it should never be left
untreated. Doing so will have dire consequence on a persons vision and will
eventually become the cause of their blindness.

Some other complications may be as follows:

Bleeding in the eye ball this bleeding can cloud the vitreous
Pressure build-up inside the eye ball Increasing intraocular pressure
can lead to other complications such as glaucoma.
Formation of Cataract There is a higher chance of a cataract forming

Treatment for Retinal Tears and Detachment

Retinal tears can lead to a retinal detachment. There are two ways through
which retinal tears can be healed, and they are as follows:

Laser Surgery A laser can be used to burn the retina and cause it to
produce scar tissue. This tissue can help in anchoring the retina to the
back of the eye
Cryopexy A cryoprobe is an extremely cold probe that causes the
retina to generate scar tissue. The tissue can seal the tear and help
keep the retina from detaching.

83
If retinal detachment has already occurred, then surgery is the only option
to get it back in place before permanent damage is done.

Here are the types of surgical procedures that can be carried out for
reattaching the retina:

Pneumatic Retinoplexy This is the simplest type of surgery to repair

the detached retina. However, it is not suited to every individual. In
this procedure, the surgeon injects a gas bubble into the vitreous,
while the tears are sealed with a laser or cryopexy. The injected
bubble presses upon the retina to put it flat against the wall. It is
imperative that the head be kept in a position as instructed by the
surgeon after the surgery.
Scleral Buckling This process also makes use of cryopexy to heal the
retinal tears. Once that has been done, the fluid below the retina is
drained out and a piece of silicone rubber is sewn the eyes outer wall.
This buckle remains in position permanently even after the tears have
been sealed.
Vitrectomy Surgery - Vitrectomy surgery is carried out under a
microscope. The vitreous is removed by the surgeon and any tears that
may be present are treated using laser or cryopexy (see treatment of
retinal tears above). Once this has been done, the eye is filled with
silicone oil or gas. The silicone oil is eventually removed after several
months. However, in some cases, the surgeon may decide to leave the
oil inside forever.

Some complications can follow depending on the type of surgery performed.

These complications can result in:

Formation of cataract
Development of glaucoma
Severe infection
Bleeding in the vitreous cavity (Hemorrhage)
Loss of vision

84
Eye Floaters

Eye floaters appear in a persons field of vision as a result of condensation

or deposits in the vitreous jelly. These are floating spots, as commonly
described by people who see them whenever they look about.

These floaters may be present in only one or both eyes.

Why Do Eye Floaters Appear?

It is the function of the cornea and the l ens to
focus the incoming light onto the retina. It is
this light that causes the light-sensitive cells
to generate electrical impulses which are sent
to the brain through the optic nerve for
processing.

The light which passes through the retina has

to go through a jelly-like material called the
vitreous humor. From the time of birth up till
the early childhood years, this substance is
absolutely clear; however, as the person grows up, deposits, strands or even
liquid pockets begin developing within this s ubstance. The floating particles
which people see are the shadows of these deposits.

When a person moves their eyes in any direction whether side to side or up
and down these particles tend to shift their position within the eye and
this is precisely what makes the shadows move or appear as if they are
floating.

Characteristics of Eye Floaters

Here are some of the characteristics of eye floaters:

Eye floaters can be of numerous shapes, ranging from tiny flecks,

bubbles or webs to O-shaped strands.

85
 They are more obvious when a person focuses on a light colored area
(sky, for example).
These eye floaters tend to move along with the movement of the eyes,
with a slight lag, however.

What do they indicate?

In most cases, the eye floaters are benign and pos e no threat to the well
being of an individual. People eventually get used to seeing them and simply
ignore them. However, the floaters can be an indication of a more serious
underlying condition.

This is especially true if the number of floaters suddenly increases, then

they can be an indication of:

Retinal tear
Retinal detachment
Bleeding in the eye
Eye tumor
Eye diseases
Eye injury
Diabetic retinopathy

If a person notices the following changes, a visit to an eye specialist

becomes vital.

1. The eye floaters increase in number over time, more importantly if

there are sudden changes
2. Flashes of light or any kind of loss in vision is experienced besides eye
floaters
3. There is pain present alongside eye floaters
4. Eye floaters develop following an eye surgery

86
Diabetic Retinopathy
Retinopathy is an eye disease that affects the retina of the eye. It is quite
common in people with diabetes, and they often develop retinopathy. This
condition can lead to a significant decrease in a persons vision, sometimes
to an extent that they become blind.

It begin when the blood vessels inside an eye becomes weaker. This causes
blood and other types of fluid to leak onto the retina. If this fluid seeps out
into the middle of the eye, then blurred vision will result.

Due to the fact that this retinal disease is caused by diabetes, it has a close
link with the blood sugar levels of a person. If these levels remain at a high
level, this condition will continue to deteriorate . This condition may also
cause the development of new blood vessels that are extremely fragile and
prone to leaking, thus further worsening the situation.

If these new blood vessels rupture, they could leak blood in to the center of
the eye and cause changes in the vision along with formation of scar tissue.
The scar tissue will, in turn, pull upon the retina and detach it from the
walls of the eye, leading to a retinal detachment (see page 67 of this book
for more information).

Another adverse effect of retinopathy on the eye is the swelling of macula.

The macula is located at the middle of the retina. We use the macula to
appreciate the fine details, recognize faces and so on.

Swelling of macula ultimately leads to blindness.

Causes of Diabetic Retinopathy

The main reason behind development of retinopathy is an inability to keep
blood sugar levels under control. High blood sugar levels can severely
damage blood vessels in the retina, thereby setting up the destructive chain
of events discussed above.

87
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
It the majority of cases, no obv ious symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are
present. The deterioration in vision is the main reason which leads to the
discovery of retinopathy. However, by this time, the disease has advanced to
a severe level.

This is why it is essential that regular eye e xaminations be conducted to

detect any possibility of a developing eye disorder.

Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy

Till date, no cure for diabetic retinopathy is available. There are procedures
which can be carried out to prevent loss of vision. However, t hey have to be
performed before the retina is severely damaged.

Timely detection of the disease is only possible through regular screening

examinations, especially due to the fact that this condition displays no
obvious symptoms until it gets too late.

That being said, you should develop a habit of getting your eyes examined on
a regular basis more frequently after crossing the age of 40.

88
Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
To ensure maximum comfort for the eyes and to keep the vision at its best,
nature has blessed us with a thin film of tears that coats our eyes. This coat
helps in keeping the eye healthy.

This thin film consists of three main layers, which are as follows:

Innermost Layer: This is the thinnest of all three layers and is a layer of
mucin (mucus). This extremely thin layer of mucin is created by cells that are
found in the conjunctiva. The purpose of this mucin is to help the overlaying
layer to spread consistently over the eye.

Middle Layer: The middle layer is also kno wn as the aqueous layer. This is
the thickest of all the layers and is typically an extremely diluted saltwater
solution. This watery layer is produced by the lacrimal glands that are
located under the upper eye lids. The purpose of this layer is to keep the
eye well-moistened and to keep out any dust or foreign objects that may get
into the eye. Generally, any flaws in the aqueous layer are responsible for
leading to the dry eye syndrome.

Outer Layer: The outermost layer consists of an extremely thin laye r of

lipids. Lipids can be of fats or oils. The meibomian glands and Zeis glands are
responsible for producing these lipids whose function is to reduce
evaporation of the aqueous layer that is found below.

Any defects in this tear film lead to what we comm only call the dry eye
syndrome (DES). This syndrome affects quite a percentage of population,
most of the people that are affected by this disorder are above the age of 40
years.

In the United States, it is estimated that somewhere between 25 to 30

million people are affected by dry eye syndrome . This condition can affect
any person of any race and is found to be more widespread in women than in
men.

89
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a quite common type of eye disorder that leads to the
following:

A decrease in the tear production this is caused by a reduced ability

of the tear glands to produce tears. This can be due to aging, any
hormonal changes or due to a number of diseases associated with the
autoimmune system, including, but not limit ed to Rheumatoid arthritis,
lupus or Sjogren syndrome. There are quite a few medications that
have adverse effects on the eye, and we will cover them in detail in
the next chapter. For now, you need to be aware of the fact that
antidepressants, antihistami nes and numerous oral contraceptives are
known to decrease the production of tears.
An increase in tear evaporation Loss of the aqueous layer due to
evaporation is normally due to a reduction of the overlying lipid layer
(recall that the lipid layers fu nction is to reduce evaporation of the
aqueous layer)
Onset of an abnormality in production of lipids as well as the mucin
(mucus) that is found in the layers of the tear

Evaporation of the aqueous layer can also result from a decrease in the
natural rate of blinking. This can lead to the dry eye syndrome. Reduction in
blinking can be due to the following:

While performing activities such as reading, watching TV as well as those

that require great amounts of attention, the rate at which we blink is
considerably decreased. This reduction in blinking can lead to the
evaporation of tears and to the dryness of eyes.

There are a few conditions such as Bells palsy, or the after effects of a
stroke, that can make it hard for a person to close their eyes. Again, th is
contributes to the evaporation rate of the tears.

An abnormality in the production of mucus by the conjunctiva is also known

to be a contributor to the development of dry eyes syndrome.

90
This abnormal production can result due to numerous autoimmune diseases,
for example cicatricial pemphigoid and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. The
abnormality can also occur due to alkali burns to the eye.

The anomaly is known to cause problems in the even spreading of tears over
the eye, causing the eye to become dryer and in severe cases, damaged; this
can occur even when ample quantities aqueous layer is present.

The meubomian gland dysfunction leads to a reduction in the lipid layers.

These glands are found below the upper eyelids and their function is to
produce the lipid layer. If due to any reason, these glands become blocked,
the insufficient lipid layer can allow the aqueous layer to evaporate.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

A person, who has the dry eye syndrome, will experience the following
symptoms:

Dry, scratchy or gritty eyes

A burning or itching sensation in the eyes
Redness in the eyes
Blurry vision
A feeling of having a foreign object in the eye
Increased sensitivity to light

The above symptoms generally increase in intensity in dry climates, windy

and low humidity conditions - especially when the eyes have been used for
prolonged duration.

Another symptom that sometimes occurs as a result of the dry eyes syndrome
is that intermitted, excessive tearing may occur. This happens when the eyes
become somewhat dry, and the natural mechanism that is responsible for
keeping the eyes comfortable and moist, responds by producing lots of tears
in an attempt to eliminate the irritation.

Unfortunately, the eye is only capable of retaining a certain amount of tears,

the rest are expelled and they pour down the cheeks. These tears are

91
wasted, and as soon as the eyes become dry again, this process is repeated
again.

It becomes necessary that you see an eye specialist if the following is

experienced:

Pain in the eyes (see page 35 for more details)

Excessive tearing
An itching or burning sensation in the eyes
Blurry vision
A feeling of having a foreign
object in the eye
Heightened sensitivity to
light
Redness of your eyes

Diagnosis and Treatment of

Dry Eye Syndrome
If you are experiencing the above
symptoms, your ophthalmologist
will most probably be able to
diagnose the syndrome. However,
the following tests can help in revealing whether or not youre suffering
from this particular syndrome.

A detailed eye examination will include t he following tests:

Slit Lamp Test

The front of the eyes will be examined using a special microscope that
is called a slit lamp. Using this microscope, the thickness of your tear
film as well as the amount is inspected.
Assessment of the tear break up time helps in determining the stability
of your tear film.
The conjunctiva itself is examined to check its level of dryness

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 The cornea is examined to see whether the dryness caused any damage

Numerous colored dyes may be used during the test. They are as follo ws:

Rose Bengal is a red dye that stains the conjunctiva as well as the cornea in
order to highlight cells that may be dead, or dying. This will help in finding
those cells which are improperly protected by the tear film.

Fluorescein is a yellow dye that is used to stain the cornea in order to see
where epithelial cells might have been worn away as a result of the
reduction in the protective tear film.

Lissamon Green is a green dye that can, similarly to the above two dyes, help
in locating and differentiat ing between healthy and abnormal cells in the
eye.

Schirmer Tests

The Schirmer tests are used to measure the quantity of tears that are
produced by the eyes. The end of a thin strip of paper is placed inside in
lower eye lid. The paper is removed after dur ation of approximately a
minute, and the amount of wetting is measured to find the amount of tears
produced. A decreased wetting will indicate presence of the dry eye
syndrome.

Other Tests

A number of other tests may be performed, depending on the results gained

by the above tests:

The salt content of the tears can be measured in order to assist in

diagnosing dry eye syndrome. This osmolarity test is a new test that has
been developed precisely to assist in diagnoses of DES.

If the doctor suspects that autoimmune system diseases are behind the dry
eye syndrome, then a number of blood tests may be carried out to confirm

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the possibility. These blood tests will also verify existence of differing
autoantibodies that may well be associated with dry eyes syndrome.

A biopsy of the salivary glands may be performed; however, this only

happens in rare cases. The salivary glands are responsible for producing
saliva. The lacrimal glands, on the other hand, produce tears. There are
certain diseases that affect both of the se glands.

No cure exists for dry eyes syndrome. Depending on the severity of DES,
some eye drops or a humidifier may be required to moisten the air. In
extreme cases, surgery may be needed to treat the syndrome.

There are artificial tears available as over-the-counter eye drops that help in
lubricating the eyes and relieve the symptoms of dry eyes syndrome. It is
best to use them if advised by an eye specialist.

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Chapter 5 Drugs Harmful to the Eye

Medical science has evolved in unprecedented ways over the last few
decades. An umpteen number of drugs and medicine have been created to
fight the colossal number of diseases. These developments have paved way
for a healthier society and there were certain diseases which were, up until
now, labeled as being untreatable.

These medicines have come with a price, however. Nothing in this universe is
perfect, and the same applies to these drugs. Many of the drugs that are
commonly consumed by us come with a set of side effects. These can range
from being mere headaches or drowsiness, to some so severe that they can
cause a person to become vulnerable to other diseases.

In this chapter, we will look into those drugs that have an adverse effect on
the eyes. We aim to include all the necessary information th at will empower

95
you with the knowledge that will help you to become aware of any possible
implications of using the drugs.

Acne Medication

1. Isotretinoin
Generic Name: Isotretinoin

Brand Names: Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret

Isotretinoin is a photosen sitizing drug that is used to treat severe acne that
has not responded well to other kinds of treatment. Among the known very
common side effects of Isotretinoin on eyes include the following:

Blepharitis
Conjunctivitis
Dry Eyes Syndrome
Eye Irritation

However, in rare cases, the following may also result due to the usage of
isotretinoin:

Blurry vision
Sudden decrease in night vision
Color blindness
Cataracts
Keratitis
Papilloedma
Photophobia

2. Minocycline
Generic Name: Minocycline

Brand Names: Minocin

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Minocycline is a drug that is used to treat acne, as well as some other health
disorders. It can lead to pigmentation of the sclera; however, it tends to go
away when the use of drug is discontinued.

Alzheimer's Medication

1. Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Generic Name: Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine

Brand Name: Aricept, Reminyl, Exelon

Cholinesterase inhibitors are often prescribed to patients who are suffering

from mild Alzheimers disease.

These inhibitors help in stopping the breakdown of acetylcholine (a

neurotransmitter that helps in memory and thinking skills) due to
Alzheimers disease.

However, they can cause subconjunctival hemorrhage (eye hemorrhage).

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat numerous infections caused by bacteria. The
antibiotics are powerful drugs that are used to fight off bacterial infections.
However, they tend to have a number of si de effects associated with them.

It is recommended that probiotics be used whenever consuming antibiotics in

order to minimize some of the side effects t hat result due to the
consumption of the latter. Probiotics such as acidophilus or bifidus along
with vitamin C can help do just that.

Some antibiotics are known to increase a persons sensitivity to light,

thereby increasing the risk of developing glaucom a or dry eye syndrome.
Quite a few topical antibiotics can lead to an allergenic conjunctivitis, while
oral and intravenous antibiotics are known to bring about some form of
distortion in vision.

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 1. Fluoroquinolones
Generic Name: Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacine

Brand Name: Cipro, Zoxan, Proquin; Levaquin, Cravit

Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin and levofloxacine) are among the most

commonly prescribed oral antibiotics due to their comparatively benign
safety profile. However, according to researchers, there is an increased risk
of retinal detachment following the use of these antibiotics.

It is estimated that for every 2500 people that use fluoroquinolones, 1

person will suffer from a retinal detachment.

2. Synthetic Penicillin
Generic Name: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin

Brand Name: Amoxil, Trimox, Moxilin, Moxatag; Omnipen, Principen,

Totacillin-N, Omnipen-N

Synthetic penicillins such as amoxicillin and ampicillin are known to have

side effects that cause mild redness of the eye, dry eyes and itching. In some
of the cases that were observed, they were seen to cause hamorrhages of
blood vessels in both the conjunctiva and the retina. They can contribute to
the development of allergenic conjunctivitis (go to page 68 of this book for
more information on Conjunctivitis).

3. Terbinafine
Generic Name: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin

Brand Name: Lamisil, Lamisil AT

Lamisil is an antifungal medication that is used to treat fingernail fungus. It

comes under the category of photosensitizing drugs and increases a persons
sensitiveness to light. Its known side effects include a risk of developing
cataracts and macular degeneration.

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 4. Tetracycline
Generic Name: Tetracycline

Brand Name: Sumycin, Achromycin V, Panmycin, Sumycin 250

Tetracycline is an antibiotic that is used to fight a number of bact erial

infections ranging from urinary tract infections to Chlamydia and numerous
others.

Tetracycline has similar effects on eyes to that caused by synthetic

penicillins. Use of this antibiotic may cause increased sensitivity to light and
cause the vision to become blurry. The chances of developing allergic
conjunctivitis are also increased.

Antidiuretics
Diuretics are drugs used to increase the amount of urine produced by the
kidneys and increase the excretion of sodium and other electrolytes (Karch,
2003). AntiDiuretics, on the other hand, are drugs that help in controlling
the bodys balance of water by reducing urination.

Any misuse of these drugs can lead to upsetting the chemical balance along
with the balance of fluids in the whole of the body, inclu ding the eyes. This
upset can lead to development of glaucoma.

Antihistamines
Generic Name: acrivastine, alimemazine, cetirizine, chlorphenamine,
clemastine, cyproheptadine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine,
ketotifen levocetirizine, loratadine, mi zolastine,promethazine.

Brand Name: Numerous

Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies resulting from a number

of things, such as hay fever (rhinitis), hives (urticaria), itching (pruritus) and
as a result of insect bites and stings.

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They can also be utilized for reducing nausea and vomiting, besides being
used as an emergency treatment of anaphylaxis which is a severe allergenic
reaction.

Antihistamines are known to have several effects on the eyes, including:

Increased photosensitivity (sensit iveness to light)

Dryness of eyes, leading to the dry eye syndrome
Increased risk of cataracts
Can cause pupils to become asymmetrical in size

Antihistamines can be especially harmful to those people who have angle -

closure glaucoma (see page 47 for more de tails on the types of glaucoma).
The use of antihistamines by such people can set off an attack of angle
closure glaucoma and cause blurry vision, redness of the eye, halos as well
as eye pain. Such an attack is an emergency condition.

Antihistamines have photosensitizing properties. This means that they

increase a persons sensitivity to light (especially sunlight). These drugs
absorb the incoming light and carry out a photo-chemical reaction that can
modify tissues. This can lead to not only cataracts, bu t also macular
degeneration.

Anti-Anxiety Medication
Generic Name: Alprazolam, Clonazepam, Diazepam, Lorazpam

Brand Name: Xanax; Klonopin; Valium; Ativan

Some medicines can relieve a few symptoms of anxiety such drugs are
referred to as anti-anxiety drugs. Numerous types of such medicines are
available, including the traditional drugs such as benzodiazepines. More
conventional options include antidepressants and beta blockers.

These medicines can be no doubt very effective; however, they should not be
thought of as being a cure. They only provide a temporary relief, and a more

100
permanent solution should be sought to avoid becoming dependent on these
drugs.

Anti-anxiety drugs are also commonly known as tranquilizers. Tranquilizers

are photosensitizing drugs. This means that they increase a persons
sensitivity to light (especially sunlight). These drugs absorb the incoming
light and carry out a photo -chemical reaction that can modify tissues. This
can lead to macular degeneration and development of cataracts .

Arthritis Medications

1. Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate
Generic Name: Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate

Brand Name: Plaquenil

Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug that is used in the treatment of

arthritis to reduce the inflammation. It is known to have some se rious side
effects that affect the eyes. The first and foremost is the toxicity in the eye.
Eye toxicity is generally calculated based on a persons height and weight.

Toxicity from the use of this drug affects two distinct areas of the eye: the
macula and the cornea.

The cornea can be affected by Vortex keratopathy, which is characterized by

corneal epithelial deposits. This condition, however, is reversible once the
drug intake has been ceased.

The effects on macula are serious, nevertheless. It can lead to retinopathy;

which, in its advanced stages, can considerably reduce visual acuity.

Asthma Medication

1. Corticosteroids
Generic Name: Prednisone

Brand Names: Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, Prednicot, Sterapred

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Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is used for treating asthma, besides
numerous other conditions. Prednisone is known to increase a persons risk
of developing eye disorders such as glaucoma and cataracts. The risk of
glaucoma is increased because of the elevated intraocular pressure (eye
pressure) as a result of the use of corticosteroids.

Birth Control
The chances of suffering from dry eye syndrome are increased as a result of
consuming birth control pills. Contraceptives that are consumed orally are
known to lead to a number of eye disorders, including elevating intraocular
pressure, causing headaches, changes in vision, and causing the optic nerve
to swell.

Retinal vascular problems can also be caused by use of birth control pills.
Some pills can also result in inducing an increased sensitivi ty to light,
leading to a chemical modification of tissues that can lead to cataracts or
macular degeneration.

Birth control pills are also known to cause disturbances in a persons color
vision.

Parkinsons Disease Medication

Use of certain medication for Parkinsons disease can cause blepharospasm
or if a person already has this condition, it can further aggravate it.

Blepharospasm is abnormal twitching of the eye lids that leads to excessive

blinking, dryness of the eyes and increased sensitivity to the sun or any
source of bright light.

Blood Pressure Medication

There are a number of medications available that are used to control high
blood pressure. These are known as antihypertensives. The type of
medication your doctor will prescribe for you will depe nd on how high your
blood pressure is.

102
Nonetheless, regardless of the type of medication, antihypertensives are
known to excrete excess fluid from blood vessels in an attempt to bring
down the blood pressure. The reduction in the amount of fluid generally
leads to dry eyes (dry eyes syndrome), increased sensitivity to light, blurred
vision or even double vision in some cases.

Beta blockers are also commonly used to reduce blood pressure by altering
the kidneys rate of producing rennin a protein that is responsible for
releasing angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a powerful blood vessel constrictor
that makes it difficult for the blood to flow through arteries, thereby raising
the pressure. This constrictor also releases hormones that cause an increase
in the amount of fluid that is present in the blood (water retention).

A common drug that is used to lower the blood pressure is called Clonidine;
extended use of this drug can cause permanent damage to the retina.

Blood Thinning Medication

Generic Name: Heparin, Coumadin, Anisindione and many others.

Blood thinners are prescribed to people who have some sort of heart or
blood vessel ailment. It can also be prescribed if they have a poor flow of
blood to the brain. Blood thinners greatly reduce the chances of a stroke or
a heart attack by preventing the formation of blood clots in the blood
vessels (arteries and veins). They are also used in the following conditions:

Heart valve surgery

Atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm
Congenital heart defects

There are two main types of blood thinners: Anticoagulants and

antiplatelets. Anticoagulants increase the time it takes for a blood clot to
form. On the other hand, antiplatelet drugs prevent platelets from clustering
together.

103
However, these blood thinners can l ead hemorrhaging in the eye.

Cancer Medication
Generic Name: Fluorouracil (5-FU), Tamoxifen

Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a drug that belongs to a class of chemotherapy drugs

which we call anti-metabolites. Its purpose is to interfere with those cells
that make DNA and RNA in order to stop the growth of cancer cells.

There are a great number of side effects of this drug; and the person using
this needs to be monitored more if radiation and chemotherapy is being used
to treat the cancer patient.

This drug can close the tear drainage system of the eye, leading to eye
tearing.

Tamoxifen is a treatment prescribed to those undergoing breast cancer

treatments. Crystalline deposits in both the retina and cornea can be
deposited as a side effect of this medication.

Depression Medication
Generic Name: Venlafaxine, Fluvoxamine, Paraxetine , Mirtazapine,
Fluoxetine, Amitriptyline, Desipramine, Imipramine, Nortriptyline

Brand Name: Effexor; Luvox; Paxil; Prozac

Antidepressants are used to help people with several major depres sive
disorders, including:

anxiety disorders,
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
dysmenorrhoea,
dysthymia,
eating disorders, chronic pain,
migraines,
neuropathic pain and, in some cases,

104
 obsessive compulsive disorder,
snoring,
substance abuse and sleep disorders

However, like all medicine, antidepressants also have some dangerous side
effects, and some of them are as follows:

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that is prescribed to people with

depression problems. One of its side effect s includes the possibility of
optical nerve damage as well as glaucoma.
Venlafaxine can also lead to hemorrhage in the eye
Mirtazapine is yet another antidepressant frequently prescribed to
people with depression. It also can lead to damaged optic nerve an d
glaucoma.
Prozac (fluoxetine) can cause various problems in the eyes, including
double vision, blurry vision, dry eyes syndrome, eye pain, blepharitis
(eye lid infection), cataracts, glaucoma, ptosis as well as iritis.
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, desipramine,
imipramine, and nortriptyline are known to cause several problems
with the vision of a person , including causing loss of the ability to
focus closer objects.

To sum up, anti-depressants can cause the following eye and vision
problems:

Double Vision
Dilated Pupils
Blurred Vision
Glaucoma (angle closure glaucoma)
Cataracts
Blepharitis (eye lid infection)
Ptosis (Drooping eye lids)
Iritis (Inflammation of iris)
Optic Nerve Damage

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Diabetes Medication
Generic Name: thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone , rosiglitazone

Diabetes refers to a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high

blood glucose due to a number of reasons:

1. Inadequate production of insulin,

2. Lack of response from bodys cells to insulin ;
3. Both of the above.

Medication for diabetic people comes in numerous forms, including oral and
as injectables.

Diabetes is a disease that makes a person very vulnerable to all kinds of

diseases, including the eye ailment known as Diabetic Retinopathy which
basically results when the blood sugar levels cannot be kept down to normal
levels.

Numerous oral drugs which are used for diabetes are photosensitizing. A
photosensitizing agent (found in such a drug) is one which is excited by
specific wavelengths of light. Consuming this drug increases a persons
sensitivity to light (especially sunlight); these then absorb the incoming light
and carry out a photo -chemical reaction which alters the bodys tissues. This
leads to macular degeneration as well as cataracts.

Those people who are prescribed certain drugs known as thiazolidinediones,

pioglitazone and rosiglitazone have an increased risk of developing macular
edema by three to six times.

Dilating Eye (Pupils) Medicine

Mydriatics is the term that refers to dilating eye drops. These drops are used
to either dilate or enlarge the pupils of a persons eye so that an eye
specialist can see the inside of an eye during an examination.

These dilating drops work in three different ways as follows:

106
 1. They can temporarily paralyze those muscles that are responsible for
reducing the size of the pupil.
2. They can stimulate the muscles whose function is to make the iris
become wider.
3. They can prevent the pupil itself from adjusting to focus this is
called accommodation.

Once the pupils have been dilated, an eye specialist can them use his or her
instruments in order to analyze the eyes lens. The retina can also be seen,
and so can the optic nerve. Simply put, dilating the pupil gives an eye
specialist a clear view of the complete inner workings of your e ye.

The downside, however, is that these drops significantly increase the risk of
developing an angle closure glaucoma and can contribute to optic nerve
damage.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Generic Name: tadalafil, vardenafil hydrocholoride, sildenafil citrat e

Erectile dysfunction is a type of male sexual dysfunction that is common

among a lot of men. It is said to occur when a man experiences problems in
getting an erection, as well as keeping one. It is said to get worse with age ;
however, it is not considered to be a part of the aging process.

The use of the drugs for treating erectile dysfunction can have some severe
side effects on the eyes. Sudden loss of vision can occur, especially in
people who have previously had a heart attack.

Heart Medications
Generic Names: Amiodarone, Digoxin, Pentoxifylline

Numerous types of heart medication are available for a wide range of

cardiac-related issues.

Amiodarone is one that is known to cause certain changes to the cornea. It

can create a whorl-like pattern on the surface of the cornea. However, this

107
disappears when a person quits using this medication. This pattern causes no
apparent changes in a persons vision.

Digoxin is a drug that is used by a person experiencing heart failure or

irregularities in the heart. This drug is known to increase photosensitivity
(sensitiveness to light), thus leading to halos, glare and a yellowish tint in a
persons vision. Light flashes, blind spots and changes in color vision can
also be expected.

Pentoxifylline is used to help in improving the circulation throughout the

human circulatory system. On the downside, it has caused, and can cause,
hemorrhaging in the eye in some people.

A link has been found between use of amadarone and optic neuritis
(inflammation of the optic nerve). This is why it is essential for people using
this drug to have regular eye examinations throughout the course of the
drug.

High Cholesterol Medication

Generic Name: Simvastatin, Astrovastatin calcium

Brand Name: Zocor; Lipitor

Persistent high cholesterol le vels can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.

Statins are a group of medicines that are frequently used to treat high
cholesterol levels.

Simvastatin can lead to optic nerve damage as well as glaucoma. The use of
these drugs increases the chance of develop ing a cataract by 27 percent.

Hormone Replacement
Androgen and Estrogen are natural hormones; their replacement by synthetic
ones can lead to clotting of blood and reduced circulation of blood in the
eyes. Replacing the Estrogen hormone can also cause blespharospasm
(uncontrolled eye twitching)

108
Inflammation
NSAID or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs consists of a family of drugs
that are used to reduce inflammation. There side effects on eyes are
numerous, and use of these drugs can cause:

Dry Eye Syndrome

Cataracts
Retinal Hemorrhages

The NSAIDs are also photosensitizing and can make a person more
susceptible to cataracts and macular degeneration. These drugs can also
cause damage to the optic nerve.

Insomnia
Generic Name: Benzodiazepines (Alprazolam, Clonazepam, Clorazepam,
Diazepam,Florazepam, Lorazepam,Midazolam, Oxazepam, Temazepam,
Trazolam, ZaleplonZolpidem, Zopiclone )

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to people who complain of

insomnia. This group of drugs is known to cause blepharospasm (eye
twitching) and weakening of the ability to concentrate and memorize.

Malaria Medication
Generic Name: Chloroquine, Quinacrine, Hydroxychloroquine

Anti-malarial drugs such as those named above are known to cause several
changes in the cornea of the eye. A person may experience symptoms such as
glare, halos and have an increased sensitivity to light. In most cases, these
do not cause a reduction in the visual acuity of a person.

Chloroquine can, however, cause some serious problems. In some people, it

can lead to retinal detachment (leading to blindness), optic nerve
degeneration, reduction in the color vision and blurred vision. These effects
depend on the duration the medication was consumed for.

109
Quinine, if used by pregnant women, may cause an under -developed optic
nerve in the fetus leading to the birth of a child with under -developed vision
system.

Pain Relief Medication

Even the simplest of pain relief medication can have adverse effects on the
eyes. Aspirin, which is an antiplatelet drug, can incre ase the bleeding of the
eye and this is precisely why eye surgeons may recommend quitting use of
aspirin a few days prior to the surgical procedure.

The NSAID family (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) has numerous side

effects including an increased risk of developing cataracts, macular
degeneration, dry eyes syndrome, and even retinal hemorrhages if the drug
is used for extended periods of time.

Misusing (or overuse) of the drugs which are considered by some to be

harmless can actually damage the b ody, including the eyes. When used
excessively, these drugs can increase photo sensitiveness, lead to dry eyes,
corneal deposits and cataracts.

Psychiatric Medication
Psychiatric medication s are licensed psychoactive drugs that directly affect
the chemical balance of the brain and the nervous system. These medications
are prescribed to those people who have certain mental disorders. Due to
the fact that they have direct influence on the brain and the nervous system,
they can cause some severe side effects i n a number of people.

Certain psychiatric medication can lead to pigmentation of the conjunctiva,

cornea and the eye lids.

Antipsychotic medication considerably increases the chance of developing

angle closure glaucoma. Some drugs which are used to treat schizophrenia
are known to cause pigmentary retinopathy.

110
Steroids
Steroids are generally divided into two types: anabolic and corticosteroids.
As it was previously discussed, corticosteroids are used to reduce
inflammation in the body. They may also be us ed to treat breathing disorders
such as the asthma (see Asthma Medication).

Anabolic steroids, on the other hand, are synthetic steroids that are believed
to boost a bodys ability to produce muscles. Steroids are commonly used by
athletes and body builders.

Some of the adverse effects caused by steroids are as follows:

Some steroids, such as Glucocorticoids, are photosensitizing. They

increase a persons sensitivity to the sun and undertake a
photochemical reaction that would modify the tissue making a person
more vulnerable to cataracts and macular degeneration.
Steroids can contribute to the development of cataracts, glaucoma,
and lead to macular degeneration.
Prolonged use of steroids can cause the intraocular pressure to
increase by as much as 50 pe rcent. Cataracts formed by steroids are
extremely dense and cause loss of vision extremely quickly.
The increased intraocular pressure paves way for glaucoma . The
damage done by the increased pressure will remain even if a person
quits using steroids; however, the pressure itself will drop down to
normal levels.
Another major problem with use of steroids is the fact that they
increase the blood sugar levels and can thereby lead to diabetes. We
have already discussed how diabetes can contribute to numerous eye
problems.
Prednisone is a type of steroid that is very damaging to the eye. They
cause damage the optic nerve and in severe cases, damage it to an
extent that would simply sever the link between the brain and the
eyes.

111
Vitamins
Very high dosage of Vitamin A can lead to increased pressure of the fluid
around the brain, leading to swelling of the optic nerve, severe headaches
and distorted vision.

Weight Loss
Appetite suppressants are usually consumed by people trying to lose weight.
These suppressants can lead to dilated pupils, induce difficulty in focusing
on objects as well as leading to visual problems when reading.

Dry eye syndrome can also be caused by them and in severe cases, optic
nerve damage and/or glaucoma may follow.

112
Section 2
Treating Defective Vision

Chapter 6: Wearing Glasses: Is it safe?

Chapter 7: Laser Eye Surgery

113
Chapter 6: Wearing Glasses: Is it safe?

The purpose of this book is to help y ou understand the things that affect
your eye and, in turn, your vision. Eye glasses are unarguably the most
common method used by people to correct their vision. Glasses help people
in viewing objects as they normally would, regardless of whether they are
myopic or hyperopic. Vision problems associated with other eye disorders
can also be corrected by use of eye glasses.

What a lot of people do not r ealize is that glasses offer only a temporary
solution to their vision problems. In actuality, glasses are found to have
deteriorating effects on a persons eyes. Do you find this hard to believe?
How many people have you encountered whose eye sight just c ontinues to
deteriorate, requiring them to get a new prescription for their glasses?
Almost all of them, right? Glasses actually worsen the vision of a person.

There are numerous reasons and supporting evidence for this statement. In
this chapter, we will discuss how and why glasses deteriorate vision
problems.

114
The Optics of Eye Glasses
One of the most fundamental concepts of vision is that it is not static it
changes, constantly. This can be felt by a number of people, especially after
a long tiring day of performing tasks that may have required great levels of
concentration or perhaps after spending several hours in front of a computer
screen. This is when the eyes are tired and it becomes difficult to focus as
well as a person usually can.

Now the whole purpose of glasses is to correct the refractive error. Most of
the vision problems that occur due to refractive error cause the eyes lens to
incorrectly focus the incoming light. If the light is focused in front of the
retina, then myopia is said to occu r. On the other hand, if the light is
focused behind the retina, this implies hyperopia and a person will have
problems in focusing onto closer objects as compared to those that are
farther off.

The way glasses are designed to compensate for this refracti ve error is, to
say the least, not so versatile. Whenever these glasses are worn, the
refractive error must remain the same in order for them to work at their
peak efficiency. However, it was learned that a persons vision is not static;
rather, it changes even during the day. A person will have better vision after
a good nights sleep, as compared to when he or she is about to retire to
bed. These changes in the vision will occur continuously; however, the
corrective glasses will not be able to adapt to th e changing refractive error.
So in essence, even while wearing the glasses, you will experience some kind
of vision problems.

This situation is further deteriorated if your prescription was for 100

percent correction at the particular time of measurement. The eyes will
constantly try to adapt to the conditions that were prevalent at the time of
measurement. So rather than the glasses adjusting to your eyes, your eyes
will begin and try to adjust to the glasses.

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So if you had your eyes tested after work, y our eyes would have been quite
tired. Nonetheless, your glasses would have been created based on the
measurements at that specific time so you will simply be forcing your eyes
to become exactly the way they were at that time tired.

If this continues, w hat do you think will happen to your eyes? They will try
to adapt to the glasses, but the slight changes that occur on a daily basis in
the vision will be in conflict. Simply put, the eyes will be forced to
deteriorate in an attempt to get the glasses wor king right.

Minus Lenses for Reading

People who are myopic are usually prescribed concave or minus lenses to
help them see far-off objects. It has been proven that use of minus lenses
can actually deteriorate the vision. Myopic eyes (nearsighted) have to adjust
around 3 diopter lenses in order to read correctly from a normal reading
distance. Diopter is a measure of the power of a lens.

That being said, if a person wears a minus three ( -3) diopter lenses in order
to correct their distant vision, and begin reading with the same glasses, then
their eyes will have to adjust to the value of +3 (positive) diopters as well as
the 3 (negative) diopters. This means that the eyes will be required to
accommodate around 6 diopters for the duration the glasses are us ed to
read.

This is precisely what makes distant vision glasses harmful if they are used
for reading. Great amount of strain is put onto the eyes which in turn can
lead to diminished eye sight.

Glasses for near sight are prescribed in order to provide luc id vision from a
distance of 6 meters to infinity. Due to the fact that these classes are static
and do not adapt to changing circumstances, they will be out of alignment by
over 20 times if they are used for reading from a distance of 30 cm (100cm in
1 meter). If a person tries to focus on an object that is 3 meters away, the
glasses will help only partly (around 50 percent of the time).

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At this point in time, no glasses have been constructed which can adapt to
changing situations; for example, transition ing from reading to looking at
distance objects. A video camera, on the other hand, is capable of doing this
my moving the lens back and forth to properly focus on the relevant object.

Importance of the Optic Center of Eye Glasses

There is located a point in all lenses of eye glasses that provides the best
possible vision. They are constructed in a way which assumes that you are
always looking directly ahead of your eyes; whenever you look away from
this region, the lens tends to become more of a prism. This point is called
the optic center.

You may have observed the prism effect on pictures that are captured
through wide-angle lenses. It is edges of these images that are become
distorted and this is precisely what happens when a person tries to focus
on objects through any area outside that of the optic center.

The distortion of images, and in some case, the frame of the glasses itself
forces people to use the optic center for viewing purposes. Another common
practice to discourage the eyes from wandering away from this point is by
installing stronger lenses. However, this technique causes the vision to
deteriorate.

The optic center plays an important role when the lenses are being used for
reading. The glasses in this case are designed to be used with t he intent of
correcting the distance vision problems, so whenever a person looks at
distance objects, they do so through the optic center. On the other hand,
when a person uses the same spectacles for reading purposes, the eyes tend
to frequently exit th e region of the optic center as you read along the
lines. Except when reading glasses have been prescribed to you for reading,
the optic center would generally be more spaced out that it is supposed to
be. This brings about additional strain on the eyes an d eventually
contributes significantly to damaging the eyes.

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Another example of the damaging effects of glasses which can be mentioned
includes the use of near sight glasses while working on a computer. The
glasses will not be adjusted properly for the com puter screen that would be
at a distance of no more than 60 cm from the eyes. This will also alter the
way a computer screen affects the vision of a person.

Glasses and Their Effects on the Size of Eyes

Plenty of scientific evidence has been gathered that indicates that young
primates development of eyes was affected when lenses were fitted to
them.

Biologists at the New York University have found through extensive research
that use of a minus lens ( -) causes significant elongation of the eye ball in
other words, the near sight is deteriorated over time. Similar were the
results of using plus lenses (+).

Glasses: Annoyances and Inconvenience

Glasses are nothing more than a compromise. They offer only a temporary
solution a solution that actually worsens the eye sight as long as the
glasses are worn. Not only that, they also offer quite a few annoyances. Even
the simplest problem of them fogging up (caused by humidity changes) when
you go from one point to another; or the fact that they can be scratched , get
dirty or even break can be frustrating!

As we proceed further with the book, we will start discussing ways that will
help you to heal your eyes naturally, and permanently.

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Chapter 7: Laser Eye Surgery

Tremendous advancements have taken place in the methods used to perform

a laser eye surgery.
Traditional methods
involved use of a scalpel
to cut the tissues in the
eyes, and this method
carried the risk of
infections spreading.

The onset of laser

surgery techniques
brought about safer and
more efficient surgical
procedures to correct
vision problems. Laser eye surgery is also known as vision correction surgery
or even refractive surgery due to the fact that they correct refractive errors.

The majority of the laser eye surgery work by altering th e shape of the
cornea in order to ensure that the light which enters the eye is focused
correctly onto the retina. While other types of surgery go a step ahead and
replace the natural lens of the eye with a synthetic one.

It is also important to understan d that not everyone can undergo an eye

surgery. The following surgeries require that a persons eyes be healthy and
free from any eye disorders such as retinal diseases, corneal scars and
others. This leaves people with these diseases very few options one of
which is the natural techniques to heal eyes.

In this chapter, we will begin by discussing the types of laser surgery

available and then we will proceed to talk about the risks that come with
them.

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Types of Laser Eye Surgery
Several types of surgery a re available and they are as follows:

LASIK
LASIK is short for laser in-situ keratomileusis. This technique is used to
correct vision in people who are either myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic
(farsighted) or have an eye condition called astigmatism.

LASIK surgery is carried out in order to reshape the cornea to ensure that it
can correctly focus incoming light onto the retina. Compared to other
surgical techniques, a flap is created into the outer layer of the cornea so
that the underlying corneal tissue can be reached.

A computer imaging technology called wavefront technology can be used

along with LASIK to generate a comprehensive image of the cornea.

PRK
PRK is short for photorefractive keratectomy. This method of laser surgery is
utilized to treat mild-to-moderate myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. A
laser is used to reshape cornea during the procedure. The laser that is used
to perform the surgery is a cool pulsating beam of UV light. Unlike the LASIK
eye surgery, this laser is only used on the surfa ce of the cornea and no flap
is needed to be created in the outer layers.

LASEK
LASEK is short for laser epithelial keratomileusis. It is actually a
modification of the PRK surgery. A flap (epithelial) is needed to be created
followed by loosening the ep ithelial cells themselves by an alcohol solvent.
Once this has been done, a laser is used to begin the process of reshaping
the cornea. The flap is then allowed to heal by securing it with a soft contact
lens.

LASEK surgery can be used to treat astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia.

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RLE
RLE is short for refractive lens exchange, also referred to as clear lens
extraction. As its name implies, its a procedure carried out to replace the
natural lens of the eye. A small incision is made through which the lens is
extracted and replaced with synthetic lens (plastic or silicone). RLE offers a
way to treat severe farsightedness or nearsightedness in a person.

EpiLasik
The EpiLasik surgery procedure is quite similar to PRK in the sense that it
requires removal of a ve ry thin layer of the cornea before reshaping it. It is
up to the surgeon to replace the thin layer or leave it as it is. Again, the
area is secured using a soft contact lens to allow healing.

PRELEX
PRELEX is short for presbyopic lens exchange . This procedure allows
implantation of a multifocal lens to correct an eye disorder called presbyopia
(for more information, see the chapter on Eye Conditions).

Intacs
Intacs is also known as ICR, or intracorneal ring segments. A small incision is
made in the cornea a nd two crescent-shaped rings made of plastic are placed
on the outer edges of the cornea. The purpose of these rings is to flatten
the cornea, and thereby alter the way the light is focused onto the retina in
the eye.

Mild myopia can be treated using th is procedure; however, other laser

procedures are now increasingly being used . On the other hand, keratoconus
is the most common eye disorder that is treated by this method.

Phakic Intraocular Lens Implants

The phakic intraocular lens implants are specific ally designed for those
people who have nearsightedness to an extent that is untreatable by either
PRK or LASIK. Such an implant is inserted by created a small incision at the
corneas edge. The implant is then attached to the iris . The only major

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difference between this procedure and that of the RLE is that the natural
lens of the eye is left intact rather than removed as in RLE.

AK
AK is short for astigmatic keratotomy. This isnt exactly a laser eye surgery
procedure; rather, it is a surgical procedure specifically carried out to
correct astigmatism. The shape of the cornea is altered by astigmatism this
procedure attempts to correct it by making a single or double incisions on
the parts of the cornea considered to be the steepest. These incisions cause
the cornea to relax and begin to return to its original, rounded shape.

RK
RK is short for radial keratotomy. Some time before the advent of more
advanced laser surgery procedures, this was among the most commonly used
procedures to correct myopia. RK h as now been rendered into an obsolete
procedure and is rarely utilized especially ever since the LASIK and PRK
were introduced.

Side Effects of Laser Surgery

Laser eye surgeries have offered a promising way of getting rid of the most
common eye disorders and vision problems. However, these advantages do
come at a risk. Here are some things that need to be thoroughly considered
before opting for a laser surgery procedure:

Infections and Delays in Healing

There are considerably fewer chances of developing a n infection after an eye
surgery, as compared to the traditional methods of using a scalpel; however,
it is not unheard of. Infections following PRK occur in a very small number of
people. This number is even smaller for those who have undergone LASIK
surgery.

Nevertheless, if an infection does result due to the eye surgery, additional

discomfort along with increased requirement of healing time should be
expected.

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Under or Over Correction
The chances of success of an eye surgery cannot be precisely predict ed, at
least not until the eye has fully healed. It may be required of patients to
continue wearing their eye glasses or contact lenses even after the
procedure has been completed. Any under corrections in the surgical
procedure can be followed up by yet a nother procedure, termed a laser
enhancement.

Worsening of Vision
In most of the cases, the vision of a person improves and he or she may not
need to use any contact lenses or eye glasses anymore. Nevertheless, there
are also instances where the already ba d vision is turned worse. Generally,
this is a result of removal of irregular tissue or perhaps due to excessive
corneal haze.

Excessive Corneal Haze

Corneal haze is a part of the natural healing process of the eye, following a
surgical procedure. In most cases, it has no adverse effect in the long term
on a persons vision. There are instances, however, where this corneal haze
begins to distort the vision. A second surgery may be needed to correct
corneal haze problems in such cases.

Regression
In several cases, the improvements in a persons vision following an eye
surgery begin to diminish over time. When this happens, an eye specialist
may recommend to the person that he or she undergo a second eye surgery
to revive the vision and achieve the best possib le results.

This makes it clear that even a surgery sometimes cannot heal the vision
permanently. There is no alternate to natural healing.

Halos
An optical effect called the halo effect sometimes occurs following an eye
surgery, especially in low light co nditions. This effect causes the untreated

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areas of the cornea to produce a second image. This tends to become
problematic especially at night, and can severely affect a persons ability to
safely drive at night.

Damage or Loss of Flap

As we already know, the LASIK surgery procedure requires a flap to be
created on the side of the cornea. This flap may require repositioning after
the surgery; this repositioning may need to be carried out within the initial
few days, or perhaps even a few weeks.

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Section 3 Natural Ways to Improve
Eyesight

Chapter 8: Bates Method of Improving Eyesight

Chapter 9: Importance of a Healthy Diet

Chapter 10: Exercises for Improving Vision

125
Chapter 8: Bates Method of Improving
Eyesight
Dr William Horatio Bates was born in Newark, New
Jersey in the year 1860. He earned his medical degree
in 1885 and began his exceptional career by working
in numerous hospitals around New York City, as well
as by practicing privately.

He was a lecturer of ophthalmology at the New York

Postgraduate Hospital and Medical School for 5 years.
It was during this time that he also served as an
advisor to New York States schoo l boards.

Before the onset of the 20 th century, Dr William Bates

had grown to become quite discontented with the
prevailing ophthalmological practices; this is what
led him to began his extensive research into the numerous disorders of the
eye and how such things affected the eye sight of a person. It is precisely
this research which led to the formation of The Bates Method.

The cause of his questioning the conventional methods of ophthalmology

began when he noticed that some of his patients who had refrac tive errors in
their eyes had begun to have an improved eye sight, in some cases, the
changes were to such an extent that all the symptoms of shortsightedness or
farsightedness totally reversed.

It was due to this that he began questioning the most basic a ssumptions of
the accepted ophthalmological pr actices. It was, and still is, commonly
believed that a person with refractive errors could only be prescribed eye
glasses to resolve the symptoms.

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A new set of theories regarding eye sight were created by Dr William Bates
based on which he developed a unique method that could help people
improve their eye sight and overcome their vision -related problems.

Over a century has passed since Dr William H. Bates developed his theories
about eye sight and formulated a method to heal the eyes; nonetheless, his
theories are taught worldwide, with an increasing number of eye specialists
and professionals turning to the Bates method in order to heal their own
patients.

His method has been attempted on people with myopia, hyperopia,

astigmatism, lazy eye along with more severe diseases such as macular
degeneration with exceptional results.

This chapter will discuss what Bates method is, and how it can be used to
improve eye sight in natural ways without relying on glasse s or contact
lenses, which are nothing but a temporary aid.

The Bates Method

The Bates Method is a simple way of naturally
improving eye sight. Due to the fact that it is a
natural way and causes no harm to a person, it
has become quite popular among many eye care
professionals. It is continuing to be recognized
and respected even after years of never ending
debates and controversies.

However, there are scientists that still are unable to grasp the unique
theories of vision which were presented by Dr Willi am H. Bates.

The fundamental theories drafted by Dr Bates can be summarized as follows:

1. The shape of the eye ball constantly changes as a result of

continuously shifting conditions of the eye.

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 2. The focus of the eye is also regarded as being in a continuous flux, and
this is due to the fact that the eye is looking at both close and distant
objects simultaneously in almost all situations.

Despite being in a state of constant flux, the human eye can provide vision
because of its ability to continuously adapt the eyes ability to adapt is
called eye accommodation.

Nevertheless, problems arise when the eyes ability to adjust (eye

accommodation) begins to deteriorate. This deterioration can be due to a
number of factors, some of which are as follows:

Weakening of the eye muscles

Poor lighting conditions
Damaged macula

That been said, eye is just like other organs of the body, and are prone to
disease and disorders of all kinds. Nevertheless, when the eyes ability to
adapt reduces, this causes blurred vision.

It is a scientific fact that is accepted by all that distorted vision (blurriness)

is caused when the light entering the eye is improperly focused and does not
reach the point in retina where it is supposed to reach. If it is focused at the
front of retina, myopia is said to occur. When it is focused behind the retina,
hyperopia is said to occur. Therefore, for perfect vision, the light must be
focused precisely onto the retina.

Conventional Way of Treating Vision

The conventional way of treating vision invo lves prescribing eye glasses to
correct the eye sight. The corrective lenses are prescribed by eye specialists
and opticians to serve two main purposes:

1. To help the eye see clearly

2. To reduce eye strain as a result of distorted vision (by correcting it
using lenses)

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This convention idea is based on the fact that it is the lens of the eye that is
to be blamed for incorrectly focusing the incoming light onto the retina. This
is why corrective lenses in the form of eye glasses or contact lenses are
prescribed to basically fulfill the shortcomings of the eyes natural lens.

Bates Treatment Method

Dr William H Bates had the courage to stand up and go against the
conventional beliefs of ophthalmology. He questioned the validity of such a
method (of conventional method) by stating that due to the eyes being in a
constantly changing state, corrective lenses that are constant simply cannot
help in healing the eyes; rather, such correction techniques would only
increase the strain on a persons eyes.

This is because by using corrective lenses which were constant, the eyes
would be forced to see through them no matter how varying the conditions
are; thereby straining the eyes by forcing them to focus in such situations.

Dr William Bates theory emphasized on the fact tha t the value of the
prescribed glasses (or contact lenses) may be suitable in one situation but
not in another, considering the changing nature of the eye sight.

Also, restricting the eyes and forcing them to use the corrective lenses
would deprive their ab ility of adjusting naturally (eye accommodation),
which in turn would lead to a continuous deterioration as long as the
corrective lenses are worn.

Dr Bates treatment method was based on the idea that refractive errors
were not due to the fault in the eye s natural lens, but due to the distorted
shape of a persons eye ball.

For myopia to develop, he believed that the compression of the eye ball
caused the lens to become flattened. As for hyperopia, it was the elongation
of the eye ball which causes the l ens to become thicker.

129
Based on these theoretical ideas, his treatment method believes that eye
relaxation is the only natural way of restoring vision without any side
effects.

Circle of Eye Strain

A normal, healthy eye ball is almost perfectly round. Dr William Bates stated
that when a person strains their eyes to see something, their eye balls
shape begins to deform. This deformation of the natural shape causes a
reduction in vision, which in turn causes the person to strain the eyes more
in an attempt to clearly see. The additional strain further degrades vision
and causes a person to enter a vicious, on -going circle of poor vision.

It is the Bates Method which aims at bringing an end to this circle.

The problem starts when one realizes that they canno t consciously control
the muscles of their eyes. Humans do not have the ability to tell their
muscles not to change the shape of the eye ball. However, what they can do
is control these muscles unconsciously through developing awareness.

Here is a comparison between Dr Bates theories and method of improving

eye sight and the conventional ophthalmological theories:

Dr William Bates Method Conventional Methods

There is no denying that deterioration of vision results due to incorrect
refraction. This could be due to the incoming light being focused either in
front of, or behind the retina.
THEORY: The problem of deteriorated THEORY: The problem of deteriorated
vision is caused by a distortion of the vision is caused by the distortion of
natural shape of the eye ball. the eyes natural lens.
SOLUTION: Normal vision can be SOLUTION: Vision can be improved by
restored by relaxing the muscles using corrective lenses (eye glasses
around the eyes in order to prevent or contact lenses).
them from altering the shape of the
eye balls.

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RECOMMENDATION: Use of corrective RECOMMENDATION: Wear glasses to
lenses prevents the eyes natural get clear vision, if they create
ability to adjust (eye accommodation) problems and distort vision, get a
to differing conditions. The use of new prescription.
eye glasses or contact lenses forces
the eyes to adjust only to the
glasses, no matter what the
conditions. According to Bates
method, allowing the eye muscles to
relax can greatly help in improving
the vision of a person to such an
extent that corrective lenses may not
be required.

Principles of Clear Vision

The following principles of clear vision are the focal point of the Bates
Method:

1. Central Fixation
The central fixation technique tells us to try to focus only on a single po int
at any given time. To demonstrate, get your hands onto any printed reading
material, and:

1. Focus only on a single word on the page of your reading material; let
the other words become blurry around that word.
2. Next, try to focus onto a single letter of that particular word, and see
if you can see it more clearly than other letters of the word.
3. Once you have succeeded at that, proceed to look at the other letters
of that word one after the other.
4. When you reach the last letter of that word, focus on the blank which
is there between that word and the next.
5. Continue the same steps by beginning to focus on the next word that
follows.

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The whole objective of the technique called the central fixation is to help a
person in focusing onto a small portion. This is b ecause it is the macula that
is responsible for viewing the fine details of any image. By practicing this
principle technique, a person can enhance the macula s ability to focus.

2. Shifting
Shifting is a technique in which a person trains the eye to focus on one
object to another repeatedly . The difference between the objects should be
that one object be closer to the person, and the other farther away. The
cycle should be continued with eyes moving back and forth between the
objects. This technique helps in relieving the tension and reducing the eye
strain. Constant blinking should be done in order to keep the eye clean
during this practice.

3. Sunning
Sunning is a technique which is used to help the eyes to adapt to varying
intensity of lights, especially brigh ter ones. This technique is performed by a
person closing their eyes and gazing at the sun for few seconds. Then the
person looks away towards clouds (or the sky, if there are no clouds) and
opens the eyes for a few seconds.

The process is repeated with o pening and closing the eyes at appropriate
moments. Sunning technique is known to increase sharpness of vision along
with reducing or preventing squinting that can cause eye strain.

4. Relaxation
Relaxing the eyes is of a core importance to Bates method of im proving
vision. A person should see complete blackness when the eyes are closed. If
gray or yellowish colors are seen when the eyes are closed, then this
indicates that the eye is not relaxed completely.

Several exercises will be taught in the last chapter of the book that will
assist you in improving your vision using the Bates Method and will go a long
way in relieving eye strain.

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Chapter 9: Importance of a Healthy Diet

The role of nutrition and its effects on vision has been the center of
attention for quite some time now. Detailed research has been conducted to
find out how particular foods affect the eye, especially how certain minerals
and vitamins influence eye diseases such as AMD (age -related macular
degeneration) and cataracts (clouding of the cornea).

A good, balanced nutrition is vital for not only the well -being of the human
body as a whole, but also specifically for the eyes. After all, a healthy human
body will have the strength to fight off any ailments that it may be inflicted
with.

Among one of the most significant example s that portray the importance of
good nutrition for healthy eyes is an eye condition called xerophthalmia.
This is a condition which is common in developing countries and is known to
cause blindness in childhood. This condition results from a lack of Vitamin A
intake, which could be prevented by consuming fresh vegetables and protein
including meat, fish, cheese, eggs, milk, yoghurt, pulses and grains.

133
However, many people in developing countries are deprived of such food s
due to prevailing poverty.

Nutrition for the Eyes

Numerous studies have revealed that antioxidant vitamins found in numerous
foods have an important link with the health of the eyes. Such vitamins have
immense significance in keeping the eyes cells and tissues healthy.

The most important of all antioxidant vitamins include Vitamins A, C and E.

These vitamins are found in numerous fruits and vegetables and should be
part of a persons daily food intake:

Brussel Sprouts
Dried Apricots
Grapefruit
Green Beans
Green Leafy Vegetables (Spinach, lettuce, kale etc.)
Green Peas
Kiwis
Oranges
Peppers
Carrots (Raw)
Tomatoes

They are also found in abundant quantities in daily products (milk, yoghurt,
and butter), eggs, seeds and nuts.

Lutein and Zeaxanthin

There are two types of antioxidants, known as carotenoids (called Lutein,
pronounced Loo-teen) and Zeaxanthin (pronounced zay-aa-za-thin). Studies
have shown that those people who have generous intakes of these two
antioxidants have a decreased risk of devel oping age-related macular
degeneration.

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The antioxidants, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, are found in both vegetables and
fruits. You should consume the following vegetables and fruits regularly and
make them a part of your daily diet routine:

Bilberries
Green, Leafy Vegetables (lettuce,
spinach, kale, broccoli)
Mangoes
Yellow Peppers

The following foods are rich in Zeaxanthin:

Broccoli
Spinach
Tangerines Figure 11: Carrots are a rich source
of Vitamin A
Oranges
Eggs
Lettuce (not iceberg lettuce)
Corn

The above listed food and vegetables are also rich in Vitami ns A, C, and E to
varying degrees.

Important Vitamin and Minerals

A balanced diet consists of a concoction of vegetables, fruits, meat and dairy
products that are consumed on a day to day basis. If a well -balanced diet is
made part of a persons nutritiona l intake, then that person will definitely
have the required amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for functioning
at optimal levels.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is perhaps the most important vitamin for the eyes. It is absolutely
vital for good, clear vision as it helps in protecting the cornea of the eye.
Vitamin A drops are also used to treat dry eye syndrome.

135
 Vitamin A has also showed up to be effective in treating certain types of eye
inflammation conditions.

It is also know to reduce the risk of

age-related macular degeneration, a
disease that results in severe
deterioration of the vision.

If vitamin A is consumed along with

Lutein (see above), then vision may be
prolonged in those people who are
suffering from an eye condition called

Figure 12: Leafy vegetables are a great source of the retinitis pigmentosa.
numerous vitamins and minerals required for a
healthy life
Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Vitamin
A:

Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Dark, Leafy Green Vegetables
Squash
Romaine Lettuce
Dried Apricots
Cantaloupe Melons
Sweet Red Peppers
Tuna Fish
Mangoes

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water soluable vitamin that is an ext remely effective
antioxidant. It helps in keeping the eyes healthy by protecting numerous
parts of the eye from getting damaged by UV light.

Antioxidants are those substances that protect cells from the damaging
effects of oxidation.

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Barbara Gollman, who is an expert on functional foods and phytochemicals is
also the co-author of the book called The Phytopia Cookbook: A World of
Plant-Centered Cuisine, said:

"Vitamin C might help prevent cataracts or delay their development, but

studies do not confirm this yet" , Cataracts, a clouding of all or part of the
lens of the eye, cause blurred or dimmed vision and unusual sensitivity to
light.

Figure 13: Citrus fruits are a great source of Vitamin C

Most of the American population con sumes the minimum requirement of

vitamin C (daily intake) of 75 mg for women, and 90 mg for men. However,
certain studies have suggested that as much as 300 mg may be required to
protect the eyes from cataracts.

Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Vitamin C:

Broccoli

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 Brussels Sprouts
Guava
Kohlrabi
Mango
Papaya
Pineapple
Raspberries
Red Bell Peppers
Strawberries

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and a strong antioxidant. It is believed
that it may help in preventing development of cataracts as well as age-
related macular degeneration. Vitamin E is found in abundance our food
supply, and is found in high concentrations in vegetable oils.

Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Vitamin E:

Almonds
Cottonseed Oil
Fortified Cereals
Hazelnuts
Papaya
Peanut Butter
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower Seed Kernels
Wheat Germ Oil
Wheat Germ

Zinc
Zinc plays a very important role for the healthy development of eyes and in
their maintenance. Zinc is found in intense concentrations in the eye and is
vital for retina. The requirement for zinc increases as we age; therefore, it is
important that sufficient intake of zinc is ensured.

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Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Zinc:

Almonds
Black-Eyed Peas
Brown Rice
Chicken
Garbanzo Beans
Ground Beef
Milk
Sunflower Seeds
Tofu
Wheat Germ

Beta-Carotene
Beta-Carotene helps in night vision and keeps the vision at optimal levels.
Beta-Carotene, after it is consumed, is converted into Vitamin A ( excellent
for eyes) and can be obtained easily through a normal, healthy diet. This is
why it is not necessary to have beta-carotene supplements.

Fruits and Vegetables Rich in Beta-Carotene:

Apricots
Beet Greens
Cantaloupe Melon
Carrots
Collard Greens
Kale
Papaya
Red Bell Pepper
Romaine Lettuce
Spinach
Sweet Potatoes
Turnip Greens
Winter Squash

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Chapter 10: Basic Exercises for Improving
Vision

Healthy eyes are undoubtedly one of the most

valued assets any person can have. With so many
factors out there that contribute to the
deterioration of vision, one cannot be too
cautious in the attempt to protect the eyes and
the vision. What is more disappointing is the fact
that wearing corrective lenses (eye glasses or
contact lenses) actually contributes to the
deterioration of vision.

The Bates Method emphasizes on the importance

of relaxing the eyes in order to help in restoring
the vision as much as possible. Dr William H. Bates believed that people
should do away with their glasses and that they adopt a healthy lifestyle
along with abandoning incorrect habits and ways of using the eyes.

We have already discussed the importance o f essential vitamins and

nutrients in the previous chapter. The focus of this chapter is to help you
learn about the exercises that help in eliminating the said incorrect habits
and to assist the eyes in restoring vision, naturally.

One thing that you shou ld keep in mind is that these exercises will take time
to show results, and will require patience and consistency from your side,
along with determination if you are to see the positive results.

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Exercise 1 Breathing
The way a person breathes is vital to the
overall health of the person as well as the
health of their eyes. Controlled breathing
empowers a person to be in command of the
body. When a person takes a smooth, deep
breath, the lungs begin to expand as the air
makes its way into them. The deep breath
ensures that maximum oxygen content is
transported to the lungs, which then extract
it to be used by the bodys cells through the
blood stream.

However, there are some people who take

very shallow breaths, which is opposite to
the way it should be.

This exercise will help you practice a correct way of breathing that will help
you relax and in turn, will benefit the overall health in the positive sense.

Instructions:

1. You can choose to sit down on the floor, on a chair, or even

stand with the knees bent slightly. Choose a position that makes
you comfortable, and make sure you are in a quiet room.
2. Shut your eyes, gently.
3. Concentrate on your breathing. Pay special attention to the
rhythm of your breathing.
4. Take a deep breath, inhaling through the nose wh ile keeping your
shoulders loose and drooped. You should inhale at a steady pace
and fill up the lungs as much as you can.
5. Hold the breath for about 5 seconds.
6. Begin exhaling at a slow, steady pace through the mouth by
pushing from the bottom of your lung s. You will feel your

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 stomach flatten, do not squeeze the air out rather, push it out
from the bottom of the lungs.
7. Wait for a minute or two to allow your lungs to rest, and then
proceed to the next step.
8. When you are ready, repeat the process of inhalin g through the
nose and exhaling through the mouth, making sure that you push
the air out from the bottom of the lungs, and not by flattening
your chest.
9. During this exercise, you should concentrate on the rhythm of
your breathing continuously.
10. Move your body occasionally in order to prevent locking up of
the muscles.
11. At the end of the exercise (after approximately 3 minutes of
controlled breathing), open your eyes slowly and do not focus on
any specific thing. Just let your eyes adjust on their own.

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Exercise 2 Affirmations of Vision
Having a correct, optimistic attitude is vital for improving you vision. The
mind and the eyes have a really close bond, and you can use this to your
advantage by training your mind to
view perfectly.

This is an exercise that has more to

do with the mind than the eyes
themselves. However, the secondary
effect of this exercise will be on the
eyes.

The following affirmations will help

the mind to get in the right form
which is necessary for naturally
improving your eye sight. These
affirmations are divided into three
categories: Present, Future and
Natural.

Present Affirmations
I see clearly
My eyes are powerful
My eyes are calm
My eyes are strain-free
I am making by eyes free of strain by releasing tension
My facial muscles are relaxed
I am curing my eyes

Future Affirmations
I will enhance my eye sight
I will make vision to become sharper than ever
I will make my eyes to focus more naturally
I will completely get rid of any eye strain

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 I will heal my eyes
I will make my vision become sharp

Natural Affirmations
I have crystal clear eye sight
My eye sight is improving naturally
I have the ability to improve my eye sight
My vision is as sharp as it can be
Focusing my eyes is becoming easier
I take good care of my eyes
I have been born with healthy and strong eyes
I love to relax the muscles of my eyes
My eye sight can be improved in natural ways
Taking good care of my eyes is extremely important

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Exercise 3 Palming
Palming is an extremely effective technique that helps the eyes to relax. You
can carry out this exercise wherever and whenever you want to. If done
correctly, you will feel as if all the tension is being drained from your body.

Instructions:

1. To begin exercising, sit down on a chair with yo ur elbows placed on a

desk. You should then cup your palms and place them over your eyes.
Make sure you do not press onto the eyes; all that is required is that
you place your hand gently.
2. Let your shoulders to relax and let yourself sink into the darkness .
3. Concentrate on the gentle, warm feeling of your hands on your eyes.
You must make your mind believe that you will improve your eye sight
in a natural way, without relying on any glasses.
4. You should make yourself feel as if your intuition and psychic
awareness abilities are being energized. This is important, because the
Bates Method requires that you train your mind to have a semblance of
control.
5. Maintain this posture and state of mind for as long as practically
possible.

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Exercise 4 Figure Eights
The aim of this exercise is to increase the flexibility of your eye muscles in a
natural and relaxed manner.

Instructions:

1. Take two deep breaths slowly and steadily.

2. You can choose to stand, or sit with your feet being approximately a
shoulder-width apart. Keep your hands at your sides. The knees should
be allowed to slightly bend.
3. Now imagine as if you have a figure of number 8, lying horizontally
approximately 15 feet away from you.
4. Let your eyes wander along the horizontal figure of 8 without allowing
your head to move. Begin this in one direction first, followed by the
same in the opposite.
5. Keep breathing at a slow, steady pace while continuing to blink your
eyes frequently to keep them fresh and clean.
6. Feel the tension in your jaw, and allow it to escape .

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Exercise 5 Scanning
Staring is an unhealthy habit as it tends to freeze the eyes natural energy as
well as the muscle, thereby hindering the blood flow. On the other hand, the
technique of scanning is opposite to that of staring.

Replace the habit of staring with the scanning technique by following these
instructions:

1. Take two deep breaths slowly and steadily.

2. You can choose to stand, sit or freely move around.
3. When you look at any object, do not let your eyes to freeze onto it and
focus; rather, let them glide over the object as if you were using your
eyes to paint a work of art.
4. Keep the breathing steady.
5. As you let your eyes glide from one object to another, do not allow
them to fixate on any single object. Continue blinking normally to keep
the eyes fresh and clean.
6. Once scanning becomes a habit, you will feel that your eyes glide
effortlessly and without any tension at all.

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Chapter 11: Eye Training Techniques
Just like any other part of the body, eyes have muscles that can become
strained and tired. If you have ever gone a long period of time without
exercising, then had to sprint or lift something extremely heavy, you are well
aware of how weak your muscles can become from a sedentary lifestyle.
Eyes are no different - if they are not exercised regu larly, they will be far
less resilient.

What follows are some techniques that anyone can try to improve their eye
muscle endurance and improve eyesight in general. Each technique will list
its requirements (whether it uses your eyes only, or necessitates additional
movement or materials) and its main benefits. As a word of warning: for any
technique that requires your hands to touch your eyes, as a preliminary step
you should always wash your hands. Natural skin oils and any other
substances can cause pa in or even damage to your eyes.

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Technique 1: Better Blinking

Requirements: eyes only

Benefits: endurance, relief

Yes - simply blinking can be

helpful for your eyes. Unless
you are reading this on an
original Amazon Kindle,
chances are you are staring
at a bright computer screen
of some sort. While using a
computer, tablet, or smartphone, people tend to blink far less than normal,
which causes the eyes and thus the brain to strain due to a combinati on of
lack of moisture and overexposure to light and in formation.

1. You must train your eyes to blink more often subconsciously. To start,
force yourself to blink once every four seconds for 2 -3 minutes.
Repeat this at least every hour.
2. After a day of this, set up a webcam or ask a friend to observe you
while you are engaged with a computer, tablet, television, or other
device. Count how many times you blink in a minute.
3. If you are blinking between 10 and 15 times per minute, you are in
great shape. Most people blink two to three times a min ute while
using a computer. If your number is less than 10, resume step 1 until
it becomes natural to you.
Step 1 can also be used for quick relief of strained eyes. Do not blink
more than once every three seconds, as this can have the reverse
effect over a long period of time.
Try applying this technique in conjunction with any others where it is
applicable.

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Technique 2: Infinity

Requirements: eyes,
optionally a drawing
or print out of the
infinity symbol

Benefits: endurance,
flexibility

With this exercise,

you will be tracing
an imaginary (or
real) infinity symbol,
or a sideways number 8. It is important that the 8 is sideways, as this is how
your eyes are aligned - tracing a vertical one may cause strain. Using a
drawing or print out may increase foc us as well - if you wish to use one,
print a bold number 8 in black that takes up the entire page.

1. Sit or stand ten feet (about the length of two people laying down) from
a blank wall in a well-lit room.
2. If you printed the 8, tape it side ways to the wall. Otherwise, take a
moment to imagine the symbol on the wall in front of you.
3. Begin slowly tracing the figure with your eyes. Try not to let your eyes
speed up as they cross the middle intersection - this is a natural
reaction. You may speed up after a few seconds, but do not move your
eyes too quickly.
4. After a minute of this, reverse your path. Repeat this for six minutes
(three minutes total of each direction).

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Technique 3: Switching Focus

Requirements: eyes, hand

and/or situationally placed
objects

Benefits: muscle endurance,

visual acuity, faster
focusing,

If you have ever seen a

camera switch focus to a
different object, you have
witnessed this technique. It
can be done anywhere, and
for the opportunistic (or
lazy), can even be done
without the use of your
hands.

1. Find an object or
surface that is at least ten
but no more than twenty feet away from you. Anything closer or
further will strain your eyes.
2. Extend your arm as far as you can toward the object or surface a nd
hold up a finger. Alternatively, if there is another object in your line
of sight that would be at the same distance as your finger, you may use
that. Windows work excellently for this - especially if they have
reflections, as you can also focus on th ose.
3. Focus on the near object for five seconds. Breathe deeply and
regularly - eyes benefit from oxygen from the bloodstream just like any
other part of your body.
4. Switch your focus to the far object for five seconds. Remember to
breathe.

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5. Repeat this for three minutes or so (36 sets in total, or 18 for each
object).
You will benefit most from this by doing many short repetitions per -
day, rather than a few long sessions.

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Technique 4: Palming

Requirements:
eyes, hands

Benefits:
relaxation, relief,
other (non-eye
related)

This technique can

be used as a quick
way to relieve
strain or a daily routine to fend it off before it happens. Especially for
professionals who spend great amounts of time in front of a computer, a
simple five minute exercise may refresh and extend your visual and mental
focus.

1. Sit somewhere comfortable and quiet. Dimly lit (not dark) areas that
transition slowly into well-lit areas are best for this. The ideal setting
would be a kitchen table with lights that can be grad ually brightened.
2. If possible, rest your elbows on a table/desk. If you have no surface,
sit with your back straight - this will keep your arms from getting tired
in the next step.
3. Rest your head in your palms so that the heel of each palm is just
below your eye and your eyes are completely encased, yielding total
darkness. Do NOT put pressure on your eyes - if you feel pressure,
adjust your hands so that the pressure is on your bone instead. If you
are sitting up straight, do not bend your neck - bring your palms up to
your face.
4. Breathe slowly in through your nose, hold your breath for one second,
then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this 20 -30 times.
5. Slowly remove your palms from your eyes. Wait five seconds, then
slowly open your eyes. Gra dually transition into a lighter area.

153
 This should be repeated at least once a day. If you work a desk job,
try palming before work, on your breaks, and after work. Aside from
the ocular benefits, the darkness, silence, and regulated breathing will
calm your nerves and relax your mind.

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Technique 5: Tracing

Requirements: eyes only

Benefits: muscle endurance, focus,

visual acuity

Similar to Infinity, this technique

involves following the contours of
objects in your line of vision. By
default, most peoples eyes will not
trace, but rather jump from point to
point or remain fixed on a point.
This can cause strain and will tire
your eyes out quickly. After
practicing, it will become natural to
you.

1. Choose one object with interesting sha pes, such as a wooden chair or a
dormant tree. Try not to use drawings or images - three dimensional
objects are best.
2. Find a starting point anywhere on the object. Sweep your eye slowly
along any visual lines as if you were drawing it on paper. Do not let
your eye jump. This may be difficult at first.
3. Continue this for a couple of minutes. You may switch to other objects
if you wish. Remember to blink and breathe regularly, as this activity
can require a bit of concentration for beginners.
This method of looking allows you to collect more information about
what you are looking at, as well as move your eyes without straining
them. It will become second -nature after a while. Try also doing it
spontaneously as well throughout the day.

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Technique 6: Peripheral Exercise

Requirements: eyes
only

Benefits: flexibility,
muscle endurance

At some point in
history, the myth
developed that
looking toward the
extremities of ones
vision could cause ocular damage. It is actually the opposite; in doing so,
you are conditioning your eye muscles to be more comfortable in a wider
range of movement. Of course, it must be done properly, or it may simply
end up straining the muscles - think again about the seden tary
sprinting/lifting example.

1. In a well-lit room, sit up straight in a chair, facing forward. Ideally,

you should be five or more feet from a blank wall with nothing or very
little else in your field of vision.
2. Very slowly look at your left arm. Move your focus up your arm to
your shoulder until you are at the extreme corner of your vision. Do
not turn your head or move your body, and remember to blink.
3. Hold your vision here for ten seconds or until you begin to feel strain
at the top of your eyes. Do not look away - close your eyes slowly,
then center your vision. Doing so will prevent excess strain. Open
your eyes when they are facing forward again.
4. Repeat this with your right side.
5. Do this three times for each side. Repeat 2 -3 times per day as desired.
Try increasing the amount of t ime spent at the extreme by five seconds
after several sessions.

156
 To increase your vertical range, try repeating this exercise instead
using your upper lip and eyebrows. Do not worry if your eyes
accidentally cross - once again, the belief that doing so wi ll cause
damage to your eyes is a myth.

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Technique 7: Tracking

Requirements: eyes,
hands

Benefits: focus, muscle

endurance, visual acuity

This is yet another

technique that will allow
your eyes to quickly
change focus and see objects in greater detail. It is particularly useful for
training close-range vision, and may aid in teaching your eyes (physically)
how to perform the tracing technique described earlier.

1. Sit or stand straight in a well -lit room. Extend both of your arms out
directly in front of you and raise a finger on each hand.
2. Focus on your right hands finger. Slowly bring it closer to you until it
is halfway between your other hand and your eyes.
3. Move your finger slowly to the side without turning your head. Keep
focusing on it. When you begin to see a double image, hold this
position for five seconds and reverse its path.
4. With your right hand back in its original position, repeat the same with
your left hand.
5. Repeat this 3-5 times with each hand once or twice a day.

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Technique 8: Soaking

Requirements: clean
rags or hand towels,
warm and cool water

Benefits: relaxation,
relief

This is a good technique

to perform after other,
more strenuous eye
exercises. It is an
alternative to palming
that may provide better
relief for some, and certainly provides more relaxation.

1. Fill a small container (such as a bowl) with warm water. You may wish
to try wetting a corner of the rag and pressing it gently against a
closed eye to determine how hot you can handle the wa ter. Fill the
other container with cool (not cold) water.
2. Sit in a chair or lay on a bed. Soak a rag in the warm water and wring
it out so that it is no longer dripping.
3. Fold the rag so that it is an appropriate size to completely cover both
eyes and your eyebrows.
4. Lay down flat on your back or lean back in your chair. Place the rag
across your closed eyes and gently press it down so that the entire
surface of your eyelids are touching the rag.
5. Gently press the rag with your finger and/or palms. Be care ful not to
cause any strain or pain on your eyes, however you may exert some
pressure around them for added relief.

159
6. After two or three minutes, remove the rag and slowly open your eyes.
Repeat this with the cool water. You may switch back again to the
warm water, but be sure to always end with a cool rag.

Performing this technique just before bed is a great way to relax in

general as well. This is an excellent sleep aid, especially for those
who experience difficulty falling asleep after a long day of wo rk due to
strained eyes.

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Technique 9: Quick Focus Breaks

Requirements: eyes

Benefits: relief, strain

prevention

Second in simplicity
only to the Better
Blinking technique, this
is a quick way to
periodically refresh
your eyes without much
effort. It can (and
should) be combined with Better Blinking. Simply look away from whatever
you are focusing on periodically or when your eyes begin to feel slightly
strained. Looking at a wall, your desk, the ceiling, or any large object for 5 -
10 seconds is best. Be sure not to look at any sources of light.

Some prefer this instead of Palming (especially at work or in public), but be

aware that Palming is more effective. One great use for this applies to
office workers; if you come to a point wher e you must stop and think
(especially for writers), turn away from your computer for a quick focus
break until you are ready to work again.

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Technique 10: Fingertip Massage

Requirements: hands

Benefits: relief, relaxation

One of the worst mistakes

people make when trying
to relieve eye strain is
rubbing their eyes.
Putting pressure on your
eyes is never helpful and,
while your eyes may feel
slightly better while
rubbing them, they will be even more strained when you are done. This
massage is an alternative that actually works, but it requires some patience.
Also note that massaging your eyes af ter Palming is quite effective.

1. Find a dimly lit area and face away from any light source nearby.
Ideally, face an empty wall that is 5 -10 feet away.
2. Close your eyes and tilt your head back at about a 45 degree angle.
3. Gently place the tips of your index and middle finger of each hand on
your closed eyelids. Do not press down.
4. Slowly rub your eyelids in a circular motion. Do not drag your
fingertips across them, but rather reposition your fingertips every few
seconds to cover a different area.

5. Continue this for 2-3 minutes and gently lift your fingers from your
eyes. Open your eyes slowly and wait for your vision to adjust before
leaving or turning the lights back up. The empty wall will provide an
easy transition.

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Technique 11: Distinguishing at a Distance

Requirements: eyes, two

similarly colored objects

Benefits: visual acuity,

muscle endurance,
focusing speed

This technique is
excellent for visual acuity
and can be combined with
Tracing for even better
results. It is a great way
to gain sharper vision at longer ranges - practice this one to two times each
day and you may be reading the next two or three lines of the eye chart next
time you visit the eye doctor!

1. Find two objects of different but low -contrasting colors, such as a pale
yellow and white, or a medium -dark blue and black. Make sure one
object is significantly larger than the other.
2. Place them somewhere where th ey will not be disturbed - ideally
hanging on the wall at eye level at the end of a long hallway. The
smaller object should of course be in front of the larger one.
3. Move far enough away from the objects so that it is difficult to
distinguish them from each other. Then step forward slowly until you
can make out the contours of the smaller object. This is your starting
point. Place some kind of temporary marker at your feet (or a
permanent one if you wish).
4. Take a step back and focus your vision on the sm all object. Try to
make out its details and overall shape. If you wish, perform Tracing as
well, but not exclusively. Make sure you are blinking regularly.
5. Continue looking at the object for thirty seconds, then look away and
rest your eyes. You may use any relaxation technique you wish.

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6. Look back at the object and get it in your focus. Take a step back and
repeat the process. Continue doing this until you can no longer clearly
make out the object or your eyes begin to strain despite your
relaxation techniques. If you wish, place a marker where you stopped.
Next time you perform this exercise, if you used markers, you may wish
to start halfway between your original and final marker to speed up
the process.
You may also wish to remain at your furthest possible point of focus
for multiple repetitions.

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Technique 12: Art

Requirements: eyes, hands,

art materials

Benefits: visual acuity,

focusing, muscle endurance,
visual memory

Finally, we have a method

that essentially rolls four of
the non-relaxation
techniques into one: art.
You need not be artistically
talented or creative at all to
benefit from this, though
you may find yourself
gaining a new skill in the
process! For this technique you wil l need the following materials:

An art surface (paper, can vas, wood panel, etc.);

An easel (cheap desk easels work fine);
Drawing or painting utensils (if using paper, a regular pencil works just
fine);
One thin dowel or a spare unused wooden pencil;
Objects varying in complexity for a still -life setup. Try to avoid round
objects.
If you already draw or paint, you can of course use whatever materials you
like, however if you decide to paint use either ink or watercolors for finer
and quicker control - the aim here is to improve your ocular health, not to
create a masterpiece. Think of it like visual art therapy!

1. Set up your still life on a table or the floor with at least 15 feet of
space in one direction from it. Make sure the area is well -lit.

165
2. Place your easel 10 to 12 feet away from the still li fe. Sit or stand so
that you can see both the easel and the still life relatively centered in
your vision without turning or moving your head.
3. Hold the dowel or spare pencil with one hand and extend it as far out
toward the still life as possible. Rememb er to blink regularly during
this process - it is as attention-intensive as working at a computer.
4. Rotate it so that it aligns with an angle of a contour on one of the
objects. Only rotate your wrist sideways, not up and down, so that the
dowel stays on one visual plane. In doing this you will naturally shift
focus from the dowel to the still life - sound familiar?
5. Move the dowel and your thumb so that the tip of the dowel is at one
end of the contour line, while your thumb marks the other.
6. When you are satisfied, focus on the dowel and slowly (without
changing the angle) bring it over to the paper or canvas. Draw or paint
the line between your thumb and the end of the dowel. You just
performed Tracking. Additionally, you are Tracing while finding
contours in the still life.
7. Repeat this and draw as much of the still life as you want. Do not
bother with shading or fine details - the contours are the important
part. Ideally, do this in 20 minute sessions two times per day.
Some artists may be comfortable drawing without a dowel or pencil for
measuring, but doing so eliminates a majority of the ocular exercise
gained from this activity.
Tracing, Tracking, Better Blinking, and Switching Focus are all
combined in this activity.

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How Often Should You Exercise Your
Eyes?

As was mentioned in many of these techniques, eye exercises are better

repeated in short sessions multiple times per day. Doing so will both
increase your muscle endurance (how long you can endure eye strain) as well
as muscle recovery (how quickly your eyes recover from strain). Extremely
long sessions of eye exercises can actu ally cause more harm than good.

Eye exercises should be done every day if possible, even if you only spend a
total of five minutes on them. Many exercises can be don e anywhere; for
example:

If you are waiting in line at the bank, trace some of the countertops or
even your own hand.
Waiting in line at the drive -through? Shift your focus between the
interior of your vehicle and something stationary on the outside - or
follow slower cars with your eyes as they go down the road.
Waiting for an advertisement on a video or commercials on television
to end? Use Palming to minimize post-entertainment eye strain.

Making efficient use of your otherwise wasted time throughout the day by
performing these exercises will have your eyes feeling better in no time.
These exercises have been known to stave off worsening vision, and even
improve vision that has already deteriorated in minor to moderate cases.
Most people report notic ing a difference within the first one or two days -
and of course, the benefits of relaxation and relief techniques are almost
instant.

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