Boxer Wachler Vision Institute

1. Sitting too close to your computer screen, Obvious right?

We do this without realizing it, but staring at a screen so close can result in eye fatigue, dryness and blurry vision. Staring closely at the screen, tires out our ciliary muscle which controls the eye lens to focus.

2. Out with the old in with the new!

Glasses that is, old prescription glasses are harmful. Getting custom computer glasses give your eyes the greatest lens power and a clear wide field view,  eliminating any excessive focusing effort.

3. Not the brightest bulb in the box

Excessive overhead lighting is not needed while on the computer. Lighting should not be any brighter than your screen. Make sure contrast controls and brightness are properly adjusted on your monitor.

4. Sit up tall

Eye level should be at the top of your monitor, Hips and back should go as far back as they can go in the chair feeling fully supported. Moving forward to the edge of the computer chair while aligning your back will also ease back muscles.

5. High resolution flat panel screen

Old monitors are low resolution and cause strain on the eye, upgrading to a newer one will cause less eye fatigue. The monitor should not be tilted put position in front of ones face.

6. The closer the mouse the better

Having the mouse close to your reach keeps you from leaning forward and closer to the screen. Viewing distance should be an arms- length away, and the keyboard should be placed so your arms hang vertically.

7. Its OK to blink

Blinking relieves your eyes cleaning it out and flushes fresh tears. Set aside some time to do a couple of blinking exercises by blinking ten times into each direction. For more effective results, your eyes should be relaxed while closing. Avoid tight lid squeeze.

As the leaves change colors and fall quickly approaches, the air gets drier causing the eyes to dry out. Dry eye’s is a common condition that is suffered by many people around the world. One of the main causes of Dry Eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Meibomian gland dysfunction causes a blockage of your meibomian gland, and causes inflammation causing discomfort, and irritability in the eye.Tear-flow imbalance, age, side effects from certain medicine can also be common reasons for dry eyes.

For those who have chronic dry eyes there are many treatments available to help you to reduce symptoms, even in some cases fix the problem.

Below are a few treatment options available and symptoms of dry eyes.

Symptoms

• Reddening of the eyes
• Irritation
• Increased rubbing
• Burning sensations
• Stinging
• Watering
• Foreign body sensation
• Excessive blinking
• Excessive eye rubbing

Treatments for Dry Eyes:

Artificial Tears & Eye Drops

There are several over the counter drops or artificial tears that will allow you temporary relief from dry eyes. This solution is only a temporary fix. Being evaluated to find the underlining cause of your dry eyes is very important.

Temporary Punctual Occlusion

This also a temporary fix if the ducts in the eye are draining too much the plugs can close the ducts to allow some relief. It is also used to determine if this would be a good permanent fix for your dry eye condition.  If so than permanent plugs can be added or non-dissolving punctual occlusion.

LipiFlow

Lipiflow, which is an FDA approved treatment is a non-invasive, 12 minute spa-like treatment that cleans out the clogged oil glands using heat.Most patients describe the procedure as a “mini- facial” for the eyelids.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Studies have shown that fueling the brain in the morning helps you think, act and learn. Being alert and awake in the morning can often be difficult without a little boost, but incorporating these foods in your diet with give you the brain power and nutrients to do just that.

1. Whole Grains

Whole grains release glucose into the bloodstream keeping you mentally alert throughout the day. Brown cereals, and grainy bread supply energy as well. The benefits of fiber, vitamins and minerals help improve your overall health.

2. Blueberries

Consumption of this antioxidant filled fruit is essential for improving memory and brain function. Studies have showed that the antioxidants in the berries interact with aging neurons improving cell signaling.

3. Caffeine

This antioxidant helps fight inflammation that can lead to many chronic conditions, arthritis and certain cancers. Caffeine also helps with concentration and memory. It boosts short-term memory.

4. Spinach

 Green leafy vegetables are loaded with lots of nutrients that help skin, hair, iron, and provide protein. There has been studies that suggest this low calorie vegetable have a lower rate of cognitive decline compared who those who ate less.

5. Avocados

This fiber filled food has multiple benefits, improving vascular health and blood flow. Avocado is a high fat food, containing oleic acid that reduces inflammation and benefits effects on genes linked to cancer.

6. Beets

Beets are useful in blood flow to the brain. The naturally- occurring nitrates and potassium help the nerve and muscle function. Beets also contain high amounts of anti-inflammatory agents.

7. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has caffeine content that is antioxidant rich. It contains flavonoids, a class of antioxidant that helps boost blood flow, brain health and regulating cholesterol and blood pressure.

8. Garlic

Not only does garlic boost immune system and control cholesterol, the organosulfar compound diminishes glioblastoma cells which is a type of tumor cell.

9. Lentils

This legume is high in protein, fiber and vitamin B. Folate decreases levels of amino acids that may impair brain functioning. Lentils also carry oxygen throughout your body which increases energy production and metabolism.

Below is a list of Green Lutein filled food known for protecting eye health. Next time you are at the grocery store remember to incorporate these into your diet!

1. Kale

1 cup raw

Kale is beneficial to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. Kale contains lutein and zeaxanthin which strengthen the retina. Out of all 20 carotenoids (plant pigments) found in the human blood zeaxanthin and lutein is found in the visual system, reducing glare and enhancing contrast.

2. Turnip Greens

½ cup cooked

Turnip greens provide antioxidant and protective light- filtering functions. They are a part of the cruciferous vegetable family containing lutein and zeaxanthin. Turnip greens are also a preventative against mascular degeneration and cataracts.

3. Collard Greens

½ cup cooked

Collard Greens is an excellent source of lutein and antioxidants. This green is loaded with vitamin A, that helps fight dry eyes, damaged night vision and degeneration of your eyes.

4. Spinach

1 cup raw

Protects the eyes from age related macular degeneration and cataracts stored in the macula. The macula is part of the retina that blocks the eye from harmful light. The lutein and zeaxanthin absorb blue light.

5. Broccoli

1 cup cooked

Repair eyes from radiation, aids with macular degeneration and cataract prevention. 1 cup of broccoli is equivalent to 2,015 micrograms, lutein and zeaxanthin per serving. Vitamin B2 is a top source for riboflavin contained in broccoli also which helps your eyes adjust to light changes.

6. Brussels Sprouts

1 cup cooked

 Filters our harmful blue light rays increases protection against UV light damage. Brussel sprouts also contain vitamin A which supports mucosa skin and eye health. They also help aid in retinal damage, macular degeneration and age- related macular degeneration.

Most women can agree that having dark circles under their eyes is one of their main beauty insecurities. It’s no secret the “panda eyes” do not just come from lack of sleep. Diet, sun exposure, allergies, heredity, contact dermatitis, eczema and thinning of the skin related are all common causes of dark under eye circles. Being sleep deprived is the most common cause and can be simple to prevent, however oversleeping can cause dark eye circles as well. If the dark circles appeared in early childhood, one can assume it is an inherited trait that some people may or may not grow out of. Nasal congestion from allergies dilates the blood vessels around the eyes making the circles more apparent. Iron deficiency can also stop blood circulation to carry oxygen into the eye tissues. Excessive drinking and smoking is also a main contributor. Since alcohol dehydrates the body, after a night of heavy drinking it is important to drink lots of water and apply moisturizer to the under eye area. Controlling the amount of sodium your body intakes will also help with under eye circles because salt causes fluid retention in the body as well as the eye area.

One should seek medical attention in rare cases like hypothyroidism which is a disorder that does not let the thyroid gland produce enough thyroid hormone, liver disease and Trichinosis, a disease caused by parasite worms.

1. Do not exceed frequent sun exposure
2. Cold eye compresses: any frozen item with a soft cloth around it can be applied o the eyes
3. Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep leaves dark ugly circles making one look “hollow-eyed”
4. Concealer: For a temporary alternative, makeup application can lessen the dark rings around your eyes

Besides the four listed items above, there are many helpful remedies you can try at home. I provided you with a list below.

1. Cucumbers and Potatoes: thinly slicing some and apply to the eyes for 15 min
2. Tea bags: freeze or refrigerate tea bags and apply to the eyes
3. Almond oil: massage a small amount to the under eyes and leave overnight
4. Lemon juice: squeeze lemon juice on a cotton ball and apply to under eye area
5. Mint: make a paste combining tomato juice and mint leaves, apply to the under eyes
6. Yoga: relaxing the body and mind will help you feel more rested
7. Water: consume plenty of water to keep your skin glowing
8. Coffee beans and Honey: ground coffee and honey to make a paste, apply to under eye area
9. Baking soda: apply baking soda to hot water making a paste and apply to under eye area
10. Aloe Vera: apply gel to under eye area to help reduce inflammation

1. Seafood: Fish contains some of the highest levels of quality omega-3 essential fatty acids, in addition to being very tasty! Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can support proper visual development and retinal function over time. If you don’t like the taste of fish, raw almonds are a great alternative to incorporate omega-3s into your diet.

1. Camu camu: This Brazilian superfruit is a newcomer to the American market, and it packs the highest vitamin C content of any fruit on the planet. Vitamin C plays a key role in lowering your risk for developing cataracts and can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration while protecting against visual acuity loss.

Brian & Selina Boxer Wachler talk with Max Flowertv about their involvement in the community. They support the foundation “Giving Vision”, which helps children who cannot afford proper services or eyeglasses to improve their vision. They also are helping the homeless, with the foundation “Homeless not Sock-less”, which provides homeless people with socks.