There\’s no doubt that you want to keep your eyes in tip top condition. You need your vision to drive a car, to read books, to study, to work, etc. And now with the advent of computers and internet, your eyes are more important than ever.

So here\’s why you need to perform periodic eye tests to check your vision and see if you need to wear glasses or contact lenses, or maybe you could just improve your vision with simple eye exercises.

We have two different focuses on our eyes. One is to see long distance objects, like a far boat on a lake, a far car coming on the road, or a far distance mountain. Then the other one is to see short distance objects, like the words of a book, the display of your computer, your food when eating, and other important things that allow you to perform different tasks.

First of all be honest with you and see if your vision is good trying to read long distance advertising on the road, long distance direction signs while driving, and answer this simple question: do you get tired when reading? Because that could be a good sign that your eyes need some help.

The second step is to try an online Free Eye Test like many out there, to see how bad is your vision. Maybe is not that bad at all! Then you need to visit your local ophthalmologist to get help. He will advice you on what type of vision correction you need for your eyes. Remember, procrastination with your eyes, only deteriorate more your vision, so don\’t delay your eye test.

Keno Toriello is a successful Expert Publisher in the Eye Care and Vision industries, and Webmaster of “Better Eyes Better Vision Program” at http://www.Eyes-Doctor-Secret.com, specialized in Natural Vision Correction, Lasik Eye Surgery, Contact Lenses and Prescription Sunglasses. Try a Free Eye Test and see your results! Keno Toriello has spent countless hours studying and conducting research, and now he shares his insightful and powerful secrets to you.

Copyright 2008.
Visit http://www.Eyes-Doctor-Secret.com

What does that sign say? Hmm, it’s a little bit blurry without your glasses on. If only it were daylight; then you would be able to read it for sure. Darn it, that was the right street, but you saw it too late. I guess you will just have to circle back. How many times have you been through this irksome routine? For me, it’s more than I can count. I am near sighted just like many adults and children. My vision is not bad overall, but it’s definitely not 20/20 either. Personally I despise wearing glasses, even though I have a pair. They basically sit in a case on top of a bookshelf, collecting dust. The DMV does not require me to wear them when I drive, so I do not wear them at all. Makes sense right? Okay, so maybe not so much. Maybe it’s time I looked into lasik vision correction.

Where eyesight is concerned, things continue to change. It all began with eye glasses, but when contacts hit the scene, everyone wanted to test out the new greatest thing. Finally there was a way to have 20/20 vision and not have to worry with a pair of glasses getting in your way. But that is not all. Contact lenses allowed folks to see like a normal set of eyes should. I am talking peripheral vision. No more turning your head every time you want to look at something. That gets old fast. It seemed like contact lenses were here to stay. I doubt any of us saw lasik vision correction coming. But, soon enough the simple procedure was available to the public. Anyone that wanted their eyes corrected permanently had the option at their fingertips. This was certainly a whole new ball game.

With a procedure such as lasik vision correction, an opthamologist removes cloudiness from the lens of the eye, hence allowing it to work like a much cleaner window. Hey, that is not a bad metaphor. Anyway, this new process has not grasped the attention of everyone. Plenty of individuals are sticking with the contemporary, stylish specs and colored contact lenses. Could it be that the surgery aspect of lasik vision correction is scaring them off? It is truly hard to tell, but I do know one thing, once you have this procedure done, things will appear a whole lot clearer. Give lasik vision correction some serious thought.

Derek Andrews is a freelance writer who lives in New York.
You need to check out these great Laser Surgery and lasik terapy resources and articles.
http://laser-surgery.blogspot.com

You may be used to regular eyeglasses, or contacts, with one special lens prescription, but a bifocal has two in one - and a bifocal contact lens is also a dual lens, so it is sort of like wearing two sets of glasses at the same time.

The way a bifocal contact lens works is that it, like a normal bifocal eyeglass lens, has two ranges of vision, or prescriptions. For example, if you need one kind of lens to help correct your vision up close, then obviously it will make looking at a distant object more difficult and blurred, perhaps to the point that it will give you symptoms like headache and vertigo without a matter of moments.

To alleviate the need for two sets of eyeglasses, doctors long ago engineered the bifocal, so that one set of lenses did the job of two, and recently they figured out how to do the same thing in a bifocal contact lens. The lens sometimes is divided into an upper half and a lower half; and at other times it may be designed in concentric circles, with one lens on the interior and the other on the outside of that first one.

When you use a set of bifocal contact lens contacts, your eye gradually adjusts to finding the different portions of the lens that do different things, and once your eye muscles are trained and coordinated, they automatically shift to and from the corrective lens that is needed at a particular time, for a specific task. For example, if you are reading and your eye needs to look through the lens that corrects your vision for close up viewing, the pupil of your eye will direct the attention there, and the light will be refracted into your retina at an angle which will assist you in reading small print close to your face. Then, if you shift and start to look off in the distance - for instance if you are reading a map or a compass and up close and then look up to see a mountain in the distance that you are trying to hike toward - the eye’s focus will slide over to look through the other lens, and you will have a crisp image of the mountain in the distance, thanks to a different prescription lens in the other part of the contacts, that refracts the light at a slightly different angle to correct your vision for another kind of viewing.

Which is right for you, a bifocal contact lens, or a bifocal lens in traditional eyeglasses? This will depend on your preferences, mostly. Some people have trouble with contact lenses, and find them difficult to put in and take out, which is a routine that people who wear contacts have to adapt into their daily life, unless they buy the special kind that you can leave in 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for a week or more at a time. Even those types of lenses, however, have to be changed eventually, so some people find it problematic to wear contacts. However, for those people, the innovations in design and manufacture of contacts may provide some hope, because there are now contacts that are much simpler to manage and much easier to maintain. If you work in some particular kinds of hazardous environments or are a sports enthusiast who likes to wear goggles or other kinds of equipment, you may find that contacts eliminate the need for trying to fit everything over a pair of bulky traditional eyeglasses. On the other hand, some environments, for example around certain types of toxic gaseous chemicals, are not suitable for contact lens wearing, so you have to check with your eye vision specialist for this and all other topics related to contacts and eyeglasses, that you might need consultation and advice about, to help you make the wisest and most practical decision regarding the health and welfare of your precious eyes.

For lots of information on

bifocal contact lenses and other contact lenses related topics, visit
Nr1 Contact Lenses at
http://www.nr1-contact-lenses.com

All correcting contact lenses must have a valid prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Contact lens wearers are usually surprised and happy with the level of comfort that lenses provide. You’ll want to take simple precautions to make any lens purchase safe and effective.

Among the many kinds of contact lenses you can buy are: novelty, colored, crazy, Halloween, special effects, theatrical, costume, scary, glow in the dark, wild eyes, mirrored, black, white, and red. With a contact lens prescription in hand, it’s possible to buy your contact lenses from stores, the Internet, over the phone, or by mail.

Soft lenses also come as disposable products, that is, used once and discarded, or as planned-replacement lenses. There are differences in the water content and shape of the lens between different brands. If you live an active lifestyle, NIGHT & DAY breathable lenses will allow you 30 hours of continuous wear.

Soft lenses have the added benefit in that soft lenses aren’t as likely as rigid lenses to pop out or get foreign material like dust underneath. Contacts provide for excellent peripheral vision for sports, driving, safety, and performing. Newer soft lens materials include silicone-hydrogels to provide more oxygen to your eyes.

Bifocal correction is possible with both soft and rigid lenses. You can mark rigid lenses to show which lens is for which eye; they don’t rip or tear, so they’re easy to handle. Rigid gas permeable lenses tend to be less expensive over the life of the lens since they last longer than soft lenses.

Disposable lenses don’t come with instructions for cleaning and disinfecting, while those labeled specifically for planned replacement do. In some models, each lens corrects for near and distance vision and in others, one lens is for near vision, and the other is for distance.

When you place your order make sure your lenses are available and not out of stock, because you’ll need them now. Get a feel for how the retailer handles customer service calls; in case you have a problem after your order arrives. There are many good contact lens retailers now on the Internet making their lenses available at a good discount for prescription and non-prescription lenses.

When you place your contact lens order, request the manufacturer’s written patient information for your contact lenses; it’ll give you important risk and benefit information as well as instructions for use. Ask about prices at your doctor’s office when you have your eye examination, or during a follow-up visit after you get your prescription. If you have an insurance plan, the insurance plan’s seller’s prices may or may not be better than what you can find elsewhere; this should be just one option when you’re shopping for lenses.

Check out how long the online supplier has been in business before you buy. Before you buy online, check to see if there are any testimonials at the online supplier’s website. Check to see if you have a health insurance plan that includes vision coverage.
Getting a proper fit is essential; contact lenses that are poorly fitted can lead to eyesores, eye inflammation, and eye abrasions. Be aware that extended-wear (overnight) contact lenses - rigid or soft - increase the risk of corneal ulcers, which are infection-caused eruptions on the cornea that can lead to blindness; symptoms include vision changes, eye redness, eye discomfort or pain, and excessive tearing. When the eyes are open, tears carry adequate oxygen to the cornea to keep it healthy, but during sleep, the eye produces fewer tears, causing the cornea to swell.

To be sure your eyes remain healthy you shouldn’t order lenses with a prescription that’s expired or stock up on lenses right before the prescription is about to expire; it’s much safer to be re-checked by your eye doctor. Microorganisms may be present in distilled water, so always use commercial sterile saline solutions, if you plan to use enzyme tablets in water for disinfections. Always throw away disposable lenses after the recommended wearing period.

If you’re looking for cheap contact lenses, you may find that cheap materials or other ways of cutting costs will affect the quality you’ll want for your precious eyes. No matter which lenses your doctor prescribes, be sure to ask for written instructions and follow them carefully. Shopping for contacts online will save you a lot of money; contact lenses are deeply discounted.

For more information on color contact lenses and where to buy discount contact lenses visit http://www.VisionNurse.com Helen Hecker R.N.’s popular website which offers tips, advice and resources, including information on LASIK eye surgery, sunglasses, eyeglasses and affordable quality contact lenses

Contact lens sales are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission.) You’ll want to take simple precautions to make any discount lens purchase safe and effective. Among the many kinds of discount contact lenses you can buy are: novelty, colored, crazy, Halloween, special effects, theatrical, costume, scary, glow in the dark, wild eyes, mirrored, black, white, and red.

Always buy from a reputable company; you can buy discount contact lenses without a prescription, but the company is selling you a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device, in violation of FTC regulations - selling you lenses without having a prescription from you. The choice of which lens is right for you should be based only on an examination by your doctor or eye care professional, not over the phone.

Rigid lenses don’t absorb chemicals, unlike soft lenses which will soak up residue from your hands like soap or lotion. You can mark rigid lenses to show which lens is for which eye; they don’t rip or tear, so they’re easy to handle. Bifocal correction is possible with both soft and rigid lenses.

While the ability to hold water increases the oxygen permeability of soft lenses, it increases their fragility quotient as well. Rigid lenses generally give you more clear vision. There are also a few rigid gas permeable lenses that are designed and approved for overnight wear.

Soft lenses are easier to adjust and are much more comfortable than rigid lenses, because they conform to the eye and absorb and hold water. There are several types of lenses including: soft contact lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, extended wear lenses and disposables. You can become adjusted to soft lenses within just a few days, compared to several weeks for rigid ones.

In some models, each lens corrects for near and distance vision and in others, one lens is for near vision, and the other is for distance. It’s important for your eyes to have a rest, without lenses, for at least one night following each scheduled removal.

Before you buy online, check to see if there are any testimonials at the online supplier’s website. Focus on value, not just the price; most people looking for the best price are really looking for the best value. Buy your contact lenses from a supplier you’re familiar with and know is reliable or who has name familiarity

Always buy from a reputable company; you can buy contact lenses without a prescription, but the company is selling you a prescription device as if it were an over-the-counter device violating FTC regulations by selling you contact lenses without having your prescription. Check out how long the online supplier has been in business before you buy. When you receive your order, if you think you’ve received an incorrect contact lens, check with your doctor or eye care professional right away; don’t accept any substitution unless your eye care professional approves it.

Rebates may be available from the seller, from the manufacturer, for first-time contact lens wearers and for individuals who buy lenses and get an eye exam. You can buy contact lenses from an eye doctor, on the Internet, from an optical store or a warehouse club. Compare prices - get quotes from two or three online and offline suppliers.

Heat disinfections is the only method effective against the microorganism Acanthamoeba keratitis, a common culprit for contact lens wearers, and it also kills organisms in and on the lens case. Always throw away disposable lenses after the recommended wearing period. Be aware that extended-wear (overnight) contact lenses - rigid or soft - increase the risk of corneal ulcers, which are infection-caused eruptions on the cornea that can lead to blindness; symptoms include vision changes, eye redness, eye discomfort or pain, and excessive tearing.

Under the binding down of a rigid contact lens during sleep, the flow of tears and oxygen to the cornea is reduced; lack of oxygen leaves the eye vulnerable to infection. One sight-threatening concern is the infection Acanthamoeba keratitis, which is caused by improper lens care; this difficult-to-treat parasitic infection’s symptoms are similar to those of corneal ulcers. To be sure your eyes remain healthy you shouldn’t order lenses with a prescription that’s expired or stock up on lenses right before the prescription is about to expire; it’s much safer to be re-checked by your eye doctor.

Laser surgery and its risks can be frightening and too expensive for some people; contacts can provide a safe, comfortable and time-tested alternative. If you’re planning to buy contact lenses at a discount, you should buy the best quality you can get, even at a higher price; you don’t want to skimp on quality when it comes to your eyes. If you prefer the way you look without glasses or find glasses to be cumbersome and awkward, contacts can provide the ease, convenience and comfort you need.

For more information on color contact lenses and where to buy discount contact lenses visit http://www.VisionNurse.com Helen Hecker R.N.’s popular website which offers tips, advice and resources, including information on LASIK eye surgery, sunglasses, eyeglasses and affordable quality contact lenses

Bye-Bye Computer Headaches
Nine out of ten computer users experience eye problems such as blurred vision, tired eyes, itchy eyes, or headaches. Whether a mild annoyance or a persistent on the job problem, most of us learn to live with it.

Must you, however, trade your comfort for technology?

The answer is no. There are specific steps you can take to minimize computer eye strain.

FREE and simple tip for those using Microsoft XP operating system-Given you already have an LCD screen, increasing the contrast can help the reading material stand out on the page. Here is a great tip for XP users:

LCD Monitor-One reason for eye strain during computer use is the flickering, or shimmy, of the monitor. Your eyes are constantly trying to find a focal point where there is none, thus making the eye muscles tired. A moderately priced LCD screen will fix the problem for there is little to no flicker. A couple of hundred dollars is well worth the investment, and a great resource for finding the right one for you follows: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=1745344

Melanin tinted computer glasses- Melanin is a molecule that is in our skin for the purpose of absorbing light so that it doesn’t damage underlying tissues. The melanin in computer lenses also absorbs light. Specifically, it reduces the blue and violet light from computers and fluorescent lighting that can damage your eyes. They are available in non-prescription, as well as with reading magnification at many local opticians, or online from many ready-to-wear reading glass retailers. Computer glasses run from $10 to upwards of $100. You don’t need a prescription for the plano or straight forward reading magnifications, though you should have your eyes checked by an eye doctor in the case of visual discomfort and/or strain.
http://www.debspecs.com/Computer_EyeGlasses_C57.cfm

Remove any back light behind your computer- Many people experience photophobia. You may not be familiar with the word, but very well may know what it means; literally, fear of light, but used mostly to mean “sensitivity to light”. If this is the case, you are double dosing yourself if you have a lamp behind your computer (or in front of it for that matter) that’s pointing in the general direction of your face.

I hope these tips were useful for you today! They have worked wonders for me, increasing productivity and the amount of time I can spend on the computer.

Dr. Farrell Burk, DC is a computer and biology enthusiast, as well as Vice President of Debby Burk Optical at http://www.DebSpecs.com

LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis ) is probably the most commonly performed laser eye surgery procedure and tends to be what people think of when considering laser surgery for vision correction. However not all patients may be ideal candidates for LASIK surgery due to variations in cornea thickness and curvature. Photo refractive keratectomy ,or PRK, may be the better option for vision correction in some patients who are not able to have LASIK.

Prior to the introduction and subsequent popularity of LASIK, PRK was the most common refractive eye surgery procedure performed. Both LASIK and PRK share similarities in that an excimer laser is utilized to sculpt and reshape the cornea of the eye in accordance with the patients medical needs. Both techniques are used in the correction of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism(blurred vision resulting from corneal irregularity), or a combination thereof. Likewise, both are outpatient surgical procedures which may be performed in a physicians office or clinic setting. There are however a few differences in the two procedures.

In a LASIK procedure a small flap is cut with a special tool on the exterior of the cornea. The computer controlled excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal tissue under the flap. The flap is then replaced over the cornea where it will adhere to the eye and serve to protect it. In PRK, the excimer laser is used to remove tissue and reshape the cornea directly on the surface, or epithelial layer, of the eye. A protective soft contact lens is usually placed over the eye for 3-5 days to allow the epithelial surface to heal. Several major differences for the patient exist in the two procedures. The first is the recovery period, which tends to be considerable shorter for LASIK patients as opposed to PRK. Likewise, vision improvement with PRK tends to be more of a gradual process than take from a few days to a few months. LASIK patients will in most circumstances experience the benefits of their surgery in a much shorter frame.

A successful end result for both procedures is an improvement in vision, and the correction of pre-existing vision conditions. Only a thorough examination and consultation with a qualified laser eye surgeon can determine which is right for you.

To learn more about laser eye surgery or find a laser eye surgeon in your area visit our website at http://www.lasersurgeryeyes.net

Women, you often are the ones who take care of your family health concerns. Are you aware of how to protect your own eye sight? Hormonal changes, your age and smoking can affect your eye sight. You must make eye health a priority for yourself!

Fact: Over 3.4 million Americans age 40 and older suffer from visual impairment, and 2.25 million are women.

Fact: Women are more prone than men to AMD in particular, which destroys central vision, with 1 million of the 1.6 million cases diagnosed to females, according to the Vision Problems in the U.S. report by Prevent Blindness America (PBA) and the National Eye Institute. Women also suffer from more cataract problems than men.

Eye diseases are on the rise in North America. One reason is the ageing factor, people live longer. The older one gets, the more the eyes will degenerate. Women often outlive men, and therefore, the increase of eye disease in women. Obesity, lack of exercise, stress and a bad diet all help to determine the health of your eyes.

Make eye health a priority. Read and research on natural, alternative ways to help maintain eye health. If you do have a condition and have not seen your eye doctor, do so right away, early detection is a top priority in treating disease.

Some conditions to be aware of, and see your doctor about:

Chronic dry eye syndrome: Do you rub your eyes a lot. Do they feel gritty? If yes, see your doctor.

Optic Neuritis: The patient may notice blurred or distorted vision, reduced color vision, or a blind spot.

Pregnancy: If you are pregnant you must let your doctor know of any pre existing eye conditions you have.

Macular holes: Macular holes also affect women more than men - especially those over the age of 50. Traction from the vitreous jelly inside the eye adheres to the retina and pulls at it, creating a small hole in the retina that takes away the center of a patient’s vision. Early symptoms include blurry or distorted vision.

Your thyroid and diabetes can also affect your eyes. There are “natural, alternative” ways to help keep, strengthen or regain the health of your eyes.

And, I suggest you always check with an eye professional first. Never take the health of your eyes into your own hands by performing your own diagnosis. And, never let a non professional tell you how to deal with conditions of your eyes. Listen to those who give you advice, and learn, but always seek PROFESSIONAL advice before you embark on a plan, always.

As women, we need to be aware of the conditions that can affect us. First step, is make sure you have the proper medical advice and diagnosis, then, to help yourself further, also check into alternative ways to improve your condition.

Ruth is actively involved with the internet and she finds it very exciting. Her passions are people and pet health. She is a wife, a stepmom a dog owner and a business person. She is married for almost 30 years to Chris who has been, and still is, battling the monster MS. Naturally Rebuilding Vision is a new interest Ruth has delved into.

Her About Page http://www.mimfreedom.com/aboutus.htm

Her Vision Page: http://www.rebuild-your-vision.com

Another Vision Site: http://www.mimfreedom.com/2006/Vision

Have you ever noticed your vision become worse at the end of a stressful day? Perhaps it improves after a nap, or a vacation? Would you like to revive and maintain your eyesight through quick, simple techniques such as palming, blinking, breathing or even laughter? Donna Gross, now a natural vision specialist, wore thick glasses as a young child and was determined to find a better way to be able to see and read. She found the book, “Light, Medicine of the Future” written by Joe Liberman and it changed her whole outlook. She learned that even if you spend only 10 minutes a day working on the suggestions below, your vision will improve. These suggestions do work because I tried them and had surprising results!

It all starts with a positive attitude, then diet, exercise, a clean intestinal tract and light all play important roles in maintaining healthy eyes. Believe it or not, preservation of the eyes starts with taking off your glasses. Wearing glasses keeps your eyes in a constant state of tension which only sustains poor vision. With the glasses off, most people feel a sense of fatigue settle over their body. Palming is an easy way to combat this.

Rub the palms of your hands briskly for a few minutes to create friction. Then gently place the bottom of your palms on the bone directly underneath your eyes. Cover your eyes completely, resting your fingers on the top of your forehead or hairline. Make sure your back is straight as you sit silently in the darkness. Sitting backwards in an armless chair with your elbows resting on the back of the chair works well. Then, visualize a happy time in your life. Languish in this virtual reality. Breath slowly and deeply and fill your lungs with new air. As you breathe, feel the joyful event, moment by moment. Do this five to ten minutes several times a day. You will be amazed at how well rested your whole body will begin to feel.

If you are having a hard time focusing while reading, remember to blink. Blinking more frequently and moving your head in the direction of whatever you are focusing on while you read, drive or walk rejuvenates your eyes.

Real rejuvenation can only start with a clean colon. The quote, “the eyes are the windows to the soul” could be a reference to our intestinal tract. A clean colon plays a major role in healthy eyes. How can our spirits soar if our intestinal tract is all clogged up? Seeing clearly is literally about being clear and clean on the inside so that we may shine (being productive, happy and positive) in our daily lives. Therefore, I also recommend a simple juice cleanse to move us along.

Juicing carrots (which are good for the eyes), beets and celery (which are full of organic salt that breaks down in the body quickly) is a wonderful juice combination. The fiber helps your body assimilate and absorb the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins and minerals are absorbed through light which is just as important for the health of your eyes and your overall well being. In our modern society we tend to hide our eyes from light by always wearing sunglasses anytime we are outside. While our skin needs certain amounts of Vitamin D from the sun, so do our eyes. In fact, our bodies absorb the Vitamin D easier when it comes in directly through the eyes. If your eyes are sensitive to light without glasses, it usually indicates some toxicity within your body. Since light is a major form of nutrition, your eyes and body benefit tremendously if you go outside and close your eyes for at least ten minutes a day absorbing the suns rays.

Light not only affects your body directly but also affects you indirectly through the foods you eat. Eating high on the food chain (animal products) or consuming many junk, fast, frozen, irradiated or heavily processed foods significantly reduces and/or totally eliminates light’s nutritional value within that food. An example of this would be the nutritional difference between a fresh green apple and a piece of processed hard candy. The most light filled foods are blue green algae and organically grown fruits and vegetables.

And last but not least, consider this from the Humor Project in New York: Laughing 100 times a day is equal to a ten minute session of rowing. So, why sweat when you can laugh? Be seeing you.

Sharron Calvin is a natural alternative healthcare copywriter and marketing consultant for the resort industry. She has over 20 years experience working with resorts, inns and motels and is a member of the American Holistic Health Association. Learn about holistic issues, great getaways, environmentally friendly trips and topics through “HEALTHY ATTITUDES”, a FREE monthly newsletter available on her web site, http://www.healingchannel.net

Our eyelids are extremely sensitive and can easily become red, swollen, irritated and puffy, but don’t despair; it’s easier to get rid of puffy and swollen eyes than you think, especially minor symptoms. Minor puffiness and swelling is the type that you notice when you wake up, but is then reduced or eliminated by mid-morning as gravity drains the fluid that’s accumulated during the night.

Puffy and swollen eyes are a condition where the eyes begin swelling because of different factors. The skin around the eyes is very thin and is full of blood vessels which make it very sensitive. Normally puffy eyes will go away after a little bit of time or some simple home treatments. Nevertheless, puffy eyes are also symptoms of other eye conditions that may require examination by an eye care professional. In cases where puffy eyes are severe and persistent or are accompanied by pain, discomfort, blurry vision, or other conditions, an optometrist should be contacted about the problem.

Puffy eyes can be the result of many factors. These include fluid retention, stress, allergies, hormone changes, and other factors as well. When we cry, it is commonly accompanied by swollen eyes. This is because of the fact that our body reacts to emotions and causes more blood to flow through the eyes which leads to swelling. Also the product or result of too many emotional tears can strain the eyes. Also, we get puffy eyes after sleeping. This can be caused by different factors such as too much sodium in a diet causing water retention, tossing and turning and not getting adequate sleep, excessive drinking of alcohol, and others as well.

Ensuring you are drinking plenty of water will also reduce eye symptoms such as swelling and puffiness. When a person is dehydrated the body starts storing water as a defense system and this will add to puffiness around the eyes.

Your contact lenses could also be irritating your eyes and causing puffiness. Ensure you follow your eye doctor’s instructions as to the proper use of your contacts. Wearing them longer than recommended is not a good idea and can do long term damage. Also sharing contact lenses amongst friends is definitely not a good idea. Many think that it is okay to swap theatrical contact lenses at Halloween and other social occasions. This is a definite no-no.

A surprising culprit responsible for mid-day eye puffiness is finger nail polish containing typealdehyde. There are new typealdehyde-free nail polish that you should look into if you are allergy prone. Also hair spray or a new eye makeup can also cause swelling in your eye site. If you continually have eye symptoms go see your doctor. You could be having symptoms of sinusitis or allergies that can be cleared up by antibiotics or medication.

Article provided courtesy of Eye Contact Guide - a premier resource for everything eye related including contact lenses, vision disorders and theatrical contacts.