In today’s digital age, where screens dominate our lives, maintaining good eye health is more crucial than ever. Our eyes are not only the windows to the world, but are also sensitive organs that can be affected by various factors.
Most eye complaints are irritation, dryness, and/or allergies. These are considered normal in today’s world, when they’re simply common due to not addressing their underlying causes.
Conventional medicine suggests fast-relief eye drops to get your eyes feeling better and moisturized. But unfortunately, these drops can cause more issues than they alleviate! Let’s break it down.
While over-the-counter eyedrops are generally promoted as safe, many of the ingredients used cause adverse side effects. Here are some to look out for:
Vasoconstrictors: Ingredients like naphazoline or tetrahydrozoline, which help reduce eye redness, may cause temporary stinging, burning, or irritation of the eyes. Prolonged use of vasoconstrictor eyedrops can lead to rebound redness, where the eyes become even redder when the effects of the drops wear off.
Antihistamines: Antihistamine eye drops can cause temporary stinging, burning, or itching. They may also cause dryness or blurred vision in some individuals.
Decongestants: Decongestant eyedrops can lead to temporary stinging, burning, or irritation. Prolonged use may cause rebound congestion, where the eyes become more congested when the effects of the drops wear off.
Artificial tears: Some individuals may experience temporary blurring of vision or mild eye irritation after application. Preservatives used in artificial tears, such as benzalkonium chloride, may cause allergic reactions or irritation.
Antiseptics: Ingredients like benzalkonium chloride, commonly used as a preservative, can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some people.
And then we’ve just had eye drops and ointments pulled from the market due to bacteria contamination!
On Feb. 2, 2023 the FDA warned not to use EzriCare Artificial Tears because of potential bacterial contamination. The over-the-counter product was associated with severe eye infections in 55 patients, including one death. A drug-resistant bacteria caused the infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition to drops, the FDA has also recalled Global Pharma Healthcare Artificial Eye Ointment due to possible bacterial contamination.
So what can you use instead?
Let’s go back to my Four Pillars Of Health – Structure, Emotions, Environment, and Nutrition.
- Structure: Regular chiropractic adjustments can also alleviate misalignments associated with optimal eye functionality. For years I have had patients with two prescriptions—the one they would wear following an adjustment and the other when they needed their adjustment.
- Emotions: Is there anything in your life you don’t want to look at, or can’t believe you’re seeing? May be time to grab pen and paper and write these items down. Then get creative with solutions, and write those down too. Pick one, and move forward – it’s ok if it isn’t correct, you can continue to try until you get it right.
- Environment: Choose to limit screen time and use a timer to remind you to stop every hour and do one or more of these exercises.
- Face forward and look straight ahead. Look up without moving your head, and then look down. Do this ten times. Next, look to the right without moving your head and then to the left again without moving your head. Do this ten times.
- Blinking: We forget to blink when we are staring at computer screens. The benefits of blinking are it allows us to keep our eyes refreshed and maintain focus for longer. All you have to do is face forward and blink every 5 seconds for the next two minutes.
- Sit on a chair and close your eyes. Place both hands over your eyes. The palm of your hands should cover the eyes, fingers on the forehead, and the base of the palm resting on the cheekbone. Do not put too much pressure on the eyes. Ensure that your eyes can blink freely. Do this exercise for 2 minutes.
- Stare at a blank wall, while imagining a large figure 8 tilted on its side 10 feet away from you. Now trace this path of figure 8 with your eyes without moving your head. Do this one way for a minute and then the reverse way for a minute.
- Last but not least, always remember to give your eyes adequate rest by ensuring you get eight hours of sleep, picking the same bedtime nightly. If you are using computers, rest your eyes for 10 mins away from the screen for every 50 mins work. If you can get outside in natural sunlight. Our eyes were not made for artificial light 8 hours or more a day.
- Nutrition: For long-term support, nutritionally aim to eliminate dairy, wheat, and processed foods, as these can increase our allergy response. I also recommend increasing your water intake and adding a pinch or two of Redmond Real salt into each glass! Often, dehydration is the root cause of eye issues.
- Still want or need more? Here are some supplement to try…
- AllerCo to help with seasonal pressure, itching, and irritation.
- Olprima DHA/EPA to increase your overall eye health and to help reduce itching and irritation.
- Bilberry Forte Contain powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins. These antioxidants help protect the retina and improve blood circulation in the eyes.
- Incorporating more wild-caught fish into weekly meal plans also helps. Here is one simple recipe most everyone loves.
- Still want or need more? Here are some supplement to try…
But what happens when your eyes itch, are red and puffy and you need immediate relief? We suggest using good, quality organic olive oil rubbed over the eye. You can also soak a clean washcloth with olive oil and place it directly over your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Take it up another notch by putting an ice cube or bag of frozen veggies on top of that.
Let’s stop normalizing ill health because it’s a common occurrence. Be careful of what you choose to put in your eyes, as many over-the-counter or prescriptions can have mild to severe consequences. First, consider food choices, hydration, natural solutions, and exercises to improve your eye health. Remember, medicine is but one toolbox. You have the freedom to choose from many different toolboxes!
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