Health News / March 2007
Eyes Right!
Beauty on the outside often starts on the inside. Beautiful eyes are no exception. For clear, bright eyes, it takes good, healthy food and adequate rest; 8-10 hours of sleep and a diet rich in antioxidants.
Vitamins A, C, and E are important eye care antioxidants. Vitamin A is essential to proper functioning of the retina. It helps eyes adapt between bright light and darkness, and like Vitamin C, helps reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataract formation.
Carrot, celery, parsley, spinach, liver and eggs are good sources of Vitamin A. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits but also green peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin E has been associated with the prevention of cataracts and the delay of cataract growth. The best sources of Vitamin E are nuts, especially almonds and green leafy vegetables.
Never rub the eyes. Splash tired eyes gently with cold water. For an eye refresher, soak cotton wool pads in warm milk, witch hazel, a weak tea solution or rose water. Press pad gently to the eyes and leave for 10 to 15 minutes.
To avoid eye strain, avoid working in dim light or reading continuously in vehicles. Gently massage eyes, rather than rubbing them. For momentary relief, close the eyes and cover them with the palms so no light can enter. Then, open the eyes while still covered and stare into the darkness for a moment.
Tired eyes may benefit from a little exercise. Lift the eyes to the ceiling, then to the floor. Repeat several times. Look straight ahead at eye level, then slowly to the left, then the right, 3 or 4 times. Or, make a circle with the eyes, first clockwise, then counter clockwise. Repeat five times.
Wash the eye area daily with warm water and a mild soap, in a gentle circular motion for 2-3 minutes to remove microscopic mites and waste.
To encourage brow and lash growth, rub brows and lashes with olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil daily.
Curling eyelashes can make eyes look wider and brighter, but replace the curler pads every two months. Curlers work best on clean, mascara-free eyelashes and when slightly warmed by a blowdryer on low heat for about five seconds. Clamp lashes near the roots and hold for 10-30 seconds. Never curl lashes after applying mascara. As mascara dries, lashes can stick to the curler-and be torn from the roots.
False eyelashes are a readily available alternative to mascara and can be worn comfortably when applied properly.
First, they must be trimmed at the outer end before application. Eyelash manufacturers market their product with a beautifully oversized spray of lashes. Trim at least 1/8 inch from the outer edge before putting them on. Apply adhesive sparingly. Allow a minute for adhesive to begin drying, then apply barely above, not touching, the natural lashes. When in place, the inner lash end must not extend past the colored portion of the eye. Otherwise, it means hours of constant blinking, in total torment. The outer end should stop just short of the outer edge of the eye.
For a special occasion, apply false eyelashes daily for several days prior to the event, wearing them for at least an hour. Successfully applying false eyelashes takes practice. Even when correctly applied, false eyelashes feel like an awning the first few times. Anyone hoping to wear them more than once should discard the glue enclosed in the lash packaging and invest in a quality bonding agent, like Duo Adhesive. If eyeliner is going to be worn, apply the liner before applying the lashes.
Another alternative is eyelash extensions, synthetic individual lashes glued to natural lashes that generally last about two months. Unlike false eyelashes, which loosen from crying or water, extensions can be worn swimming or scuba diving. They’re a favorite of brides and anyone who cries at weddings or sad movies.
Improperly cared for lash extensions will fall out sooner and can be the cause of eye irritation.
Rubbing the eyes, always a no-no, can rip extensions off or remove natural lashes with the bonded extensions. Gently using an eyelash brush will keep lashes and extensions from clumping or sticking together. Mascara isn’t necessary with extensions, but, if used, it should be water based, not waterproof.
The agents in waterproof mascara can compromise the bonding solution, so lashes fall off. Oil-based beauty products also should not be used around the eyes while wearing extensions. Makeup, makeup remover, skin creams, and cleansers can also interfere with the bonding and cause the eyelash extensions to fall out. PL
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