The eyes are the windows of the soul, and as such, we need to take excellent care of them, both inside and out. Regular eye exams, a lutein supplement, wearing protective sunglasses and limiting time spent in front of a computer screen will all help you keep your eyes healthy — but what about the skin around the eyes?
Let’s face it, our eye area is often the first facial feature to show signs of aging. Fine lines called crow’s feet or laugh lines, crepiness, puffiness and dark circles are all things we try to treat, whether it be with expensive creams and serums or with cosmetic procedures from botox to facelifts. One of the reasons our eyes are so prone to aging is that the skin surrounding them is quite thin and delicate, and more readily affected by smoking, sun damage, the general aging process, and free radical damage. In this article, we will share with you how to treat the various signs of aging so that you can keep those peepers looking as youthful and beautiful as possible.
Eye Disease Facts
Aging doesn’t just affect the skin around the eyes. It can cause vision loss, and result in certain eye diseases that can lead to blindness. Here are a few relevant facts about eye disease and prevention:
- A family history of eye disease or illnesses such as diabetes can increase your chances of developing serious eye problems later in life.
- By the time you are 65, you should be seeing an eye doctor once each year, at least.
- Excess pressure within the eye can lead to glaucoma, so be sure you are examined for this.
- Normal aging can bring about a ‘cloudy’ lens (part of the eye), a condition called cataracts. Cataract surgery replaces the natural lens with a clear, plastic lens.
- Age-related macular degeneration occurs when the macula area of the retina which is responsible for sharp central vision breaks down. This condition can lead to ‘wavy’ vision, seeing dark spots or shadows in your line of vision, and loss of ability to see things clearly, even up close.
How to Keep Your Eyes Beautiful
The appearance of the eye area can be affected by dark circles (a form of hyperpigmentation), puffiness, bags under the eyes, and fine lines, commonly called crow’s feet. With age, skin loses its ability to create collagen, resulting in a lack of firmness and suppleness in the face and neck areas. One of the areas hardest hit by this loss of production is the skin around the eyes. This thin skin is more prone to fine lines because of its delicacy and its response to repetitive, everyday muscle movements, such as squinting and smiling.
In some ways, a few laugh lines are unavoidable as we age, but there are certain treatments that will help restore this skin to its more youthful, smooth texture. Delta-5TM oil, developed by Dr. Alvin Berger of Sciadonics, is an organic, eco-friendly, anti-inflammatory, patented formulation made from sciadonic acid, a naturally-occurring, plant derived fatty acid. This unique formula can restore aging and dry or scaly skin as quickly as 24 hours after using. Its anti-inflammatory properties are a perfect antidote to puffiness and under eye bags, and its ability to plump and hydrate the skin leads to a healthy glow. Just read the Testimonials page on our website, and see the difference for yourself!
General Tips for Eye Health
The eyes are delicate organs and as such, need to be properly cared for, just like the rest of the body. Here are some tips to help keep your eyes feeling and looking as healthy as possible:
- Get regular eye exams: These should include dilation of the pupils as well as a pressure test as a screen for diseases like glaucoma.
- Eat your vegetables (and fish): Leafy greens like kale and spinach are great sources of vitamin A and lutein, both of which contribute to the health of your eyes. Omega 3 fatty acids are also important for eye health; you can get these from certain fish such as halibut and salmon.
- Rest up: It is important to give your eyes a rest every once in a while, as they work very hard most of the time. To avoid eye strain, limit your time in front of a computer and use reading glasses if needed.
- Don’t smoke: The negative physical effects of smoking are not limited to your lungs. Smoking damages the eyes and can lead to serious eye diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and blindness.
- Wear protective goggles: It is imperative that you wear protective goggles or glasses when you are working in certain environments where debris might get into the eyes.
- Keep your hands clean: Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses, otherwise the dirt and germs on the hands could be transferred to the eyes.
- Watch your weight: Obesity can lead to diseases such as cancer and diabetes, but did you know that too much weight can also put undue pressure on your eyes, potentially damaging them? Engage in a regular exercise routine, and watch your diet.
