Keeping your eyes healthy

[mtw]

I don't want my eyes to get any worse than they are already, so I'd like some tips on keeping them healthy. I put them through a lot of use with reading, drawing/painting, and using the computer.

[tinyhands]

After drawing or painting for a bit, i just go lay down and close my eyes. I don't sleep but just keep them closed and give them a chance to not focus on anything. After about 15-20 minutes thats about enough, and then i can go back to working. Most importantly when they get tired, just get them away from focusing on things. Go get something to eat or something and just relax them. Anyway, thats what i do.

[nikia]

I'd like some tips on eyes also. I have a thyroid problem, which really causes havoc with my eyes. My son gave my a program called eye Q which has helped, but I seldom have time to use it. Currently I use two strength of glasses in order to draw anything. I went from plus 20/20 vision down to zip suddenly. Does anyone have any tips for sketching with glasses? I've noticed a huge difference in the quality of work I put out.

[sic1]

Be sure to eat carrots, they help the eyesight. Granted you probably won't go from zip to 20/20 but it may improve them.

[Bathgate66]

They say that you should take breaks from any strenuous activity you do involving your eyes such as reading, computer and even art. Have good lighting and get enough sleep.

Keep in mind however, peoples eyes change shape as they grow older until they reach a static point. It is associated with maturity, and as they change shape your eyesight will continually become worse no matter how well you take care of them. It's in your biology.

[mtw]

Originally posted by tinyhands
Most importantly when they get tired, just get them away from focusing on things. Go get something to eat or something and just relax them. Anyway, thats what i do.
I tried a little of that today. It's also relaxing.

[mtw]

Originally posted by sic1
Be sure to eat carrots, they help the eyesight. Granted you probably won't go from zip to 20/20 but it may improve them.
I've sometimes tried that, but I never got in the habit of eating them on a regular basis. Plus I'm kind of allergic to them, but it doesn't matter if I have a little.

[nova]

contacts+dark office+air conditioning = glasses + lots of breaks + eyedrops

[mtw]

Originally posted by nova
contacts+dark office+air conditioning = glasses + lots of breaks + eyedrops
I'm not familiar with that kind of math.

[sic1]

Ahh, I've tried eye drops a couple times before. Mainly because the eyes just got dry and sore. It didn't last long, and I didn't feel like using it after a bit.

mtw, I can relate with the not eating carrots on a regular basis. I managed to keep up with it for a few days, but I haven't had any since :(

It helps me if the carrots are juicy. They provide a good deal of water and they're a good snack late at night.

I have sinus problems too, so I'll do about anything to try and relieve pain around the face/eyes.

[AndyT]

What I heard is that you shouldn't just close your eyes to relax ... you should stare in the distance for a while.

Good thread btw!

[Gunbu]

And remember to take steps that help preventive cataracts and glaucoma! *wink wink* :rolleyes:

[Beer Baron]

A good tip my eye doctor told me is the "20/20 rule." For every twenty minutes of work, look up at something (roughly) 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help relax your eyes.

:eek:

[paper slayer]

I´ve heard that the relaxed state of the eye is focusing at a distance. This also happens when you close your eyes.
I do this far to seldom, but I will do this more often thanks to this thread. :)

[bizarre]

the "thousand yard stare" works wonders. If possible, stare at a horizon. like here in Indiana, there's tons of farmland. endless. from the second floor of the house you can see miles of it. It's great. very relaxing.

Music is good, too. distracting. i often find myself going crosseyed, not even looking at my work, more looking into it. yeah.