Basic Info

Your eyes open a passageway from the outside world to your brain. Light coming into your eye must pass through the lens, a biconvex structure that bends the light to focus it on the retina, which is on the back inner wall of the eye. The image of the visual field that is projected onto the retina is upside-down and your brain re-orients the image. The seven million cone cells in the retina of each eye are divided into three types that detect either red, blue, or green wavelengths of light. Your eyes send the information about color from these cone cells to your brain, which processes the visual image into a rainbow of colors. Researchers believe humans can see one to 10 million shades of color. Your retinas also have about 100 million rod cells—cells that are extremely sensitive to ambient light and help you to see in the dark. The eyes need proper nutrition and protection from mechanical and chemical insult. Carotenoids (pigments found in plants) are vital to eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the most important carotenoids for the retina. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and citamins C and E may help protect against degenerative vision problems. Not smoking, wearing sunglasses, and getting yearly eye exams are important steps in maintaining healthy eyes.

Latest
The Hidden Damage to Your Eyes—and 4 Simple Ways to Protect Your Vision

The Hidden Damage to Your Eyes—and 4 Simple Ways to Protect Your Vision

Proper diet, nutritional supplementation, and specific exercises can help keep the eyes healthy.

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2 Herbal Remedies That Help Refresh Your Eyes

2 Herbal Remedies That Help Refresh Your Eyes

Traditional Chinese medicine herbs and healthy lifestyle habits support eye health.

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When Eye Floaters Are Harmless—and When They Signal a Serious Problem

When Eye Floaters Are Harmless—and When They Signal a Serious Problem

A sudden increase in floaters, seeing flashes of light, and obstructed vision signal an immediate need to seek medical care.

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Myopia: 2 in 5 People Are Affected–Here’s How to Slow Progression

Myopia: 2 in 5 People Are Affected–Here’s How to Slow Progression

A 2020 study found the average progression rate was -0.40 diopters per year in children whose myopia progressed.

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Dry Eyes Aren’t Just Uncomfortable—They Can Damage the Cornea

Dry Eyes Aren’t Just Uncomfortable—They Can Damage the Cornea

Left untreated, dry eye syndrome can cause damage—adjusting your indoor environment can help.

129d
Presbyopia: Common Vision Condition in People Over 40—Here Are the Causes

Presbyopia: Common Vision Condition in People Over 40—Here Are the Causes

Presbyopia affects nearly everyone as they age, not just people with existing vision issues.

168d
From Migraines to Macular Degeneration: How Everyday Choices Protect Your Vision

From Migraines to Macular Degeneration: How Everyday Choices Protect Your Vision

Targeted lifestyle and nutritional changes can alleviate the burden of vision loss and migraines.

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Shielding Vision From Screen Strain: Superfoods That Nourish the Macula
Protecting Children’s Vision From Early Nearsightedness

Protecting Children’s Vision From Early Nearsightedness

Simple treatments and daily habits give parents powerful tools to safeguard their children’s sight long term.

257d
A Lab Mistake Could Save Millions From Laser Eye Surgery

A Lab Mistake Could Save Millions From Laser Eye Surgery

Researchers discovered a gentler, cut-free way to reshape the cornea—and it might change eye care forever.

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Cataracts: Leading Cause of Blindness–Here Are Its Early Signs

Cataracts: Leading Cause of Blindness–Here Are Its Early Signs

Cataracts are a common eye condition among older adults, gradually clouding the lens.

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Diabetes Drug May Double the Risk of Diabetic Eye Disease in People Already at Risk

Diabetes Drug May Double the Risk of Diabetic Eye Disease in People Already at Risk

A recent real-world study tracked vision outcomes before and after patients began tirzepatide treatment.

314d
Pumpkin Power: Boost Immunity, Regulate Blood Sugar, and Protect Eye Health

Pumpkin Power: Boost Immunity, Regulate Blood Sugar, and Protect Eye Health

From supporting digestion to easing inflammation, pumpkin offers a simple, nourishing way to care for your health.

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Popular Diabetes Drug Doubles Risk of an Age-Related Eye Condition

Popular Diabetes Drug Doubles Risk of an Age-Related Eye Condition

While the relative risk doubled, the absolute risk, however, is still low.

355d
7 Acupoint Massage Techniques and Wellness Tips for Eye Health

7 Acupoint Massage Techniques and Wellness Tips for Eye Health

Strengthen your eyes with targeted massage, movement, and diet rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.

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Pink Eye: Its Many Causes and Treatments, and How to Prevent Its Spread

Pink Eye: Its Many Causes and Treatments, and How to Prevent Its Spread

Natural approaches and lifestyle changes may help ease symptoms and support recovery.

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Screen Time Linked to Increased Risk of Nearsightedness in Children, Study Finds

Screen Time Linked to Increased Risk of Nearsightedness in Children, Study Finds

Even one hour of screen time a day significantly increases the risk of nearsightedness, especially for children, a new study suggests.

470d
Dry Eye: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Dry Eye: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Dry eye syndrome affects millions of Americans every year.

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Foods That Look Like the Body Part They Benefit

Foods That Look Like the Body Part They Benefit

Ever wondered why a kidney bean looks like a human kidney? Read on to learn about the clues nature leaves for us about how to nourish our bodies.

522d
Ozempic Users Face Double Risk of Rare Vision Loss, Nordic Studies Find

Ozempic Users Face Double Risk of Rare Vision Loss, Nordic Studies Find

Despite the findings, researchers cautioned against the immediate cessation of Ozempic treatment.

529d
1-Minute Eye Care Routine to Improve Dry Eye and Cataracts

1-Minute Eye Care Routine to Improve Dry Eye and Cataracts

Try these quick and easy exercises to relieve symptoms of dry eye and cataracts and improve blood circulation in the eyes.

530d
Floaters: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

Floaters: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

About 30 percent of Americans notice eye floaters, the flecks, cobwebs, or squiggly shadows drifting across one's visual field.

532d
Staying Healthy After 50: Anti-Aging Tips to Keep You Strong

Staying Healthy After 50: Anti-Aging Tips to Keep You Strong

A traditional Chinese medicine expert offers simple ways to slow the aging process—starting with keeping the stomach and spleen healthy.

548d
3 Essential Nutrients for Eye Health: Eating Right Trumps Supplements

3 Essential Nutrients for Eye Health: Eating Right Trumps Supplements

Learn about the best foods for maintaining eye health from an expert of traditional Chinese medicine.

566d
Is Metformin More Than Just a Diabetes Treatment?

Is Metformin More Than Just a Diabetes Treatment?

Research suggests it may have an array of uses, such as promoting longevity and weight loss and protecting against cancer.

585d
Curcumin Supplementation Linked to 54 Percent Reduction in Age-Related Vision Loss Risk
Timeless Vision: Ancient Remedies to Combat Presbyopia, Nearsightedness, Floaters, and Dry Eye

Timeless Vision: Ancient Remedies to Combat Presbyopia, Nearsightedness, Floaters, and Dry Eye

Conditions such as presbyopia, nearsightedness, floaters, and dry eye can be alleviated with herbs and massage as directed by traditional Chinese medicine.

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