Better eyes forever

Dry, red eyes
The cause: The film of tears covering the eyes dries as we age, stare at a computer, or ascend into high altitudes. The solution: Use artificial tears, not red-eye removers. “When the medication wears off, the eyes rebound and become even redder,” says Dr Manoj Rai Mehta, senior consultant opthamologist at Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi. Try over-the-counter products like Refresh Tears or Tear Natural.Shoddy eyesight
The cause: Stress or fatigue disrupt the way the muscles in your eyes focus the lenses.
The solution: Exercise. Shift focus between your fingertip and something across the room five to 10 times. “The best thing to do when you are fatigued is to rest,” says New Delhi-based opthamologist Dr Rajiv Mohan. Another exercise: Look at a point straight ahead. Without moving your eyes, be conscious of as much peripheral information as possible. “This maximises the visual information your brain can take in,” says Dr Mohan.
Slow reflexes
The cause: Your brain may be slacking.
The solution: Write inch-high numbers on tennis balls. Ask a buddy to toss them at varying speeds and distances as you quickly try to read the numbers. This trains the brain to work with the sensory (seeing) aspect of vision.
Double vision
The cause: Beer-goggled, but without alcohol? Tired eyes can point in slightly different directions.
The solution: Pencil pushups. Hold a pencil vertically in front of you and focus on the writing. Concentrate on keeping the words in focus as you bring the pencil closer to your eyes. This is used with nearsighted people to keep the eyes pointing correctly, says Dr Mohan. Do 10 reps once a day for three weeks.
A sty in your eye
The cause: Lids have glands that secrete moistening liquid. If clogged, a gland creates a painful buildup, and a sty. “Lid hygiene is extremely important,” says Dr Mohan.
The solution: Clean using a washcloth. For eyelash dandruff, use baby shampoo.
A scratched eye
The cause: Broken glasses, irate girlfriend... you name it.
The solution: Wait 10 to 15 minutes with your eyes closed. If it won’t subside, visit your doc right away.
Night vision
Carrots help sight Given to WWII air crews to help them see at night, carrots have vitamin A, which is essential for the formation of retinal photoreceptor pigments, thereby making your eyes more responsive