EYE STRAIN

FOR MOST OF US, VISION Is the most important sense. Much of the information we receive about the world around us passes to our brains through our eyes.

Because our eyes are in use most of our waking hours, they naturally get tired. But eye strain tends to be ignored because of the seriousness of other eye diseases, and perhaps because we assume we can't do anything about it.

Although eye strain doesn't permanently damage our vision, it does cause headaches, pain, blurry vision, difficulty focusing, and in extreme cases dizziness, nausea, twitching of the facial muscles and migraines.

Eye strain can have a number of causes other than simple overuse: a strain or weakness in the ciliary or eye muscles, improper lighting, or overall tension or anxiety. Overuse can occur whether our focus is close (computer screens, for example) or far (driving long distances), although a constant close focus tends to cause more eye strain.

There is no scientific proof that herbs help to treat eye strain - and don't look for any in the near future. Because it's such a temporary problem, the search for cures has taken a back seat to finding treatments for more serious eye problems such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Nevertheless, many herbs have a history of use in soothing the irritation associated with eye strain. The most common way of using herbs is as a compress. (For instructions on how to prepare one, see 'Herbal How-To for Eye Strain'.)

DRUG TREATMENT

Though there is no medical treatment for eye strain, if it becomes a long-term problem, you should see an ophthalmic optician to rule out the possibility of other eye diseases such as glaucoma. In many cases, eye strain indicates a need for a new prescription for corrective lens. Ii that's true for you, new lenses alone can help alleviate the problem.

HERBAL HOW-TO FOR EYE STRAIN

One of the best ways to use herbs for eye strain is in a compress. Because eye strain usually involves irritation and inflammation of the eyes, a compress both soothes and cools. Plus, a compress is safer than an eyewash, because an eyewash risks introducing bacteria that may cause infection.

Whichever herb you choose, make a strong tea or infusion (steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb in 1/ litre of hot water for 10 to 20 minutes). Use the tea to dampen a soft cloth, put the cloth over your eyelids, and lean back with your eyes closed for at least 10 minutes.

To pamper sore eyes even more, follow the herbal compress with the application of a couple of cold cucumber slices to your eyelids.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)

This herb has a tradition of use for a variety of eye troubles, specifically watery eyes. Eyebright is both anti-inflammatory and astringent; it helps relieve both swelling and irritation. Typical dosage: drink 1 to 3 cups of tea per day (steep 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried herb in % litre of hot water for 10 to

15 minutes); or strain and cool the tea to apply in a compress as needed.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

The berries of this shrub are respected in many cultures as a treatment for the eyes and a boost to fruit can strengthen capillaries, which may relieve the bloodshot appearance of strained eyes. Although the bilberry gets more attention, the blueberry and cranberry contain similar compounds. Their possible eye benefits give you a great excuse to include them regularly in your diet. Typical dosage: 2 or 3 standardised capsules or tablets per day.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)

This astringent can be used for tired, irritated and itching eyes. Goldenseal contains berberine, which constricts the blood vessels, helping to decrease the bloodshot appearance of strained eyes. It also has slight anaesthetic properties, which can relieve pain. Other berberine-containing herbs that would be just as effective include barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and Oregon graperoot (Berberis aquifolium). Use any of these herbs in a compress as needed.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

The bark of the witch hazel tree is widely used to relieve body aches and pains. An infusion of the bark contains astringent tannins that act as anti-inflammatory agents. Although the majority of the commercial witch hazel products are clear-coloured and do not contain tannins, they usually are soothing. You can use witch hazel alone in a compress or combine it with an infusion of the other herbs in this chapter.

Camomile (Matricaria recutita)

This anti-inflammatory herb is often used for symptoms associated with tension. Its anti-spasmodic and soothing qualities would work well for eye strain, and it has a history of use in treating conjunctivitis.

Camomile can relieve pain and swelling as well as act as a mild sedative. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea taken internally as needed (steep to 1 teaspoon of dried flowers in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or use in a compress as needed. Caution: people who are allergic to other members of the aster family, such as ragweed, may also be allergic to camomile.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Often called pot marigold, this plant produces a yellow flower traditionally used to soothe watery and irritated eyes. Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea taken internally up to three times per day (steep I heaping teaspoon of dried flowers in % litre of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or use the tea in a compress as needed.

MONITOR THAT COMPUTER SCREEN.

Although modern computer screens do not emit enough radiation to harm the eyes, they do cause significant eye strain. How can you tell? If you see black­and-white objects tinged with colour after working on the computer, you've probably been working too long.

You can help decrease computer-related eye strain by adjusting the arrangement of your workstation. Most people tend to have their computer screens too low, which causes shoulder and back strain in addition to eye strain. The top of your screen should be at eye level or slightly below so that the middle of the screen is about 15 to 20 centimetres below eye level. The distance between your eyes and the screen should be about 50 to 70 centimetres. Keep in mind that, if you wear trifocals, bifocals or reading glasses, they may need to be changed to compensate for this positioning.

-Minimise glare on your screen by adjusting the lighting in the room or adding a glare filter to the screen itself. Another way to reduce glare is to decrease the amount of white paper on the desk surrounding the computer. Remember to wipe dust off the screen periodically to make it easier to see. Also, make sure the screen is properly focused to reduce straining.

Because you tend to blink less often while your eyes are fixed, it is important consciously to remind yourself to blink frequently or to close your eyes for a few seconds periodically while at the computer. This bathes the eyes in fluid and keeps them from drying out. Finally, remember to take mini­breaks every hour or so, and to change your body position after them. That helps your back, too.

PUSH-UPS FOR YOUR EYES

Since a fixed gaze causes most eye strain, the best way to avoid such strair is to do eye exercises. Industrial hygienist George Wahl suggests takinc frequent short breaks from your workstation.

1. Every 10 minutes: simply look away from the computer screen something at least 6 metres away.

2. Every hour: do additional eye exercises and stand up to move your neck and shoulders. Repeatedly change your focus from a near point to a far point. If you are able to see mountains, trees or any other variable-height horizon, trace the outline with your eyes. If you are without a window, at least trace the corners of the room with your eyes. Then, without moving your head, look far to the right and far to the left, up to the ceiling and down to the floor.

Reading can also cause significant eye strain so, if you read a lot remember to use these exercises.