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Vital Role of UV Protection for Your Eyes

Routine eye examinations are indispensable in maintaining optimal eye health, as they enable early detection of any abnormalities or conditions exacerbated by UV exposure…writes Dr Rishi Raj Borah

The radiant warmth of the sun, while comforting, conceals a potential threat to our eye health. Many are aware of the necessity of shielding their skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, yet the importance of safeguarding our eyes often goes overlooked. However, understanding the crucial role of UV protection for eye health, regardless of the season, is paramount in preserving our vision and preventing long-term damage.

Year-Round Threat

Contrary to popular belief, UV radiation is not solely a concern during the scorching summer months. Even on overcast days or during winter, UV rays penetrate clouds, posing a continuous risk to our eyes. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to various ocular complications, including growths on the eye, cataracts, macular degeneration, sunburned eye and eye cancer. These conditions can significantly impair vision and diminish quality of life if left untreated.

Preventive Measures

Adopting preventive measures to shield our eyes from UV radiation is simple and effective. Investing in quality sunglasses, such as those labelled with UV400, that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays is essential. In addition, wearing wide-brimmed hats can provide supplementary protection by reducing the amount of direct sunlight reaching the eyes.

Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye examinations are indispensable in maintaining optimal eye health, as they enable early detection of any abnormalities or conditions exacerbated by UV exposure. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can assess eye health and offer personalized recommendations based on individual needs and lifestyle factors.

Limiting Exposure

Limiting outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., can significantly reduce UV exposure. When spending time outdoors, seek shade whenever possible, especially in areas with high reflective surfaces such as water, sand, or snow, which intensify UV radiation.

Balanced Diet

In addition to external protection, consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can also play a pivotal role in minimizing the sun’s damage to the eyes. Consuming foods high in vitamins A, C and E, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids can help bolster the eyes’ natural defences against UV radiation. Incorporating fruits such as oranges, strawberries and kiwis, as well as vegetables like carrots, spinach, kale and broccoli, provides essential nutrients that support ocular health. In addition, including sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna and walnuts, can further fortify the eyes’ resilience to UV-induced damage.

The eyes, often referred to as the windows to the soul, are also remarkably delicate organs susceptible to damage from UV radiation. As such, prioritizing year-round UV protection is paramount for preserving eye health and preventing vision-related complications. By having a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins, adopting preventive measures such as wearing UV-protective sunglasses and hats and scheduling regular eye examinations, individuals can safeguard their eyesight and enjoy the beauty of the sun without compromising their eye health. Let us not overlook the importance of protecting our eyes from the sun’s harmful rays—our vision depends on it.

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Fashion Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Unlocking the Secrets of Ageless Skin

By stimulating the production of blood vessels underneath the skin, retinoids help to balance skin color and get rid of unwanted hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, Vitamin C works as a powerful antioxidant…writes Dr. Simal Soin

Being a man doesn’t mean that you don’t have to indulge in self-care. Ageing gracefully works for all genders. Throughout history, the pursuit of eternal youth has captivated many, including the Great Alexander. Although the mystical “Fountain of Youth” has remained elusive, the desire for lasting youth persists.

Ageing is a natural process. As men get older, the skin becomes thinner and drier, and wrinkles and fine lines start to appear. There are also extrinsic aging factors that include certain lifestyle choices like sun exposure, smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep, all of which can further contribute to the signs of premature aging.

While defying ageing may seem impossible, taking actionable steps can help us slow the process.

How does men’s skin age?

Hormones play a key role in how skin ages, though men are luckier, as they have a natural advantage of slower declination of testosterone. It gradually declines, at around 1% per year after the age of 30. This is in contrast to estrogen levels in women, which decline more rapidly after menopause.

As a result of these different hormonal profiles, compared to women, men’s skin is about 25% thicker. This thicker skin allows men to produce more collagen, elastin, and sebum (oil), all of which are essential for maintaining youthful-looking skin. While men do have some natural advantages in the fight against ageing, it is still important to adopt a good skincare routine, irrespective of age.

CTM is essential

CTM stands for cleansing, toning, and moisturising. A CTM routine is one of the most effective and simple skincare routines for men, It takes care of all of the common skin concerns and keeps your skin healthy and naturally glowing. You start with a gentle facial cleanser or face wash to remove dirt, excess oil, and impurities from your skin, follow it up with a toner to further balance the pH of the skin, clean out your pores tighten them, and remove any residual impurities. Opt for products with ingredients such as salicylic acid for acne-prone skin or glycolic acid for exfoliation. Finally, finish up with a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser that provides hydration and helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, or aloe vera for soothing the skin.

Make sunscreen your everyday friend

Whether it’s rainy or sunny outside, wearing sunscreen should be part of everyone’s daily routine. Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher and water resistance. Additionally, look for ingredients such as avobenzone, mexoryl, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide.

Give it a boost with retinol and vitamin C

If you’re dealing with the first signs of aging, retinol is highly recommended. It is the active form of vitamin A in the body and combats fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the skin’s collagen. By stimulating the production of blood vessels underneath the skin, retinoids help to balance skin color and get rid of unwanted hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, Vitamin C works as a powerful antioxidant. It keeps skin looking firm, healthy, and vibrant by neutralising free radical damage from sun exposure and environmental irritants and lightening hyperpigmentation and melanin displacement. Vitamin C serum is best used in the morning, to prepare your skin for any contact with environmental stressors, and retinol is best used in the evening to restore your skin overnight.

Bioremodelling for long-lasting effects

If you’re looking for long-lasting results, bio-remodeling, also synonymous with Profhilo, is particularly effective in treating skin laxity (sagging skin), dryness, and fine lines, making it a popular choice for people who want vibrant, radiant youthful skin. Porfhilois an ultrapure hyaluronic acid (HA), manufactured without the addition of any cross-linking chemicals. It is designed to be injected into the dermis in order to stimulate the skin to produce more of its own hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin. Profhilo can be used on any part of the body that will benefit from hydration with hyaluronic acid, such as the skin of the face, neck, decolletage, or back of the hand. The unique composition of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid formulation makes it less dense and viscous than traditional dermal fillers, allowing it to spread evenly throughout the skin, delivering hydration and nourishment to the deeper layers of the skin.

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Smoking speeds up the aging process of the skin. It damages collagen and constricts blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to your skin, leading to wrinkles and premature aging. Similarly, alcohol dehydrates the skin and dilates the blood vessels. If you drink too much, you could develop broken blood vessels and rosacea, a skin disorder marked by redness and tiny pimples. Hence, consume alcohol moderately.

Drink plenty of water and opt for nutrient-rich foods

Staying hydrated is one of the easiest and best beauty treatments. Drinking adequate amounts of water helps the body eliminate toxins while providing you with healthier skin. You can also help nourish your skin from the inside out by eating more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fatty fish, and legumes. Avoid consuming too many processed or refined sugars and foods with a high glycemic index (dairy, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats) as they can cause skin inflammation, irritation, and breakouts, and may promote ageing. Additionally, by resting well enough and maintaining a sleep cycle of at least 7 hours, you can give your skin a chance to repair.

If signs of aging are noticeable, or if your skin has been badly damaged due to sunburn or acne scars, it is important to consult your healthcare provider for appropriate advise.

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Health Lite Blogs

Factors that contribute to itchy eyes

Avoid rubbing your eyes. As constant rubbing of the eyes can damage the top layer of the eye, which can lead to pain and infection…writes N. LOTHUNGBENI HUMTSOE

You are not alone if you feel the need to rub your eyes. Itchy eyes are a very common problem, also known as ocular allergy, these are typically the result of an allergy or a condition known as dry eye syndrome.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Parag Sawal, Sr. Consultant, Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, explains, “Itchy eyes related problems can be triggered by exposure to pollen, animal fur, mould, dust mites, make-up, or eye drops. The body reacts to the trigger by releasing histamine, causing the blood vessels in the eye/or around the eyes to dilate and irritating the nerve endings so the eyes water.

When the eyes turn red because of an allergy, it is known as allergic conjunctivitis. Other types of allergy may also lead to itchy eyes. For example, a condition called atopic keratoconjunctivitis produces an inflammation of the surface of the eye because of an allergy to a specific substance and can lead to distorted vision. Another condition, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, produces inflammation in the membrane on the surface of the eye and affects mostly adults.”

If you have eczema, a type of dermatitis, around your eyes, this may also cause itching, according to Dr. Sawal. Other factors that contribute to itchy eyes include:

. Reaction to medications, for example, antacids, hormonal replacements, chemotherapy medications, anti-depressants, and pain killers

. Dry eye syndrome

. Infection due to contact lenses

. Irritation due to exposure of eyes to chemicals like cigarette smoke and gases

. Blepharitis, i.e, inflammation of the eyelids

Itchy eyes have been one issue a lot of people are facing due to air pollution and smog. Dr. Sawal further shares the cause and the methods to keep in mind to help relieve your itchy eyes.:

. When you’re dealing with a mild case of allergic itching, you can use a cold cloth or a cold compress over the eyes to ease the discomfort of itching. You can also try splashing your eyes with cold water.

. If your eye itching is due to some particles or dust in your eyes, you can remove it from your eyes by using warm water or saline solution.

. Closing the windows of your car or house.

. Wearing sunglasses when venturing outside to avoid contact with allergens.

. Avoid rubbing your eyes. As constant rubbing of the eyes can damage the top layer of the eye, which can lead to pain and infection.

. You can shower at night to remove the accumulated dirt and pollen from your hair, eyelid, skin, and face to avoid eye irritation.

. Make sure you wash your hands after patting animals to avoid transferring allergens to the eye.

. Maintaining contact lens hygiene can help you protect your eyes from allergens and bacteria. If you are using contact lenses, you must make sure to change them as frequently as possible.

. Keeping the eyes lubricated frequently with artificial tears.

. And at last, keep hydrating yourself.

(If the problem persists or worsens, kindly visit the ophthalmologist at the earliest.)

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Health Lite Blogs

Always keep your ‘valuable assets’ safe and secure

Always try to work in natural light rather than using LED or tube lights. When sunlight enters your room through doors and windows, it relaxes your eyes. It also aids you in remaining active throughout the day…writes Dr Anurag Wahi

Because of the Covid pandemic and lockdown, most of us are working from home, and our time spent on digital screens has increased. You spend almost the entire day staring at your laptop or computer screen. The situation is similar for adults and children who are not working but are watching TV or using social media. Because of the increase in digital screen time, your eyes are under more strain than usual. There are some things you should do to keep your two most valuable assets (your eyes) safe and secure.

Keep laptop/computer at proper distance

Many people use their digital devices by holding them up to their eyes. Such people are frequently at a higher risk of developing eye problems, especially when combined with long hours at the workplace. It is always best to keep your laptop at arm’s length. That is, the screen should be at an appropriate distance from your eyes. Your screen should be at least an arm’s length (25 inches) away and slightly lower than eye level. This reduces the strain on the eyes and reduces the intensity of the light.

Adjust your screen position and brightness

The placement of your screen is more important than you realise. In fact, it has a significant impact on how your eyes feel after a long day at work. Adjust the screen position and brightness so that you can work on your system without straining or focusing too hard. If your eyes are too weak, however, you should see a doctor.

Try to work in natural light

Always try to work in natural light rather than using LED or tube lights. When sunlight enters your room through doors and windows, it relaxes your eyes. It also aids you in remaining active throughout the day.

Take regular breaks

One of the most important things to remember when working from home is to take regular breaks. This is one effective piece of advice that many people disregard because they are constantly focused on their work. However, it is recommended that you take your gaze away from the screen for at least 5 minutes every hour. It also improves your concentration and productivity. This is an all-around win-win situation! So remember to take breaks.

Practice Eye Exercises

Take some time every 24 hours to do some regular eye exercises. Your eyes, like any other muscle, require regular exercise to stay strong and healthy. The 20-20-20 rule is one such simple exercise that you can do while working from home. After every 20 minutes, look away from your screen for 20 seconds and focus on any object 20 feet away.

Don’t forget to blink

In general, you blink every four seconds, but some studies show that this decreases by more than half when working with digital screens. Make an effort to blink as frequently as possible to keep your eyes moisturised and prevent them from becoming dry and irritated.

Use bigger fonts

The size of the fonts on your laptop or computer can often influence how our eyes feel. The smaller the font, the more strain on the eyes. This is due to the fact that smaller fonts require more focus while reading, causing your eyes to strain. So, while reading long documents, adjust the screen font as much as possible.

Ensure proper lighting

Glare is a major cause of eye strain. Glare on a digital screen is caused by harsh overhead lighting or light from windows, which are usually directly behind or in front of you. Position your computer/laptop screen to avoid glare and, if necessary, use drapes or blinds on windows.

Stay hydrated

Sufficient liquid intake is critical to the overall health of your body, including your eyes. You can keep your eyes from becoming dry and irritated if you stay hydrated.

Get an eye test

Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining good eye health at work. Unless advised otherwise by an optician or a health professional, schedule one every two years. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can detect eye problems before they rob you of your vision.

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Lite Blogs

‘Eyes’ shift from natural to heavy glam

Stickers, like graphic liners, are a relatively new trend. Many makeup firms, such as Simi haze beauty, have recently released makeup stickers. These generally consist of eyeliners in various forms and colours that look dramatic and make you stick out a lot…reports Asian Lite News

When it comes to cosmetics, a dramatic eye is a game changer. We’ve seen a lot of shifts in trends over the last few years, from plain natural look to heavy glam. We’ll look at a few different ways to draw attention to your eyes and take your makeup to the next level. Eyes have a lot of power, and when emphasised correctly, they may draw attention to the rest of your face.

Tips shared by Nupur Gupta, Founder, CEO and master trainer at the Nupur Gupta Academy.

Graphic liners

In their daily makeup routines, most people opt for a classic winged eyeliner. You can, however, go for a graphic liner if you want to liven things up. Even though graphic liners have just lately become fashionable, they are sure to make you stand out. You can go with the conventional black or go all out with colourful combos, as many celebrities do these days. There are a lot of various methods to get this look, which makes it even more enjoyable!

Smokey

The ideal Smokey eye makeup screams big and dramatic more than anything else. It entails mixing dark eyeshadow and giving it a diffused appearance. A smokey eye can be achieved in a variety of methods, including blending the eyeshadow only at the end or all over the eyelid. This look essentially draws attention to and accentuates your eyes, making them the most crucial feature of the complete makeup look.

Multicolor

If you want to look forceful, a multicoloured eyeshadow or liner might also help. Bold eyes are commonly associated with dark colours, although this is not the case. Using brightly coloured eyeliners, such as blue, purple, or white, can give your makeup a distinct look. Colors like pink, orange, and yellow can be used in bright eyeshadow combinations. If you want to accentuate your eyes while keeping them light, this is a terrific option.

Glitter

Who doesn’t enjoy a little glitz and glam? Glitters are the easiest way to amp up any makeup look without putting in a lot of effort or thinking. You may use either loose glitter or sparkly eyeshadow for this look. The first option will give you the most sparkly look, while the second option is perfect if you’re in a hurry and don’t want to make a mess. In any case, you’ll look tough and glamorous in no time with this style.

Stickers

Stickers, like graphic liners, are a relatively new trend. Many makeup firms, such as Simi haze beauty, have recently released makeup stickers. These generally consist of eyeliners in various forms and colours that look dramatic and make you stick out a lot. These are a terrific way to think outside the box and try new things. These eyeliner stickers come in a variety of colours, from vivid pinks and greens to holographic, and are a great option if you don’t want to spend hours perfecting your eye makeup. Simply put it on and you’re ready to go!

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Expert advice on post-vaccine care at home

Vaccine (ANI)
First of all, you should not worry about the side effects and be completely relaxed as these are minor side effects. For pain at the injection site, you can keep a wet cloth (cool) or if necessary some medicines to reduce pain…writes Siddhi Jain.

Getting vaccinated as soon as possible is the only way to shield yourself from the pandemic.A sore injection site, pain in the injected arm, mild fever, moderate fatigue, headaches, chills, and even diarrhoea are symptoms commonly seen after administration of the Covid-19 vaccine. While one may have taken the right step towards protection from the virus, doctors say the post-vaccination symptoms can be managed at home.

Vaccination (Pallav Paliwal)

According to Sujeet Ranjan, Executive Director of The Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (CFNS), after vaccination, staying on site for monitoring is crucial. The healthcare provider should observe you for about 30 minutes after the vaccine is administered to make sure there are no immediate reactions. However, it is extremely rare to have severe health reactions.

“Vaccines are designed to give immunity without the dangers of getting the disease. While it’s normal to build immunity without side effects, it is also common to experience some mild-to-moderate side effects that go away within a few days on their own,” Ranjan told.

Tejaswini Deepak, Physician, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Koramangala, Bengaluru, says that getting vaccinated does not guarantee full immunity against the virus but it is a wise decision to get the dose to move towards a collective fight against this pandemic. The vaccine has mild side effects depending on the body of an individual and these symptoms can be easily managed at home.

“Fatigue, headache and body weakness are a few ailments that can be noticed post the vaccination. Adequate water intake is important to stay hydrated. Alongside proper sleep, a balanced diet, less strenuous exercise and low intake of caffeine is recommended. A paracetamol tablet can be taken to reduce the body pain,” says the physician.

“The pain at the local injection site usually resolves within one day, while fever and body ache resolve in 2-3 days. First of all, you should not worry about the side effects and be completely relaxed as these are minor side effects. For pain at the injection site, you can keep a wet cloth (cool) or if necessary some medicines to reduce pain. For fever, you should take antipyretics (medicines to reduce fever) and keep yourself hydrated. You are also advised rest, in case of fever.

“You should avoid googling about side effects and try to manage it by yourself. We have seen that people panic after reading up on the internet and this leads to irrational and harmful practices. Better to consult a physician. If you have any other side effect, or if the pain persists beyond one day or the fever persists beyond 2-3 days, you need to consult a physician,” said Khan Amir Maroof, Professor, Department of Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Delhi.

Keeping a clean wet cloth on the vaccinated arm helps to reduce the pain, swelling and the redness. It also helps to keep the infections at bay, say doctors.

Navneet Kaur, General Physician, Apollo Spectra Nehru Enclave, New Delhi suggests: “Eat anti-inflammatory foods like strawberries, cherries, oranges, mackerel, green vegetables, and nuts after vaccination. Limit your intake of processed and junk food. Remember that a healthy diet will reduce inflammation and strengthen your immune system. Moreover, you will have to get a good night’s sleep and avoid exertion.”

Maroof adds: It takes around two weeks after the second dose for the immunity to develop. Also, the vaccine is not 100 per cent effective and so there are some chances of infection (known as breakthrough infection) even after being vaccinated.

While opinions on post-vaccine alcohol consumption vary, many doctors are advising a distance from liquor and smoking. Needless to say, compulsory wearing of masks, continuous washing of hands and maintaining social distancing should still be followed. These side effects should not discourage you from taking the second dose.

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