The Secret behind Cleopatra's Eye Makeup

 Researchers now believe that Egyptians applied the  eyeliner 4,000 years ago in order to ward off infections.

Lead salts in the make-up helped to protect against eye disease, the French study claims.

The "smokey eyes" look favoured by ancient Egyptians such as Cleopatra is one of the most enduring in fashion.

Their study, published in the journal Analytical Chemistry, suggests it helped to protect against eye disease.

The key appears to be lead salts contained in the make-up which boosts the immune system to fight off bacteria which can cause eye infection.The make-up used by the ancient Egyptians to darken and enhance the eyes sometimes took up to a month to concoct.

In theory, because it contained lead it might actually have posed a risk to health.

But an analysis by scientists led by Philippe Walter showed that at low doses it had a protective effect.

He said: "We knew ancients Greeks and Romans too had noted the make-up had medicinal properties, but wanted to determine exactly how."

The researchers used a tiny electrode, a 10th of the thickness of a human hair, to look at the effect of lead chloride salt synthesised by the Egyptians – laurionite – on a single cell.

"In stimulating non-specific immunological defences, one may argue that these lead compounds were deliberately manufactured and used in ancient Egyptian formulations to prevent and treat eye illnesses by promoting the action of immune cells," they said.

It is also thought that Galena, the natural mineral form of lead sulphite, was used as eye make up known as kohl and possesses antiseptic and fly-deterrent properties as well as protecting the eyes from intense sun. 

Egyptian eye exercise

Egyptian eye exercise for eye vision correction

• Lazy Eight
• Egyptian black dot exercise
• Egyptian letter gazing exercise

Practice these eye exercise techniques 2 or 3 times a week. Take 2 or 3 day rest between each eye session, depending on the energy level. The day after the first eye routine the eye muscles may be sore; do not worry. The "soreness" will gradually leave. Soreness means that it have "worked-out" weak eye muscles lying dormant for many years. The rest period between each eye exercise session is also important. During periods of rest the eyes and body heal and rebuild, imparting strength and health. Never wear glasses while performing eye exercises. If able to move around without glasses, do so when start this program.

 "Lazy Eight" Neck Loosening Exercise 

It is a Pre-Eye Exercise Warm-Up Technique. Performing the lazy eight exercise slowly and smoothly loosens the back of the neck, calms the nervous system, and enables to focus the eyes clearly. Simply draw imaginary "eights" with the nose, while moving the head. Large "figure-eights" drawn with the nose helps to relax the larger muscles of the eyes, while tiny "figure eights" relax the smaller muscles of the eyes.

How to do 
Draw figure eights with the nose; move the head slowly and smoothly. Vary the "figure eights" by drawing them vertically, then horizontally. Draw large ones and finally tiny "figure eights." Perform them in both directions -- right to left and left to right; top to bottom and bottom to top. Spend at least three minutes on this exercise.

The Lazy Eight Neck Exercise is performed first in routine because it relaxes the neck muscles and allows fresh blood to flow to the eyes and brain. It prepares for the rest of the eye routine and insures greater success in improving the vision. The eye exercises that follow, if practiced regularly and consistently, can help bring the vision back to 20-20 and beyond! Perform the eye exercises with joy and relaxation. Results will be forthcoming.

Egyptian Black Dot Technique

 Part I  

 First prepare the Black Dot on a 2 - 3 white card. (Do not move the head; move the card only--in and out) Draw a Black Dot about the size of a button on the card with black ink. If have trouble seeing close (farsightedness) does not perform this first part of the Black Dot Technique. Perform the second part only below. Hold the card in front of the eyes. Next, move card to the tip of the nose and gaze at the black dot for 30 seconds. Must see only one dot. If two dots are seen, move the card away from the nose until only see one dot. After 30 seconds move the card straight out in front of the eyes, then rest and close the eyes for a few seconds. Next, raise the card up between eyebrows and gaze at the dot for 30 seconds. Move the card as close as possible to see only one dot. And then rest for a few seconds. Be sure that only see one dot; this means that both eyes are working together. Be persistent and consistent and the results are amazing. Remember to breathe gently, deeply and naturally.

Part II 
While keeping the head straight, move the black dot to the right shoulder and gaze at it for 30 seconds. Then, move dot to the left shoulder and gaze at it for 30 seconds. Close eyes and rest. Farsighted people can perform this shoulder to shoulder Black Dot Exercise with great benefit. The Black Dot Techniques make the eye muscles focus in positions it does not normally focus in. This helps to reshape and balance the eyeball itself.

Egyptian Letter Gazing Technique

Part I

(Exercise for Close & Distant Vision)  Cut out three 1 /8" to 1 /4" thick letters from a newspaper or magazine and glue them on a 2 x 3 white card. Perform each exercise with one eye at a time, then both eyes together. The eye that is covered with the palm is to be kept open during the exercise. This enables both eyes to work together during the exercise. Start out with three repetitions in each direction. Every two to three weeks add one repetition, until reach six.

• Hold the card twelve inches in front of the eyes. Concentrate on one of the letters, always focusing to see it clearly. Move the card above the eyes and below the chin three times. Do this one eye at a time and then both eyes together. Keep the head still--move the eyes only. 
• Hold card twelve inches in front of the eyes. Move the card slowly from the right eye to the left eye--always keeping sight of the letter. Perform with one eye, then both eyes together, three times each.
• Hold the letter in front of the face, and move the card in right and left diagonally. Perform three times each way. Again perform one eye at a time, then both eyes together. 
• Move card in large circles, at arms length. Perform three times each way, one eye at a time, then both together. 
• Hold the card about one foot in front of the head and move the card smoothly in a ten inch diameter circle. Perform ten times clockwise and ten times counterclockwise. Perform with one eye at a time and both eyes together.

Important Eye Note
  Breathe deeply and naturally and try not to blink. See the letter as clearly as possible without eye strain. These Egyptian Eye Techniques are superior exercises for reshaping the eyeballs and strengthening the eye muscles. They help to create eye muscle balance. Do not confuse this exercise with ordinary eye exercises,  there is no comparison!

It helps to reshape the eye back to its normal position, so that light can focus on the retina properly for perfect eyesight. This technique coordinates the mind and eyes to work in perfect harmony. Persistence is the key to success in vision improvement.

 Part II 
 (Exercise for Close & Distant Vision) - After practicing the Egyptian Letter Gazing Technique Part I for a month, then now practice the Advanced Egyptian Letter Gazing Technique, Part II.

How to Perform

• Hold the card at least two to three feet from the eyes. 
• To improve the distant sight, must use the eyes to see beyond two feet to overcome myopia (nearsightedness). 
• Paste a black letter on a 2 by 3 card and tape the card to one end of a 12 inch ruler. These letters should be big enough to see easily at two foot.
• As the eyesight becomes clear at this distance, use smaller letters to help obtain further improvement.
• To improve the close vision (farsightedness), simply perform the eye exercise holding the letters less than twelve inches from the eyes. 
• Perform this "Advanced" exercise in the same sequence as did in the above Beginning Egyptian Letter Gazing Technique.

Stellaris® Vision Enhancement System

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Dark Circles

Are you worried of those dark circles under eye? Dark circles are natural when you face severe stress, lack of sleep, depression or headaches. Everyone wants to look good and as a result keep on experimenting with their looks.

Dark circles are caused below the eyes, where the skin is thin. This skin is not endowed with the oil glands like the rest parts of the body. Hence, as it gets dry, it gets wrinkly and results in the formation of dark circles under the eyes.

Causes

  Lack of Sleep
    Those who suffer from insomnia, who do not get to sleep properly, and who overstress their muscles, are   prone to dark circles. Dark circles being caused under the eyes can cause the skin to appear instantly aged after even as little as one night without adequate amount of sleep or without adequate consumption of water which can help to reduce the swelling that occurs within the skin leading to dark under eye circles.

   Allergies
    Allergies are the most probable and common reasons for dark circles and puffy eyes are allergies which may be seasonal such as hay fever, or an undetected food allergy such as a gluten allergy (celiac disease). The best course of action to avoid the under eye smudges in such a case would be to avoid the allergens. Seasonal allergies can be treated with prescription medication.

    Sun exposure
     Excess sun exposure leading to damage of the eye area is another cause of dark circles which can form under the eye area. Sun damage comes from excess exposure in which the delicate skin around the eye is not protected with the use of sunscreen as well as eye cream. The eyes are prone to dark circles due to the increased exposure of the skin to the sun that causes hyper-pigmentation.

    Skin Irritation
      Dark under eye circles have a variety of causes and it is important to remember that these causes can sometimes be out of our control. The capillaries (small veins through the skin of the eye area) can sometimes become irritated and suffer from trauma, creating the tell-tale dark under eye circles - which is represented through bruising and through this bruising, the dark under eye circles can become noticeable through the skin. Although most often temporary, these bruises can often leave permanent damage through the sensitive skin through the under eye area.

   Vitamins and Minerals
     A lack of vitamins and nutrients within the diet can lead to under eye circles forming on the lower lid of the eye. Vitamins and nutrients ingested through the diet and absorbed into the body can benefit the skin and when an individual ingests a diet which is lacking in vitamins and nutrients the skin will suffer. Skin can suffer from dryness and therefore become depleted of moisture. Once the skin has been depleted of moisture, damage can easily occur, causing the discoloration which can lead to dark under eye circles.

Effective natural ways to treat dark circles

Does your current remedy to cure those dark circles under your eye work well for you? It’s common sense that some remedies work better than others and there aren’t any that are 100% effective but you can find many home remedies that are more natural and will help. Here are 5 of the many natural remedies to help treat those dark circles.

   Cucumber
This might be one of the most cliché remedies but it’s also one that is very effective. Cut thin slices of a cucumber and put them on your eyes. They will help lighten your dark circles, decrease puffiness and soothe your eyes.

You want to lie down first and then put the thin cucumber slices on your eyes. You want to be sure they make contact with the skin underneath your eyes in order for them to be effective. Leave them on for at least 5 minutes and make sure the juice doesn’t get into your eyes because it will burn. If you want something more convenient you might try a cream that has cucumber extract to get the same effect as well as stronger capillaries under your eyes.

   Tea Bags
This is a natural remedy that is pretty well known and is also a very beneficial one. The caffeine contained in the tea bags helps diminish the puffiness and dark circles. Many eye creams contain caffeine that you might have noticed already as well. Tea is also an antioxidant that is very beneficial to your skin.

Squeeze the excess water out of a used tea bag then lie down and place one on each eye. Leave them on for about 5 to 10 minutes and you will see an improvement in the dark circles as well as the puffiness under your eyes. Try not to get the tea in your eyes as well. Herbal teas don’t work as good as regular tea except for chamomile because it contains anti-inflammatory power that helps decrease the dark circles along with the puffiness.

  Potatoes
Peel a regular potato and then cut two slices about 3mm thick each. Now place one slice on each eye and leave them there for about 20 minutes. Potatoes are convenient and work effectively to help reduce the dark circles.

  Two Teaspoons
You are probably wondering just what ‘two teaspoons’ means. It’s actually rather simple. You put two teaspoons in the freezer for around 10 minutes. While they are in the freezer, go wash your face with warm water and then lie down and place the two teaspoons over your eyes. You will see an improvement with this quick and easy method.

  Banana
Just peel a banana, mash it up and then put a little under your eyes before you lay down for bed. The potassium in the banana helps get rid of the dark circles. Some people even notice complete results the next morning because the dark circles are fully gone. Why not give it a shot?

 Blinking of the eye

 

Blinking of eyes is normal and is essential to remove the dirt that gets accumulated on the surface of the eyeball. Tear glands located in the upper eyelid generate tears, a liquid that is primarily made up of water. Eye blinking transport tears from tear glands to the surface of the eye, which helps in cleaning the eyes. Usually, blinking about 15 - 16 times every minute is normal but when the blinks dramatically increase to 30 - 40 per minute, this condition is termed as excessive blinking, that can affect one or both the eyes.


Excessive Blinking Causes

Although people of all ages suffer from excessive blinking, it is more prevalent among toddlers and children. Persistent blinking of the eye is annoying as it attracts unfriendly stares and sometimes anger of the opposite sex. Continuous eye blinking has been attributed to common eye problems such as dry eyes and eyelid spasms.

Dry Eyes
Doctors are of the firm opinion that dry eyes can contribute to excessive blinking. As we all know, dry eyes occur when tear glands in the eyes are unable to produce tears in sufficient amounts. This lack of moisture can make a person blink excessively during the day. Persistent dryness associated with diminished production of eyes can be a cause of great discomfort, to which the person may react by blinking the eyes excessively. This is the most common reason behind excessive blinking in children.

Presence of Foreign Object
Foreign particles entering the eyes and getting stuck somewhere in the lower eyelid can also lead to excessive blinking. A foreign object trapped under the lower eyelid causes irritated eyes and it may respond by blinking excessively. This may continue until the foreign particle is removed. Exposure to foreign particles is many a time the culprit behind excessive blinking in toddlers.

Eyelid Spasms
Excessive blinking of eyes has also been linked to eyelid spasms. Spasms refers to the uncontrolled movement of muscles that usually last for a minute. In eyelid spasms, a common eye problem, the upper eyelid muscles move 'to and fro' involuntarily for a stipulated period of time. In case of severe eyelid muscle spasms that can last for several minutes, it may appear as if the person is blinking persistently.

 Eyesight Problems
Excessive eye blinking in children has also been associated with eye vision problems. Children who are are unable to see properly due to birth defects that appear as blurred vision are often seen blinking excessively.

Brain Disorders
A recent study reveals that the blink rate is regulated by the brain. So presence of any abnormalities or diseases in the brain can have a negative impact on the blink rate. Development of tumors in the brain can also cause involuntary blinking of the eye. Infections of the brain can also produce these unwanted changes that affect the eye.




Absence Seizures
This is a type of seizure (involuntary movement of any body part) that is typically marked by decrease in alertness and is accompanied by constant blinking of the eye. Absence seizures are the result of abnormal electrical activity that occur inside the brain.

Anxiety
Anxiety and stress are also one of the factors that can cause excessive eye blinking. Too many eye blinks occurs as a response to a stressful situation. Worrying about something for prolonged periods of time, can trigger an intense feeling of anxiety. This may cause muscle spasms of the eyelid, eventually giving rise to excessive blinking.

However, in most cases excessive blinking in children is not worrisome and vanishes without any treatment. Many a times, too much physical activity that causes fatigue, results in repeated movements of the eyelids. In such cases, taking adequate rest resolves the issue.

Advantage of Crystalens HD

Unlike standard cataract replacement lenses, Crystalens® lenses correct your cataracts and give you back your full range of vision. They flex like your eye's natural lens, allowing you to see better at all distances. If you're like many Crystalens® patients, you'll hardly, if ever, need your glasses or contacts again.

Now what  is Crystalens®? 

Crystalens® is an accommodating intraocular lens that, unlike a standard IOL, can treat both a person's cataracts and presbyopia—loss of near and intermediate vision. You probably noticed in your forties that you started to lose some of your up-close vision and had to start wearing reading glasses. Crystalens® not only treats your cataracts (a clouding or hardening of your lens), but can also reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses. It does so by recreating accommodation similar to your eye's natural lens. The unique Crystalens® can reduce or eliminate glasses for most activities, including: reading a book, working on the computer, and driving a car.

What makes the Crystalens® unique? 

In conventional lens implant surgery, which has been the standard treatment for cataracts for many years, the surgeon implants a fixed focus plastic or silicone artificial lens. This lens allows the patient to see well only at distance. For reading vision, patients would require a pair of glasses.

Unlike other intraocular lenses (IOLs), the Crystalens® has the unique ability to focus on objects at varying distances using the eye's natural muscle. This means that the Crystalens® can provide sharper vision, without corrective lenses, potentially throughout a full range of vision from near to far and everything in between.

Standard (single vision) lens implants do not have the ability to provide a full range of vision. Most people who have single vision lens implants MUST wear glasses for middle and near vision. Similarly, most people over the age of 45 who have LASIK have a single range of vision, unless they have one eye treated for distance and one eye corrected for near vision. This type of treatment, sometimes called "monovision" has its own set of limitations and may not be the answer for everyone.

However, the Crystalens® is able to restore your eye's natural focusing ability by using a design that corresponds to the way the natural lens flexes and focuses.

ONLY FDA-Approved accommodating IOL


Crystalens® was the first presbyopia correcting IOL introduced into the United States market and is currently the only FDA-approved accommodating IOL. Crystalens® addresses the limitations of standard monofocal IOLs and multifocal IOLs by providing the following advantages to patients:
 
Provides a Broad Range of Vision: Crystalens® moves and changes shape using the eye's natural focusing mechanism, instead of remaining fixed and stationary within the eye. This movement, or accommodation, allows the eye to focus on objects across a broad range of distances to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses. In particular, this accommodation provides significant advantages in addressing intermediate vision.

Maintains Clarity of Vision: Unlike multifocal lenses, Crystalens® directs all available light received by the

eye to a single focal point, comparable to that of a healthy natural lens.

Patient Adjustment Not Required: Crystalens® produces a single image consistent with normal vision, meaning patients do not need to neuroadapt to viewing multiple images. Patients also do not need to

tolerate or adjust to high levels of halos and glare often associated with multifocal IOLs.  

Common eye questions

Why do we need to worry about the health of our eyes?

 Can you imagine not being able to see the text of the newspaper or not being able to see clearly to drive or simply to cross the road? In comparison to our 5 sensory organs the eye is considered to be the most important one.We use our eyes for all of our daily activities.

 

 

What measures should we take to keep eyes in tip-top condition? 

 Eye diseases, like glaucoma, will slowly and irreversibly steal your sight away if it is not detected early. Children with visual deficit that is not properly diagnosed and managed may display avoidance, or even behavioural problems, before the teachers or the parents recognise the problem as visually

 Do contact lenses cause many problems, and can they be
prevented?
Contact lens wearers should not overwear their contact lenses and they should allow at least one day's rest from wearing contact lenses each week. Certainly, you can be sure that eyecare professionals are vigilant about stressing the need for better patient education and follow-up care.

What are the common eye problems?

Some examples are eye coordination problems with complaint of intermittent blur, eye strain and, in some cases, double vision. The good news is that most of these problems can be identified and remedied through professional optometric care or eye exercises.

How damaging to your eyes are long hours in front of the computer?

Staring at the computer continually can lead to "Computer Vision Syndrome". Symptoms may include eye irritation, fatigue, pain in the eye, dryness, excessive tearing or blinking.

 

We can't stop using computers, so what measures can we take to ease the Computer Vision Syndrome? 

The most common problem is dry eye. Blink rate tends to be reduced while working on the Pc. Using eyedrops several times a day could help. In addition, try doing some simple eye focusing exercises a few times a day. Simply hold up and look at a pencil tip or text placed at reading distance for a few seconds, making sure that it's clear. Then shift your attention to a distant object such as the clock. Repeat procedure for about 20 times. Subsequently, if you're still struggling to see comfortably while working on the computer, you may need prescription eyeglasses designed specifically for working on the PC.

Are there any dietary ways to keep our eyes healthy? 

Six nutrients have a promising role in maintaining eye health. They are the antioxidant vitamins C and E, the carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and the mineral, zinc. In other words, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially dark leafy ones.

Do any health supplements help in any way? 

Recent studies have shown that high-dose nutritional supplementation with previously mentioned contents can slow the progression of Age-Related Macular Degeneration, so maintaining eye health through supplementation is a good practice. Omega-3 supplementation is helpful for those with dry eyes.

How frequently should we have eye examinations? 

The American Optometric Association's Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend that adults between ages 40 and 60 receive a comprehensive eye examination every two years, and adults over 60 receive an annual exam. School-aged children need to have an examination annually. As a guide, your eyes should be checked at least once every two years or as recommended by your eyecare professional.

 

Eye Care in monsoon

http://www.rushabheyehospital.com www.cataractsurgeryindia.in Here's the tips that can protect your eyes during monsoon: 

• Raining infections: Incidents of allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye, sty and other infections increase during monsoon due to poor hygienic conditions.
•  Stay clean: Do not touch your eyes without washing your hands. Children love playing in water-logged streets; this can bring home waterborne bacteria and cause eye infections. 
• Protection: Do not wipe your face with the towel that has been used to clean your hands or your body.Repeated use of the towel may may spread microbes to your eyes and cause infection.
• Contact care: Carry your complete contact lens kit during monsoon. Discontinue wearing your lens if there is redness of eyes.

Eye Care in monsoon

Cataract Myths and Facts !!!

When it comes to Cataract, many of us could use a bit of clarity. Myths and old wives’ tales abound, from cataracts that “grow” on top of the eye to others that are said to “ripen.” To debunk the misinformation and help you get to the truth, here is CNIB’s list of cataract myths and facts.

MYTH #1: Cataracts “grow” on top of the eye.

FACT: Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, and the lens is within the eye, not on its surface. The eye’s natural lens is made up of water and protein fibres that are arranged in a way that makes the lens clear and allows light to pass through. As you age, the protein fibres begin to clump together and cloud small areas of the lens. Over time the clumping in one particular area will stand out, making it harder to see.

MYTH #2: Cataracts can be removed with lasers

FACT: Along with the misconception that cataracts grow on the surface of the eye, many people believe they can be removed with lasers. However this is not the case, because the clouding develops within the actual properties of the lens. In cataract surgery, your natural lens is broken up and removed with an instrument called a phaco probe. The natural lens is then replaced with an artificial lens within the eye called an IOL.

MYTH #3: Cataracts “grow back.”

FACT: Not so. However, occasionally a cataract patient can develop a different, secondary cataract in the years or months following surgery. This happens when the membrane that holds the new lens implant becomes cloudy, increasing problems with glare and making it harder to see. This can be treated with laser surgery. It is a simple procedure in which your eye surgeon makes a small opening within the membrane to allow light to enter the lens. The procedure is quick and painless, takes less than fifteen minutes and is usually conducted in your doctor’s office
.
MYTH #4: A cataract must be “ripe” before it can be removed.

FACT: In the past this was true – a cataract had to be in the advanced stage before it could be removed. However with modern cataract surgery, a cataract does not have to “ripen” to be removed. You can have a cataract removed as soon as it begins to affect your vision and quality of life.

MYTH #5: Only older people develop cataracts.


FACT: Cataracts are most common among people over 65 years of age; however, cataracts can occur in people who are younger. These cataracts result from conditions such as diabetes, certain medications and other eye problems. In some cases cataracts can be present at birth; these are called congenital cataracts. For more information on the different types of cataracts, see Cataracts 101: Types and Causes.

MYTH #6: Cataract surgery is dangerous.

FACT: Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most highly perfected surgical procedures in medicine, with a 95 per cent success rate. However, as with any surgery, risks do exist and should be discussed with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.

MYTH #7: It can take months to recover from cataract surgery.

FACT: In many cases cataract patients notice a change in their vision immediately following surgery; however, some people will continue to improve in vision for a few months after that. You will not be able to bend or lift anything heavy for up to three weeks after your procedure and you will need to avoid rubbing or pressing your eye. Other than that, you should be able to resume normal activities the day after surgery, which is when the patch over your eye is removed. (Read Olivette Shaw’s story to learn more about cataract surgery.)

MYTH #8: There is no need for glasses after cataract surgery.

FACT: Whether or not glasses are needed following surgery depends on the type of intraocular lens implanted. With a monofocal lens, patients will most likely still need glasses for near and intermediate distances to read or work on the computer. Many people choose to have a multifocal lens implanted since in most cases all distances are corrected and glasses may not be necessary. You may want to talk to your doctor about whether multifocal lenses might be good for you. Read more information on lens options for cataract surgery.

MYTH #9: Cataracts can spread from one eye to the other.

FACT: Cataracts can develop in one eye or both of them, but they do not spread

MYTH #10: Cataracts are made worse by close-up tasks such as reading and sewing.

FACT: You can’t develop a cataract, or make an existing cataract worse, by doing these tasks. The causes of cataracts are not related to how you use your eyes. However, it is likely that you will notice a cataract because of close-up tasks, since one of the signs of cataracts is requiring a lot more light to do these activities.

MYTH #11: There are ways to reverse cataracts once they occur.

FACT: The clouding of the lens is a natural part of the aging process and can not be avoided. However, you can make lifestyle adjustments to slow or prevent the development of cataracts:

* If you smoke, consider quitting.
* Eat a balanced diet, including a lot of fruits and vegetables.
* Wear sunglasses (with 100% UV A and B protection) and avoid excessive sun exposure.

So that’s the scoop on cataract myths and facts. Armed with a little knowledge and the assurance that cataracts are easily corrected, you will be all set to take on the world – and see clearly again.

EyeXam iPhone App Provides Eye Tests

SAN FRANCISCO, June 2010 — EyeXam is a free iPhone app that you can use to test your eyes. Developed by two optometrists and distributed by Global EyeVentures, the application is designed to test visual acuity at distance and near, as well as the ability to distinguish colors.

The main menu on the EyeXam app, as it appears in an iPhone.

It also offers an Amsler grid, which helps you find possible blind spots in your visual field, a test to help you find your dominant eye and an astigmatism test. An included eye exercise is designed to help you improve your ability to converge your eyes. And an eye alignment test checks whether your eyes tend to posture outward, inward or normally.
Of course, EyeXam is mostly an educational tool that cannot replace a comprehensive eye exam. But the tests can alert you to a vision problem you might not have noticed before that should be brought up with your eye doctor. If you don't have an eye doctor, you can find one through the application.
During the first month it was available on the Apple iTunes store, EyeXam was downloaded more than 100,000 times and was the second-most downloaded free iPhone application in the medical category