"Even in the glasses of thine eyes, I see thy grieved heart," said Shakespeare- a very protective observation of the human eye. This incredible organ of sight not only permits us to see but is most often a barometer of our emotions and our state of health, as well. It is believed that the famed Maimonides, world renowned physician to the Sultan prescribed medicines for his patients (clients) just by looking into their eyes.
The eye is a special sensory receiver. The eyes are the greatest clues to diseases elsewhere in the body, more so than any other organ. We use our eyes for driving car, watching television, reading books and newspapers, and watching movies. The eye is a fantastic, incredible piece of engineering- an instantly self-adjusting camera, with a built-in drainage and repair system, so it requires only reasonable care from its owner in order to provide good and constant lifetime service.
When reading, writing, or doing other close work, the source of light should be steady, non-glaring, and easy to read by. The light should come from behind. The entire room should be lighted, not just the working area. Indirect lighting is preferred to direct.
When doing extensive reading or writing the eyes should be rested for a minute or so from time to time by closing them or looking at faraway objects.
Sunglasses at night or in darkened places are ill-advised. Even in the daylight sunglasses should be worn in glared conditions, unless otherwise instructed by a physician. Watch television at night with lights on.
An eye that has caught cinder must not be rubbed; it should be allowed to tear and be washed out by a gentle stream of clear water. Boric acid or other eye preparations are dangerous when the eye is injured, so consult a physician before using them because self medication is not advisable.
All children should have their eye checked no later than the beginning of school, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not. Adults over 40 years of age should have a regular eye checkups.
Non-acute symptoms that must also be investigated are: aversion to reading, unusual fatigue after normal eye use, an unusual number of errors in writing, difficulties in concentrating, and headaches, particularly those that radiate to and from the eye.