Month: September 2022

Combat effects of air pollution on eyes

Living in any metro in India has become quite challenging with a myriad of problems, including extremely high air pollution levels. Every day you glance at the newspaper and one of the first things you will see is a report on how bad the air quality was the previous day. If you reside in Delhi-NCR, you have experienced breathing problems, itchiness, headaches and other problems. Air Quality Index (AQI) numbers have fluctuated between very poor and poor, reaching extremely high levels due the burning of crop waste and post-Diwali particulate matter.

Indoor air pollution too plays a major in decreased eye health.

What are the most common pollutants?

You can choose what to eat and are able to make the right choices for the health of your family and you. But you do not have a choice to change the air that you inhale. So, you have to inhale contaminated air and face the effects of the adulterated air on skin and eyes too.

Air pollution is comprised not only of dust and bigger particulate matter, but there are many invisible, toxic substances, chemicals, as well as biological materials.

The most common pollutants which are present in the outdoor and indoor environment are:

• Particulate matter
• Ground level ozone
• Carbon monoxide
• Sulfur dioxide
• Lead
• Nitrogen dioxide
• CFC
• Hydrogen sulphate

All these pollutants cause the following health problems in people, to those who are exposed to the outdoors, the elderly, pregnant women, infants and children.

• Asthma attacks, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing
• Eye problems like Stinging, Excessive tearing, Red eyes
• Eye infections
• Conjunctivitis
• Dry eye syndrome
• Respiratory infections
• Pulmonary disease
• Cardiovascular problems
• Lung cancer

Air pollution and your eyes

According to a study by the Global Healing Center, an astounding amount of toxic residue, almost 40%, from burning of garbage, crop waste etc are floating around in the air. Therefore, it is no surprise that the moment we step out of our homes, we inhale this polluted air and face health problems.

Eyes, too suffer from all the dust and debris and chemical which are in the air. In fact, the high amount of carbon present in the atmosphere has led a team of innovators to manufacture black ink extracted from the air! So, you can imagine the damage your lungs and all other organs of the body faces due to greenhouse gases, including the sensitive part of the eyes exposed daily outdoors.

Your eyes may be itching, stinging, tearing, becoming red and sore, which are some short-term effects of air pollution on the eyes. This has been observed by ophthalmologists in India and China which are two countries troubled by smog. And in the long-term, eyes fall prey to the dry-eye syndrome.

Eye problems caused by air pollution

The major eye health problems which are associated with polluted air are:

• Stinging/burning
• Itching
• Increased hyperemia
• Photophobia
• Excessive watering of eyes
• Fluctuating vision
• Foreign body sensation
• Contact lens’ discomfort/intolerance
• Tired Eyes

Chemical conjunctivitis too, is another eye problem which has been linked to high rates of air pollution, according to studies in China.

How do Carbon monoxide, Sulphur monoxide, Hydrogen sulphate, lead and CFC harm your eyes

Some studies have thrown up some data detailing the link between carbon monoxide (CO) and eyes. The eyes as well as the brain can have permanent effects including carbon monoxide poisoning when exposed to the odorless, clear gas. Retinal hemorrhage may occur if one is exposed to CO for more than 12 hours.

As for Sulphur dioxide, it irritates the mucous membranes of the body, including the eyes, throat, nose and lungs. Therefore, Sulphur dioxide in polluted air may be the reason why your eyes are irritated when you go out, as it can stick to your eyes/eyelids.

Hydrogen sulphate affects the eyeball’s anterior chamber (between the cornea and iris) which is filled with fluid. When this pollutant comes in contact with the fluid, known as aqueous humor, it causes dizziness, and in some rare cases leads to blindness.

The gas, CFC released by aerosol sprays, refrigerators and air conditioners, lead to ozone layer depletion. This causes UV rays to penetrate earth’s atmosphere and then these rays damage the skin and eyes.

Lead poisoning due to the lead emitted by consumer products such as paint, craft supplies, plumbing materials and gasoline is a big concern. Lead poisoning can affect vision too, including the development of the eyes. Studies have linked lead to decreased eye heath, including problems in vision (difficulty seeing in poor light), chronic eye irritation and blurred vision, and even cataracts in elderly people. Children are at risk too, as lead affects their eyes which are still developing and lead in the air can lead to decreased lens transparency.

Ways to protect your eyes from air pollution

• Staying hydrated drink adequate water, eat food with antioxidants like Lutein, Vit C & E can help keeping eyes healthy.
• Try to limit outdoor time
• Clean every day your eyes & eyelids with Soft Eyelid Cleanser and Eyelid Wipes.
• Protect eyes with clear, safety glasses
• Wear sunglasses
• Clean your contact lenses thoroughly
• Use air purifiers and humidifiers at home

How eyelid hygiene can keep your eyes safe from air pollution

Air pollutants may stick to the eyelids, and cause blockage to the eye glands, causing eye infections like Blepharitis, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Dry Eye Syndrome.

The use of eyelid wipes and cleansers has not picked up in India, and in fact, the concept is very new. But using eyelid wipes like pre-moistened eyelid wipes such as Oculeaf, can help to keep your eyes hydrated, lubricated and CLEAN, from dust, debris, toxic chemicals and gases.

Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes and Cleansers take out/clean all the dust/debris and chemicals like CO, CFC, Sulphur monoxide, hydrogen sulphate and other invisible gases and chemicals present in polluted air. Besides Tea Tree Oil in Oculeaf Wipes & Cleanser as well cleanse germs / bacteria’s around eyes improving eyelids hygiene.

By cleaning your eyes with Eyelid Wipes and Cleansers, twice a day, every day, you and your family can be safe from the ill-effects of indoor and outdoor air pollution.

It is imperative to clean your eyelids before any eye operation/surgery. Sometimes there might be some early signs of infection, such as microscopic scales which are not visible to you, but your eye surgeon spots it and asks you to follow a daily eyelid cleaning routine. Even if there is no infection, daily eye hygiene is prescribed before any eye surgery to prevent eye infections.

Why do you have to follow daily eyelid cleaning routine before surgery

Surgeons ask patients to clean eyes/eyelids before an operation to prevent any minor or major problem at the time of surgery, as infections can be transferred from your eyelids to the eye.

In a study ‘Importance of Lid Hygiene Before Ocular Surgery: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Eyelid and Conjunctiva Microbiota’ by Assumpta Peral, Ph.D.,  Jose Alonso, Ph.D., Concepción García-García, Ph.D., Cristina Niño-Rueda, Ph.D., and Patricia Calvo del Bosque, M.Sc., the authors found that daily cleaning with eyelid wipes helps in undiagnosed blepharitis before any ocular surgery, and also reduces the risk of post-surgery endophthalmitis.

Ways to Clean your eyelids and enhance eye hygiene

Hot compresses

Hot compresses are usually advised by eye surgeons prior to surgery as part of eyelid cleaning routine. You can do this by soaking a clean face/cotton cloth in some warm water and apply to closed eyelids for about 10 minutes. You will feel relief and any crust/debris on the eyes will be easily removable.

Wash your eyes with Oculeaf Soft Eyelid Cleanser

One of the best ways is to wash eyelids with a gentle but extremely effective eyelid cleanser such Oculeaf Soft Eyelid Cleanser. It’s formulated with TTO or Tea Tree Oil which has been proven by many studies to be one of the best natural remedies. Along with TTO, the other ingredients in Oculeaf help to hydrating skin around eyes. It’s a product which can be used on the face too, as TTO is good for the skin.

With only two pumps of the Oculeaf Soft Eyelid Cleanser, you can wash your eyes, eyelids and entire face. Close your eyes, apply the cleanser and rinse with clean water thereafter.

Clean your eyes with Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes

After washing your eyes with Oculeaf Soft Eyelid Cleanser, the next step is to clean your eyelids with Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes’. The key ingredient of the Oculeaf Wipes is Tea Tree Oil which is a powerful and proven anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-Demodex, anti-inflammatory agent.

Precautions to take before surgery

• Follow your doctor advice and instruction
• Undergo tests – The surgeon will perform ultrasound test in order to measure the shape and size of the eye. This helps to determine the right lens implant for you.
• Stop taking specific medications – You will have to stop some medications which might increase bleeding risk. Do inform your doctor about any prostrate problem medicines you may be taking.
• Apply anti-biotic eyedrops – Your surgeon might prescribe anti-biotic eyedrops a day or two before surgery.
• Fasting – You may have to fast approx 12 hours before operation.
• Prepare for recovery – You have to arrange for someone to take you home and help you at home for approx a week after surgery.
• Start wearing glasses instead of contact lenses – Soft contact lenses should be removed one week before and hard lenses should be removed 3-4 weeks before eye surgery.
• Do not wear eye makeup pre surgery – For at least a day or two before surgery, you should stop applying eye makeup on the eyes. To be on the safe side, ensure that your face is free of moisturizers, foundations and other makeup. Makeup residue or debris can increase the risk of contracting any infection. Using pre-moistened eyelid wipes to clean your eyes will remove all traces of makeup, thus preventing any infection.

How often should you clean your eyelids before eye operation

You should clean your eyes with eyelid wipes or eyelid cleansers twice every day, two weeks prior to surgery. You might have to clean your eyelids more than twice or less, depending on the condition of your eye. However your eye doctor can advice you better please follow their instruction.

What to do is eye gets infected before surgery?

If in spite of your strict daily eyelid cleaning routine, your eyes show symptoms of infection, such as discharge, extreme itching and red and dry eyes, then you must contact your surgeon immediately. You might be prescribed medication and your surgery might have to be rescheduled.

Start a good habit

The daily eyelid cleaning routine which you start before your eye surgery should be continued after surgery too, and as eye hygiene habit for all your life. This good habit will give you rich dividends throughout your life.

With daily eyelid cleaning routine using Oculeaf Soft Eyelid Cleanser and Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes – Have Healthy Eyes and See Happy!

The skin around the eyes or the eye contour is the most sensitive part of the eye, as well as the body. Your ‘windows to the world’ are exposed directly to the external environment. You have to protect your eyes from the dust, pollution, exudation, oil, allergens, debris, and bacteria with regular eye hygiene. Establishing a regular eye care routine with eyelid wipes will keep your eyes clean and prevent infections.

Why daily eye cleaning routine with Oculeaf is a must

Your eyes are one of the most precious organs in your body. Even a little dust in your eyes causes a lot of discomfort. Unknown to us, dust mites known as Demodex mites reside on the eyelids and eyebrows and cause infections. These pesky mites can be cleaned by eyelid wipes, such as Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes, which are so gentle that you can use them every day.

When there is an accumulation of dead or dry skin on your eyelid, it causes itching, red eyes, and swollen lids. You also feel that there is something in your eyes even though there isn’t! Does this sound familiar – if so, you are suffering from Blepharitis which can be easily prevented by using Oculid Eyelid Wipes.

Similarly, common eye problems such as dry eyes and computer vision syndrome (caused due to staring at computer screens for long hours) and conditions like Meibomitis, MGD, and a host of other eye diseases/infections can be easily prevented/managed by wiping the eyes with Oculeaf wipes.

What do Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes contain

Oculeaf eyelid wipes are formulated using Tea Tree Oil (TTO) as one of the main ingredients.

According to a study by Hyun Koo, Tae Hyung Kim, Kyoung Woo Kim, Sung Wook Wee, Yeoun Sook Chun, and Jae Chan Kim, cleaning the eyes with Tea Tree Oil-based scrubs or wipes managed Demodex infestation and remedied ocular discomforts. In fact, there are many studies that have revealed that TTO is one of the best natural killers of bacteria and mites, from the eyes and face. Tea Tree Oil (TTO) is highly in demand for its anti-infective, anti-Demodex, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Apart from Tea Tree Oil, Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes contain

• Glycerin
• Panthenol
• Sodium Hyaluronate

These ingredients together help keep your eyes hydrated and lubricated, while removing Demodex mites, bacteria, dust, etc.

How to use Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes

Oculeaf is available in 12 and 24 wipes’ set, which you can carry around easily. Before using the wipes, wash your hands. Take out one pre-moistened wipe. Close your eyes and wipe the upper eyelid from the eye corner near the nose to the other corner. Next, wipe the lower eyelid in a similar manner. Then, wipe the eyebrow. Repeat the same for the other eye. Use the wipe very gently while cleaning the eye contour area as the skin around eyes is very soft. DO NOT RINSE your eyes after using the eyelid wipe.

With Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes, you can remove eye makeup effectively too. As most women know, if eye makeup is not removed properly, it causes irritation and itching in the eyes. Oculeaf wipes remove all traces of oily makeup and leave you with clean, refreshed eyes.

Tea tree oil or TTO is perhaps one of the most popularly used and studied natural/ essential oils on the planet right now. It is used to treat both eye problems and skin problems. Tea tree oil is derived from the woody, shrub-like tree which grows in Australia. The scientific name for the tree is ‘Melaleuca Alternifolia’. It belongs to the family of Eucalyptus, which is also used for antiseptic properties. Tea tree oil contains almost 100 different components. It is probably the reason for its widespread use for skin and eyes.

Daily application of tea tree oil-based Eyelid Wipes, Eyelid Cleanser, & Eyelid Gels can keep your eyes healthy and protect them from conditions like Blepharitis, Dry Eye, and Demodex infestation.

1. Reasons to use Tea Tree Oil products for ocular health

Eye Care professionals prescribe tea tree oil-based Wipes, Cleansers, and Gels as they have been found to kill bacteria and eyelash mites (called as Demodex) naturally. This natural healing or killing power has made them extremely popular, as they can be used for a long time to clean/heal the eyes, without any ill-effects.

Demodex (eyelash mites) and bacteria which reside on the eyelids can lead to eyelid infection, inflammation, and dry eye. If you know someone who suffers from styes, eye inflammation, and rosacea, etc. quite frequently, then Demodex or bacteria may be the culprit. Using tea tree oil formulation around eyes can help to resolve these eye problems in a safe and healthy manner.

However, you should never apply the tea tree essential oil directly in your eyes – it might harm your eyes, and you will end up with severe burning sensation and red eyes. Instead, Tea Tree Oil Eyelid Wipes, Tea Tree Eyelid Cleansers, and Gels should be used.

2. Medicinal properties of tea tree oil

TTO is anti-inflammatory, anti-protozoal, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It is antioxidant, anti-viral, and anti-tumour as well. This amazing natural healer can cure a host of eye problems. Tea tree oil or TTO is anti-bacterial in nature which is why is it is the best treatment for styes. Gently cleaning the eyes two times a day with gentle tea tree oil formulations such as Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes can help to heal styes.

The skin of the eye is the most sensitive skin in the body. You have to treat the skin around the eyes carefully and use specially formulated Eyelid Wipes with TTO to cleanse your eyes and moisten them. If you wear contact lens or suffer from rosacea and acne, you definitely should use tea tree eyelid cleanser and TTO facial wipes as they keep the eyes’ oil glands clear and clean from parasites and bacteria.

Almost all women use some form of eye makeup. Eye makeup should be removed before sleeping at night, or it will lead to eye problems. Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes is a soft and effective way to remove eye makeup, even makeup which is oily.

3. Why use TTO formulated Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes

Oculeaf Eyelid wipes have a tea tree oil base as well as a host of other gentle moisturizers and lubricants. These wipes are very effective and can be used 2 times every day to clean the eye contour. Oculeaf pre-moistened wipes are available in packs of 12 and 24 Wipes and you can conveniently carry them with you at all times. Use them to maintain good eye health.