It’s summertime and your eyes will need extra care to keep out the glare, the strain, and everything that lays a shadow on its freshness, quite literally.

You don’t need to scour the supermarket shelves for the latest products to bring in some respite for your eyes during the harsh summer, rather turn to natural beauty solutions that lie close at hand. You can make your eyes looke refreshed and beautiful without expensive make up of beauty products.

Diet plays a very important part in eye care as the food you consume can decide the health and wellbeing of your eyes. Make sure to eat a lot of fresh vegetables including carrots which are rich in beta carotene – an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration, broccoli and brussels sprouts – rich in vitamin C that is crucial for eye health, fish such as salmon and sardines – rich in omega-3 fats that protect tiny blood vessels in the eyes, and spinach which contains lots of vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin – responsible for healthy and sharp vision. However, cut back on salts as they can cause your skin to retain fluids which may lead to puffiness under the eyes.

Here are some simple home remedies:

Cold spoon

Place two steel spoons in the freezer over night and in the morning place their curved backs on your eyes. This process enhances blood circulation around the eyes. Pace them at intervals on your eyes to avoid a chill sting.

Chill dips

Dip cotton pads in ice water and apply them to closed eyelids. Hold them on for a few minutes to allow the coldness to constrict the blood vessels and make them feel lighter.

Egg mask

You can begin your morning with eggs in many interesting ways. Beat an egg white and apply it around your eyes. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then rinse with cold water. This helps in tightening the skin around the eyes.

Cucumbers

To get rid of dark cirlces, grate a cucumber and squeeze out the juice. Apply the juice with a cotton pad around your eyes and leave it on for 15 minutes. Do it at least once a day for a week to discover the darkness around your eyes receding considerably. Also, make a poltice with 1tsp of tomato pulp, a pinch of turmeric powder, a few drops of lime juice and 1tsp of gram flour. Apply the paste on the eyelids and the dark areas. Wask with cold water after 30 minutes. Do this for a week for visible results.

Green tea bags

Green tea bags are also a god solution for tired eyes. Immerse the tea bag in cold water and place it on the closed eyelids for 15 minutes. The tannins in the tea help reduce inflammation and make eyes look bright and fresh.

Potato slices

Slice a raw potato and place on closed eyelids for 15 minutes. You may also gently rub them on the eyes in a circular motion. This helps in reducing puffiness. Other remedies include placing a cotton pad dipped in chilled milk in a similar manner.

Rose Water

If you experience a burning sensation in your eyes, cool them off with rose water. A few drops in each eye or placing cotton pads dipped in rose water on the eyelids help in relieving tiredness and burning sensations.

Aloe vera

Another effective remedy for brightening dull eyes is aloe vera juice. Put some aloe vera juice in the eyes to get rid of summer strain. Another way to use aloe vera is to freeze the juice to form cubes and place them on tired eyelids.

 

Strawberries and mint

Strawberry slices placed on the eyes help rejuvenate them. Place strawberry slices or crushed mint leaves on your eyes. Mint juice, mixed with an equal quantity of cucumber juice, applied under the eyes reduces dark circles.

Summer eye care tips

Adequate sleep at a regular time every day is a sure way to keep your eyes looking healthy, without having to employ any other techniques. Around 6-8 hours of restful sleep every night is a must during summer to keep your eyes fresh all day. It not only sharpens vision but also helps you combat strain during the day. An afternoon siesta could be bonus!

Other precautions:

Avoid the direct blast of an air-conditioner on your eyes. The cold blast can result in dry, sensitive eyes.

UV rays can be the cause of many eye problems. Protecting your eyes from exposure is a must. 

Drink plenty of water to keep your body and your eyes hydrated – at least 2 litres everyday.

Remove all eye make-up before you sleep. Almond or baby oil act as good make-up removers.

Consume a diet rich in Vitamin A and C.  Go for leafy and red vegetables and fruits

 

Swimmers, take care!

If you are fond of swimming to cool yourself during summer, you must take adequate care to protect your eyes. Whether you swim in a private or public  pool, in a pond or the sea, remember your eyes can be exposed to infection in view of the fact that pools contain a whole lot of contaminants which include dust, insects, sweat/urine, suncreams/perfumes, algae, chlorine, fungi, parasites, bacteria and salt.

Make sure to wear appropriate swimming goggles to protect your eyes from the contaminants. Goggles protect the delicate membranes of your eyes from harsh pool chemicals and other contaminants. Contact lenses are not good for swimming, but if you must, wear disposable lenses. You may also use a preservative-free lubricant eye drop to help soothe the pain of sore eyes after swimming.