They say eyes are the mirrors to the soul. But, in this fast-paced life we seldom pay attention to their well-being, even though they are one of the most essential and sensitive part of our body.

 Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says it is necessary to improve the circulation to our eyes and the optic nerves to keep them healthy, as they are constantly at work.

Here are some easy and effective tips to keep your eyes healthy.

1.  Every morning splash cold water on to your eyes.

2.  People who work before computers should do this exercise every 3-4 hours to improve circulation. Hold your thumb underneath your eyebrow and your index finger above. Gently press and straighten your eyebrows. Then take your thumb and gently roll it around your eye. This will bring quick relief.

3.  A simple eye exercise is rotating the eyeball- right and left, upwards and downwards and in the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.

4.  Rub the palms of both the hands for 30 seconds and place them over the eyes.

5.  Wash your eyes with Triphala water twice a day to relax and relieve the eyes.

6.  Blinking is the natural relaxation process. Make it a habit to blink after every five to six seconds.

7.  Sound sleep is very essential. Meditate for about 10 minutes before going to bed.

Eye care

1. Always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.

2. Don’t wash eyes with hot or icy water and avoid abrupt temperature changes. If you’re hot or have just come in from the sun, wait 10-15 minutes before splashing water on your face and eyes.

3. Take food with a lot of Vitamin A like carrots, green leafy vegetables, gooseberries, oranges, figs and almonds.

4. Avoid non-vegetarian, chilly, spices, and preservatives like jams, processed and fermented foods.

5. Soak 6-10 almonds, 15 dry grapes, 2 figs overnight and eat them on an empty stomach in the morning.

6. 1 cup carrot and gooseberry juice, taken on empty stomach in the morning, is very healthy for your eyes.

7.  Every morning drink at least one litre of water kept overnight in a copper jug.

BDST: 1830 HRS, JAN 05, 2015