Byline: SARAH STACEY
It might seem a straightforward condition, but the problem of dry, scratchy eyes is often mistreated, according to optometrist Dr Michel Guillon. 'It's mostly diagnosed as due to a low level of tears, and treated with older-generation eye drops or viscous tear supplements,' he says. 'But this chronic dry eye condition, which can irritate and inflame the eye, is relatively rare and more usual in people over the age of 65 and in postmenopausal women.' It's far more likely, says Dr Guillon, that one of the three layers making up the tear film over the eye has become damaged. 'The tear film consists of an oily layer, a thick watery layer, and mucus covering the outer surface of the eyes,' he explains. 'The problem is usually with the oily layer. Every time we blink, it should spread an even layer of oil over the middle watery layer. But the oil is produced by glands really close to the root of the eyelashes and these can get blocked or irritated, often by eye makeup.' You can help yourself by avoiding the use of mascara and eyeliner within the line of the eyelash.
A dry environment exacerbates eye problems, as does working at a computer or driving for a prolonged period, both of which reduce the number of times we blink, causing the mucus to dry out. Place bowls of water around a room to help 'moisturise' the air, and if you are desk- or car-bound, make sure you blink consciously. If your eyes feel tired while using a computer, look into the distance every ten minutes to relax the eye muscles. If you suffer from dry eyes, ask your GP to refer you to an optometrist, who will examine the tear film under a microscope and pinpoint the problem. There is a range of effective solutions that he or she can advise on: . To unblock the oil-producing glands: soothing wipes (eg, Supranettes, available from opticians).
. To protect the gland producing the mucus layer: an excellent new range of lubricating eye drops (eg, Systane, available from opticians).
. For problems with the watery layer: products containing sodium hyaluronate, which acts in a similar way to tears.
. For underproduction of tears: it may be possible to insert little plugs into the tear ducts to keep them open.
. For over-salty tears associated with inflammation caused by chronic dry eyes: hypotonic eye drops (eg, TheraTears).
Dr Michel Guillon's Vision Clinic, 61 Ledbury Road, London W1, tel: 020 7727 5600 (www.michelguillon.co.uk)
ACID TEST
Vinegar is great at protecting feet against infections such as athlete's foot, says podiatrist Evelyn Sharp of the Poundbury Clinic in Dorchester. Mix two tablespoons of cider vinegar into a pint of water, decant into a spray bottle and spritz over the feet and between the toes after showering anywhere public, such as a gym or swimming pool. It's also brilliant as a rinse to rid hair of head lice, she swears, sluiced through the hair and left to repel the little invaders with its acid smell.
POMEGRANATE POWER
Our columnist Dr Ali has long recommended eating pomegranates for their all-round health benefits.
'They contain microelements, including cobalt, that are essential for the synthesis of blood. They improve digestion, supply the body with fine-quality fructose and other natural sugars, and are also traditionally used to improve fertility,' he says. He recommends eating half a pomegranate twice a week.
Pomegranates contain very high levels of antioxidant vitamins and minerals that can protect us against pollution, chemicals, viruses and bacteria.
Research from Israel shows that drinking a daily glass of fresh pomegranate juice can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing the 'bad' cholesterol that clogs arteries. Pomegranates may also help prevent cancer, according to Professor Michael Aviram of the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, Israel.
More research is being carried out at Hammersmith Hospital, London, under cardiologist Dr Richard Bogle.
TRAVELLERS' CHECKS
If you're jetting off long-haul, or sitting for an extended period in a car or boat, help prevent dangerous blood clots by wearing in-flight socks, wiggling your feet regularly and walking around once every hour. Also take Dr Scurr's Zinopin, an all-natural remedy with ginger and pycnogenol (French maritime pine-bark extract), formulated by leading expert John Scurr of the Lister Hospital, London. Available in Boots and Lloyds pharmacies, [pounds sterling]14.99 for a course of ten tablets, sufficient for outward and return journeys. Email info@zinopin.com.
