Article: What Your Eyes Are Telling You

The eyes are not only windows to the soul - but to your general health.
If you are ill, or just under the weather, the first place it's likely to show is in your eyes.

Amy Anderson spoke to Professor Alistair Fielder, ophthalmologist at Imperial College, London, to find out what signs to look for.
Read his top 16 signs below and click on the links in the blue box for tips to look after your eyes.

WHITE RINGS
A milky-white ring around the edge of the eye's cornea - the transparent circular part of the front of the eyeball - is usually called arcus senilis. The white ring is caused by the deposition of fat in the cornea and can mean you have high levels of fat in your blood.

Although this is usually found in older people, a different term, arcus juvenilis, is used to describe white rings found in those under 40. This can be an indication of high cholesterol levels and should be checked.

SORE RED EYES
Cosmetics are one of the most common but least suspected sources of eye problems. Misuse of products and adverse reactions to ingredients are often responsible for eye irritation, allergy and infection. Bacteria can contaminate old make-up, causing infections, so it should be replaced frequently.

WHITE SPOTS
If you have little white spots on your eyelids, this can also mean too much fat in the blood.

PALE EYELIDS
If the skin inside your lower lids looks pale rather than bright pink, this usually means you are anaemic and lacking iron, which is crucial for the healthy production of red blood cells.

RED BLOTCHES
Red blotches appearing infrequently on the whites of the eyes are not dangerous. However, more persistent ones could be an indication of high blood pressure which causes blood capillaries to expand and sometimes burst - leaving red marks.

FAILING NIGHT VISION
Can be a sign of vascular problems due to inefficient circulation. Could also be a symptom of parasites in the intestine and a lack of absorption of essential minerals and vitamins.

The acidity levels of blood can affect the way our eyes work, particularly if the pH becomes too acidic. Acids may come from the food we eat or from under-functioning liver and kidneys. One way to rebalance the system is through diet.

MUSCLE FATIGUE
This is usually caused by poor lighting at work and over exposure to computer screens. In addition emotional stress can be damaging to the eye because stress inhibits absorption of essential B vitamins that help keep eye muscles strong.

The tendency of one eye to close more than the other is another common complaint, especially among student bookworms. This is also a symptom of tired muscles.

To ease the strain, try holding a pencil about a foot away from your face and focusing on it. Then bring it slowly towards you until it goes out of focus, do this three or four times a day.

DOUBLE VISION
Double vision can be an indication of nerve damage and you should consult a doctor.

TOO MUCH WHITE
Sanpaku, meaning 'three whites', is a term from the ancient Japanese system of medical diagnoses called Bo-Shin, closely linked to the philosophy of 'yin and yang', on which the macrobiotic diet is founded.
If a person has Sanpaku eyes, it means that the iris is turned upwards so the white is clearly visible on three sides.

The condition has been recognised for centuries in Oriental countries where it was thought to signify poor physical and mental health - caused primarily by an unwholesome diet too high in red meat and acidic foods.
A person's psychological state can also cause the eyes to become Sanpaku because stress affects the optic nerves. This pulls the muscles up, moving the iris with them towards the eye socket, so white space is revealed underneath. Many high-profile people have been affected, including Julius Caesar, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Adolf Hitler and Princess Diana.
Artist David Hockney also recently noted that Cherie Blair (above) has Sanpaku eyes. Some therapists believe that a macrobiotic diet can get rid of the effect, but only over a matter of years.

BLURRED VISION
This can be a sign of glaucoma, a serious eye disorder in which excess fluid causes increased pressure in the eye, or iritis, inflammation of the coloured part of the eye. Your doctor may send you to hospital for urgent assessment. If you have glaucoma, you will need drugs to reduce the pressure in the eye. Iritis needs immediate treatment with corticosteroid eye drops or tablets.

YELLOW EYES
If you have eyes with a yellow tinge this may mean a liver complaint or infection. Check with your GP.

FLASHING LIGHTS
These and floating spots can be the first sign of a migraine, a severe headache. Symptoms can often be eased by self-help measures, such as painkillers, drinking plenty of fluids and resting in a dark, quiet room.

DROOPY EYELIDS
A droopy eyelid can indicate a muscular problem or nerve damage elsewhere in the body, and you should see a specialist.

ITCHY, RED EYELIDS
Blepharitis(inflammation and scaling) may be the cause. This condition is often associated with dandruff. Using an antifungal shampoo may clear both conditions. Unperfumed moisturising cream on your eyelidsmay also help. If the condition does not improve, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroid ointment.

LIDS TURNED IN OR OUT
You may have entropion, a condition in which the eyelid turns inwards so that the lashes rub on the eye, or ectropion, in which the eyelid droops away from the eye, exposing the inner surface of the lid.
Although they are not serious, both conditions can look unpleasant and increase the risk of damage to the cornea. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for a minor operation to realign the eyelid.

RAPIDLY FAILING SIGHT
Can be a sign of diabetes due to a lack of protein or a violent form of macular degeneration, where part of the retina ages prematurely and loses function. Consult a specialist.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-156166/Can-eyes-saying-you.html#ixzz1cCBoUSko

DIY Skincare: Niacinamide Rosewater Toner

I decided to try out this DIY Niacinamide Rosewater Toner recipe which I took down ages ago.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is good for treating acne inflammation, giving oil control and skin lightening. I thought it would be good to try out for my oily, acne-prone skin as I grew to love Niacinamide after trying out the Watsons Green Tea mask which (contains it and) is effective for soothing any swollen and inflamed acne I have.

Things to prepare:
Bottle of Rosewater Toner (I use Guardians rosewater toner)
1g of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) powder
An empty bottle for storage

The proportion I was recommended to mix for Niacinamide to Rosewater toner was 1g : 25ml so that the percentage of Niacinamide is 4%. Since the glass bottle I have is able to contain 30ml, I just poured close to its brim and poured the 1g of Niacinamide in. After that, just shake the bottle well. It is not necessary to use rosewater toner if you can't find it. Any neutral toner (without all the fanciful benefits and ingredients) will do. Another tip I was told was to add in Witch Hazel toner as it can act as preservative. Or you can just buy the Guardians Rosewater and Witch Hazel toner which saves the extra step. I skipped the witch hazel step as I could finish the mix fast due to the small storage bottle.

I would apply this DIY Niacinamide Rosewater toner with a cotton pad after cleansing my face. Didn't feel anything special initially except the rosewater helps to hydrate the skin really well. After some time, I noticed my skin would produce less oil. There was slight improvement to my skin though it did not stop breakouts entirely. My existing pimples appear less inflammed and I also did notice my skin seem a little brighter.

I would actually continue using this. It's just so easy to make and I like the oil control it gives. The niacinamide in it helps to reduce the rate at which sebum is produced so there's less tendency for clogs (blackheads, whiteheads) to happen, in turn causing less breakouts. It's a little hard to obtain the Niacinamide powder though. I purchased mine from Milagro Trading (Singapore), which seems to only sell it in 1g packets. I would probably recommend purchasing from other websites (if you can find any) in bigger portions for more cost savings. :\

Free Stuff: Samples from Various Brands

Some free stuff/samples I got over the past few weeks/months. I think they are still available for redemption so if you are in Singapore, give it a go.

All you have to do is to log in Facebook and click the "Free Sample" tab on the left. Then fill in your details. The samples would be sent to you in a week or so.

ChocoMarvel Natural Menstrual Care Sachet (powder)
http://www.facebook.com/ChocoMarvel

Ginvera Nude Cover BB Cream and Green Tea Aqua Whitening Cream
http://www.facebook.com/ginvera.sg

Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion in travel sized bottle
http://www.facebook.com/hadalabosg

Sunsilk Co-Creations Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner
http://www.facebook.com/sunsilksingapore

Acnes Medicated Skincare Creamy Wash in sachet form and Sealing Gel
http://www.facebook.com/acnes.sg

Bioessence Bird's Nest Nutri-Collagen and Whitening Advancer
http://www.facebook.com/bioessence.sg


Don't really have much to say about these items.

By the way, ChocoMarvel Natural Menstrual Care Pack is a cocoa drink for relieving menstrual cramps and discomfort. I took it while I was having my period and thought it was pretty good. It keeps you warm and fuzzy then you'll stop cranking up from all the discomfort. So I think it's a must-try among those in the list. :)

New on Shelves: Garnier BB Eye Roll-On

Garnier BB Eye Roll On (Taiwan packaging)

I've read that the Garnier BB Eye Roll-On has finally reached our shores and was really excited about it. I first heard of it on the show 女人我最大 (NRWZD or "Ladies First", it's a Taiwanese show on women and beauty related topics) few weeks ago when one of the makeup artists recommended this concealer that doubles as eye cream/gel too. According to him, this eye roller existed long ago and was first sold in UK and it's a top-selling product. In addition, the caffeine in it helps to reduce puffiness of the eyes, improves blood circulation and since it is tinted, it helps to conceal dark circles and brightens areas where it's dark. Sounds too good to be true right? I was sold immediately and wanted to try it so badly.

Did a little snooping online and turns out that this product is probably just a renamed version of Garnier Tinted Eye Roll-On.

picture credits: Musings of a Muse

So in case, you are looking for reviews for the Garnier BB Eye Roll-On, you might just want to search for the other name "Garnier Tinted Eye Roll-on". Now I'm kind of skeptical about it and wondering if the "BB" (which stands for blemish balm, like in BB cream) was added into the name to appeal to the Asian market. Ahhh.. Feel so cheated. I could be wrong though as this could be a new formula but everything (packaging wise) looks the same to me.

Shall be waiting for more reviews before I buy it. :\

Garnier BB Eye Roll-On retails for SGD$22.90 in Watsons Singapore.