The Eye as a Cultural Symbol

For centuries, the eyes have symbolized various concepts across different cultures. These symbols can range from beauty to deep emotional significance and spiritual connections.

The "evil eye" refers to a glance that is believed to cause harm to those who receive it. Beliefs in the evil eye are found in:

• Ancient Greece and Rome

• Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions

• Indigenous peoples

• Peasant communities

• Folk societies

Cultural measures to ward off the evil eye vary widely. Eye-shaped objects are thought to protect individuals and property, and amulets like the Hamsa—which features an eye image—are commonly worn for this purpose.

The Hamsa, known as the Hand of Fatima, is widely recognized in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. It has been embraced by various religions and cultures as a universal symbol of protection. When a stone or eye is added to the palm, it becomes a specific defense against the evil eye. It is important to note that the name "Hand of Fatima" refers to Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, who founded Islam. The number five is also significant, representing the five pillars of Islam.

The Eye of God, also known as the Eye of Providence, symbolizes divine protection, watchfulness, and support. Variations of this symbol can be found in the Maltese Eye, Ojos de Dios, and the Great Seal of the United States.

The Eye of Providence, or the Eye of Horus, is a well-known symbol in both ancient and modern contexts. Its origins trace back to Classical Greece, where it represented God's watchfulness over humanity. This symbol appears in cultural references including astrology, Kabbalah, alchemy, Rosicrucianism, and Freemasonry.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the falcon-headed god Horus lost his eye in battle, which was later magically restored, making the Eye of Horus a symbol of health and protection. This symbol was commonly used in ancient Egypt, as evidenced by artifacts found in tombs dating back over 2000 years. The myth narrates that Horus lost his eye while avenging his father's death, and a goddess restored it. Horus then used the eye to revitalize his father, Osiris. As a result, the Eye of Horus became emblematic of well-being, healing, and protection. The Rx symbol is derived from the Eye of Horus, and it remains significant in contemporary contexts, serving as a symbol of modern Egyptian identity. You can also find the Eye of Horus on the reverse side of the U.S. dollar bill, alongside the Great Seal of the United States, which was adopted by Congress in 1782. This seal features a thirteen-step pyramid representing the original thirteen colonies and an Eye of Providence capstone, symbolizing divine protection and approval.

In Malta, fishermen often paint or affix an eye on the prow of their boats, depicting the eye of Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of the underworld, transition, and renewal. Traditionally, this symbol is believed to protect the fishermen and their vessels.

The Eyes of Buddha, originating in Nepal, symbolize wisdom and enlightenment. This symbol consists of two parts: the eyes represent Buddha's perception of all realms after achieving enlightenment, while the dot between them signifies the third eye, which stands for spiritual awakening. The third eye, found on the forehead, is also known as the mind's eye or inner eye. This mystical, invisible eye is depicted in various cultures and is believed to offer perception beyond ordinary sight. Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Theosophy all reference the third eye, which symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment. In many cultures of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, the bindi—a colored dot worn on the forehead—represents the third eye. An Indian legend tells the story of the Hindu god Shiva and how he opened his third eye. In this tale, Kama, the god of love and lust, concealed himself behind a tree and shot an arrow at Shiva, aiming to entice him. However, Shiva responded by opening his third eye—often depicted as a fiery eye—which burned Kama to ashes. By overcoming temptation, Shiva found clarity within himself. The message of this story is that by "awakening your third eye," one can also discover inner clarity.

Those who practice yoga often acknowledge the third eye, which is situated just above and between the eyes. At the start or end of yoga sessions, practitioners may place their hands in a prayer position in front of the third eye to acknowledge the clarity achieved during practice, lowering their hands in front of the heart afterward.

It is believed that Alexander the Great (Alexander III of Macedon) had heterochromia, meaning one of his eyes was a different color than the other. One light eye and one dark. This condition was considered to indicate otherworldly and heroic qualities, and fear of these qualities may have contributed to his conquests. In some Native American cultures, dogs with different colored eyes were believed to have "ghost eyes" that enabled them to see heaven with one eye and earth with the other. Nowadays, heterochromia is seen as intriguing and beautiful, and at least one negative myth about it doesn't persist anymore.

Sources:

www.AllAboutVision.com

www.aao.org

www.20/20mag.com

www.britanica.com

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Pupil Size Linked to Cognition

Short-term memory, also known as working memory, is a type of memory that temporarily stores information during cognitive tasks such as comprehension, problem-solving, reasoning, and learning. A recent study involving 179 graduate students at the University of Texas Arlington observed that individuals whose pupils dilated more while performing memory tasks tended to have better working memory. 

In a low-light environment the pupils naturally widen or dilate to allow more light into the eyes. Participants in the study had their pupils continuously measured using an eye-tracker, like what an optometrists uses during eye exams, while doing the tasks that they were given. However, in this study, researchers reported that a person's pupils dilated when they were concentrating on memory tasks. They found that the lowest performers showed less pupil dilation. Additionally, they found that the more a participant's eyes dilated during the tasks, the better they performed on tests measuring their working memory. Tracking the links between an individual's common cognitive mechanisms and pupil size could be a beneficial analysis method. It is a noninvasive way to measure brain state while using working memmory. 

The study suggests that pupil size could be a potential biomarker for investigating and influencing memory processing. This adds a valuable piece to the puzzle of understanding why working memory varies between individuals.

Source:

www.neurosciencenews.com

www.scientificamerican.com

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October is Contact Lens Safety Month

 

The initiative aims to educate the public about the correct usage of contact lenses, whether they are prescription or cosmetic. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), around 45 million Americans use contact lenses. When used properly, contact lenses can offer a safe and efficient means of achieving clear vision.

Contact lenses pose potential risks of serious eye infections and corneal ulcers, as they are worn directly on the eye. The risk of these problems is greatly increased if you make these 10 common mistakes: 

1. Handling contact lenses without washing your hands.
2. Not cleaning lenses correctly.
3. Not replacing contacts at proper intervals.
4. Sleeping in the lens is meant for daily wear.
5. Reusing contact lens solution.
6. Skipping your eye exam.
7. Rewetting contacts with water.
8. Using powder-based makeup.
9. Swimming or showering with your contact lenses in
10. Wearing contacts while you are sick.

The FDA regulates all contact lenses as prescription medical devices, including decorative contacts. Retailers who sell these decorative contacts without requiring a prescription are breaking the law and putting your vision at risk. Decorative contact lenses bought without a prescription by a licensed provider may not fit correctly.

Sources:

www.visionmonday.com

www.fda.gov

www.aao.org

#PearleVisionRobinson

#DrClaudiaWendel

#PittsburghOptometrist

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Fact or Myth

1. Using artificial sweetener will make your eyes more sensitive to light. 

 

Fact. Sweeteners like cyclamates can cause the eyes to be more sensitive to light. 

2. Glaucoma can only happen to senior citizens. 

 

Myth. Anyone from babies to senior citizens can develop glaucoma 

3. Using glasses or contacts will weaken my eyesight. 

Myth. The lenses in your eyes can change shape and lose their flexibility as the years go by, which prevents light from reaching the retina as easily as it could in your younger days.   

4. The color of your eyes will affect the way you see. 

 

Fact. People with lighter eye color are often more sensitive to light. 

5. There is nothing you can do to prevent vision loss. 

Myth. Comprehensive eye exams at a regular interval can assist in early detection of conditions that will damage vision.

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Tanning Beds: Dangerous to the Eyes

As fall and winter approach, many people opt for tanning beds to maintain their summer glow. However, what many people are unaware of is that tanning beds can emit UV levels up to 100 times higher than what you would get from the sun. This can lead to significant damage to both the external and internal structures of the eyes, including the eyelids. It's important to note that UV damage is cumulative.

Corneal damage, cataracts, macular, degeneration, and skin cancers on the eyelids in the surrounding skin surface are all possible chronic conditions that can ultimately lead to reduced vision or vision loss.

Keeping your eyes closed during a tanning session isn't enough not only can the eyelids be damaged, but the eyes through the skin can be damaged because the skin of the eyelid is the thinnest skin on the body.

If you choose to tan in a tanning bed, always wear protective, well-fitting goggles intended for tanning beds.

Sources:

www.aao.org

www.visionsource.com

www.hopkinsmedicine.org

#PearleVisionRobinson

#DrClaudiaWendel

#PittsburghOptometrist

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