Blog
May 02 2017

Ultra-Violet Light

Most of us know we should protect our skin with sunblock. But sunblock for your eyes? Yes!

The sun produces a vast amount of electromagnetic radiation, some of which we perceive as light. Just beyond this visible light rays lies the spectrum know as ultra-violet light. UVA and UVB rays are both harmful to our bodies. Not just on hot, clear days but even on overcast days.

These rays can pass through clouds and in the winter your eyes can get sunburned or snow blinded by the UV rays reflected by the snow. This highly charged energy of the UV spectrum can disturb the DNA in the body's cells causing mutations that can result in skin cancer. Similarly excessive long term exposure can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and liaisons on the white of the eyes.

So rub that sunblock on your arms and get a good pair of sunglasses that provide both UVA and UVB protection. Your eyes will thank you.

May 02 2017

Through a Mother’s Eyes

Motherhood.., the sheer sound of it brings enduring memories. A mother’s touch, her voice, her cooking, and the smile of approval in her eyes. Science has recently proven that there is a transference of emotion and programming from birth and infancy between a mother and her child... a type of communication, if you will, that occurs when the infant looks into its mother’s eyes. So what is this programming? How does it work and what effect does it have on the life of the child? What happens if it never happened to the infant? What happens if the mother is blind? These questions and more can be answered through a term called “triadic exchanges” in which infants learn social skills.

The gaze into a mother’s eyes brings security and well being to the child. When she gazes at another person, it makes the infant look at what she is gazing at, and introduces the infant to others in the world. This is known as a triadic exchange. So now their world is no longer just one person, their mother, but a third party which teaches them the art and skill of organizing their social skills and interaction.

Interestingly, if a mother is blind, it does not adversely affect the child’s development. A study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B showed no deficit in their advancement. The sheer fact that the infant looks into the mother’s eyes helps with connectedness and emotional grounding.

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