Words On Wellness: "7 Million Colors"
The palette of colors that winter presents us, is a seasonal medicine we sometimes overlook. In our ever-brightening, somewhat garish-glow of commercial colors, the muted tones of a February sky, can offer respite for our eyes. The human eye can see 7,000,000 colors, some of which are literally eyesores. Certain colors and color relationships are irritants that cause headaches and adversely affect vision, while other colors and combinations are soothing or uplifting. Bright yellow is the most visible of all colors and the first one that our eyes notice. This is also true for many species and why yellow is a prime color for plant pollination. However bright yellow used in large areas will irritate our eyes, whereas lighter shades of yellow can be comforting and cheerful.
Bright colors reflect more light, causing excessive stimulation and eye fatigue. The contrast between white and black is the most tiring since white surfaces reflect about 80% light, black 5% resulting and a 16:1 Light Reflectance Ratio – much higher than the 3:1 ratio of reflectance recommended for visual tasks. Working at a bright white desk is more visually straining than a cream colored or pastel-toned desk (though if your desk surface is covered by books and papers, this may not apply!). Computer screens tire us due to this high reflectance along with constant pixel movement to create images. When staring at screens, we blink less frequently (about one-third the time) resulting in dry eye. Fully blinking more often when working on computers is helpful, as is looking away and into the distance (at least 20 feet) every 20 minutes for 20 seconds (the 20-20-20 rule). Gazing out over the ocean is a pleasant way to relieve the focusing muscle inside the eye.
We can also soothe strained eyes with herbal eye compresses. If eyes are tired and dry; make a warm compress by saturating a cloth with freshly made chamomile tea. If eyes are swollen and irritated, use cold tea or slices of cool cucumber. When the winter sun peeks through, revitalize your eyes by closing them as you look at the sun and let its warm glow penetrate your eyelids without wearing glasses or contact lenses. Sunlight helps the retina release dopamine and stimulates the cornea to metabolize vitamin D. Otherwise revel in the gentle hues and shadows of winter light.
