Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and belongs to a group of eye diseases that damage your optic nerve, leading to vision loss. In its early stages, glaucoma may produce no symptoms at all, and it’s estimated that half of the more than 4 million Americans with glaucoma do not even realize they have it

Because the vision loss caused by glaucoma comes on so gradually, it is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.” Often, it’s not until the disease is at an advanced stage that the related vision loss becomes apparent, and by then your sight may suffer permanent damage.

This is why it’s so important to take steps now to help protect your vision, even if your eyesight is normal.

What Causes Glaucoma?

The underlying causes of glaucoma are not completely understood, but typically the damage it does to your optic nerve is related to increased pressure in your eye. The pressure typically comes from a buildup of pressure from the aqueous humor, the watery fluid that is naturally present in your eyeball.

In a healthy eye, the fluid is regularly drained, however in those with glaucoma the drainage system doesn’t work properly, so the fluid gradually builds up in your eye, causing increased pressure. Over time, the increased pressure causes nerve fibers that are essential to vision to die.

Though less common, glaucoma can also occur when eye pressure is normal. It appears some people’s optic nerves may be sensitive to normal levels of eye pressure, or the glaucoma may be related to problems with blood flow to your eye, which may be caused by atherosclerosis -- the accumulation of plaques in your arteries -- or another circulation problem.

Conventional Ways Lower Your Eye Pressure

Conventional medicine’s solution to glaucoma is typically drugs or surgery, or a combination of them. Often eye drops are given to glaucoma patients to use for life in an attempt to lower pressure inside of their eyes, but they come with a laundry list of side effects including:

Blurred vision
Respiratory problems
Forgetfulness
Lowered heart rate
Burning or stinging in the eyes
Surgery also carries with it serious risks, among them an increased risk of cataracts.

Natural Ways to Lower Your Eye Pressure

You do have another option, though, as surprising as it may sound the same lifestyle changes that lower blood pressure typically also work to lower your eye pressure, thereby helping to prevent and even treat glaucoma without a risk of side effects.

The top two steps are:

Lower your insulin levels: As your insulin levels rise, it causes your blood pressure, and possibly also your eye pressure, to increase. In time this can cause your body to become insulin resistant, and studies show insulin resistance -- which is common in people with diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure -- is linked to elevated eye pressure.
The solution is to avoid sugar and grains, the two “food groups” that will inevitably cause surges in your insulin levels. Even whole, organic grains will rapidly break down to sugars, so they too should be avoided. So in addition to avoiding sugar, if you have glaucoma or are concerned about it, you’ll want to avoid foods like:

-Breads
-Pasta
-Rice
-Cereal
-Potatoes
Exercise regularly: One of the most effective ways to lower your insulin levels is through exercise. A regular, effective exercise program consisting of aerobics, sprint-burst type exercises, and strength training can go a long way toward reducing your insulin levels and protecting your vision.

Following the healthy lifestyle tips will go a long way toward protecting your vision, whether you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma or simply want to keep your eyesight in top condition. If you have glaucoma, however, it’s especially important to eliminate those grains and sugars, get exercising, and consume animal-based omega-3 fat regularly in order to keep the disease from progressing.

Hair extensions take a little more time & dedicated care in your hair care regime to get the most out of them and so that they look their best.
Here is top five MUST’s:

1. Always use approved aftercare products prescribed by your hair extensionist. Using the wrong shampoo, conditioner or styling product can reduce the lifespan of your hair extensions. Shampoo and condition your hair at least once a week. Any conditioner or conditioning treatments should be applied to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair only and not the hair extension bond itself.

2. Do not towel dry your hair extensions with a scrubbing motion. Use a blotting motion instead and wrap the hair in a towel to remove excess moisture. Always blow-dry your hair on a cool / warm temperature – not hot which may damage the bonds, micro rings or weft – whichever method of extensions you’re wearing.

3. Brush your hair on a daily basis and always use a soft bristle brush when brushing your hair extensions. With small sections of hair, gently brush from the bonds to the ends of the hair. Do not comb the hair between the scalp and the bond. Never backcomb your hair extensions! On a regular basis, separate the bonds with your fingers to prevent matting. Keep any hair straighteners, tongs and heated rollers away from the bonds of the hair extensions.

4. Before going to bed, tie your hair in a loose ponytail or plait your hair before sleeping to prevent any tangling of your hair extensions while sleeping.

5. Always go back to your extensionist for a maintenance check and have your extensions professionally removed within the specified period. Removing the extensions yourself or by an unqualified stylist can cause serious damage to your own hair and scalp. Give your hair a 2-3 week break with regular hair treatments prior to having a new set of hair extensions.

Here are the top 10 ways to get rid of toenail fungus. If the condition is painful or spreading further then do consult your doctor.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is mildly acidic and can help prevent toenail fungus from spreading. At the same time, it kills bacteria and fungi.

Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Soak your toenail in this solution for 30 minutes daily. When done, dry your toenail thoroughly. When used daily for a few weeks, you will notice improvement very quickly.
Another option is make an antifungal exfoliating scrub by some coarsely ground rice flour with a few spoons of apple cider vinegar. Apply this paste on and around the affected nail and gently scrub the area. Do this a few times a week. This remedy will also help get rid of dead skin cells and keep your skin soft.
2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antiseptic as well as antifungal properties that help a lot in the treatment of toenail fungus. This oil is also used to treat other kinds of skin infections.

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in one teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil.
Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture on the affected toenail.
Leave it on for 10 minutes, and then use a toothbrush to gently scrub the affected nail.
Do this two or three times daily until you are satisfied with the results.
3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a readily available staple in most kitchens that can also be used to cure toenail fungus. It will also help neutralize foot odor.

Add one-half cup of baking soda, one-fourth cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and one-half cup of Epsom salt to four cups of hot water. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, and then add one-fourth cup of white vinegar to it.
Soak the affected toenail in this solution for about 10 minutes.
Wash with clean water and dry your foot thoroughly.
Repeat the process twice daily for several weeks.
4. White Vinegar

White vinegar is one of the best ingredients for treating toenail fungus because it fights the infection and helps restore the skin’s pH.

Mix one part of white vinegar with two parts of warm water.
Soak the affected toenail in this solution for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rinse it off and dry the affected area thoroughly.
Repeat twice daily until the fungus is gone.
Note: If your skin becomes irritated, add more water to the solution and repeat the process every other day instead of daily.

5. Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties. This makes oregano oil an effective treatment for toenail fungus.

Mix two drops of oil of oregano in one teaspoon of olive oil.
Apply this mixture on the affected.
Leave it on for at least 30 minutes.
Then, rinse it off and dry your toes thoroughly.
Repeat once or twice daily for three weeks to see positive results.
6. Listerine Mouthwash

Listerine mouthwash, which kills bacteria and germs in the mouth, can also be used to treat toenail fungus. The mouthwash has several compounds as well as alcohol that act as a strong antiseptic to keep away harmful bacteria and fungi.

Fill a small tub with Listerine mouthwash, or a combination of equal parts of Listerine and white vinegar.
Soak the affected foot in this solution for about 30 minutes, and then scrub the infected toenail gently.
Rinse it off and dry the affected area thoroughly.
Repeat this remedy once or twice daily until the infection clears.