Is that a sparkle in your Eye?

Have you ever heard the phrase “Smile, your eyes sparkle when you do”? What does it mean to have a sparkle in your eye? When your iris (the colored part of your eye) is in high contrast with the white part of your eye, your eyes tend to have more sparkle and often convey emotions or a sense of excitement, vitality, and health.

A sparkle may also indicate our eyes have received a fresh coating of tears. And as we age, it is very common to have sparkles in the eyes, as the vitreous pulls away from your retina, you may see this as a flash of light in one or both eyes, like small sparkles, lightning, or fireworks.

Lost your sparkle? Today's busy and stressful lifestyles can make eyes appear dull, dry, and lackluster. Poor quality of sleep and continuous staring at electronic devices can wreak havoc on your eyes as well as your vision. Also with aging, collagen around the eyes begin to loosen, sag, and appear darker.

Hormonal changes, especially during menopause can cause eyes to appear dry and dull. Additionally, certain medications and illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, jaundice may darken the whiteness of the eyes. If your eyes are red, dry, scratchy, or irritated, they're less likely to have a natural sparkle. Follow these tips to help keep your eyes looking as bright and healthy as possible.

• Consistent quality rest.
• Avoid dry air.
• Wear UV protective sunglasses when outdoors.
• Take eye breaks at least once every 20 minutes.
• Use eye drops or artificial tears.

Many may experience dry or dull eyes on occasion, but if symptoms persist it's best to contact your primary care physician or schedule an appointment with your eye doctor, as this may be a sign of an underlying healthcare condition. Eye problems like or corneal ulcers can also change the appearance of our eyes. Annual comprehensive eye exams give our doctors the opportunity to check overall eye health to ensure you see your very best.