Matt 20:29-34   As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called to them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
As a child, did you ever pretend you were blind?  How long did you keep up the pretense? I know when I pretended I was blind I banged my shins against chairs and ran into doors. My eyes would fly open.  Or, perhaps you played Blind Man’s Bluff. Ask anyone who has impaired vision or is blind, and they will tell you that losing one’s sight or being blind is no childhood game. It is serious and life-altering.  

What can you do to have healthy eyes?  

From the time I started grade school I was continually told to take care of my eyes -  eat carrots, don’t sit too close to the T.V., don’t look directly into the sun, don’t  read too long at a time, etc.  I’ll bet most of you were given similar warnings.  I didn’t take the warnings very seriously, did you? 
 
However, eating carrots are good for healthy eyes as are other foods containing antioxidants. Antioxidants include Vitamins E, C and A. These can help prevent Macular Degeneration, cataracts, night blindness, and other eye diseases. Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, especially those with high pigmentation, such as carrots, spinach and grapes. Caution: too much of these antioxidants can cause negative effects, so, as with any change in diet or exercise, talk with your doctor first. Folic acid, selenium and zinc can also be beneficial for the health of your eyes – again talk with your  doctor before taking them.

One should have his/her eyes checked every year. If you are found to need glasses or contacts, make sure you purchase a good quality.

Always wear sunglasses with UV protection. Sunglasses are needed even on cloudy days to protect  your eyes from UV rays.

When working on a computer, make sure there is good lighting.  Take a rest.  Do not stay transfixed to the screen. If your eyes are feeling dry, look away from the screen and focus on something else for a time.
The same is true when reading or studying.  If your eyes feel dry  and /or tired– and this happens more frequently as we age –take a break.  Ask your doctor about eye drops that might help the dryness.

Prevent injury to your eyes. More than 1,000,000 people experience eye injuries each year.

Before using household chemicals in your home, read the labels and instructions. Many chemicals are extremely hazardous and result in blindness. Have good ventilation and keep the sprayer facing away from you.
Protect your eyes when working outside, in the workshop, working on your car or when mowing. Use protective eyewear when flying fragments, fumes, dust particles, sparks or splashing chemicals may be a threat. 

What should you do if you experience an eye injury?

• If you injure you eyes, seek medical help immediately
• Injuries such as cuts, chemical burns or foreign bodies stuck in the eye are emergencies. Don't try to treat these yourself - contact your doctor or emergency room for help immediately. 
• Even a seemingly light blow can cause a serious eye injury. If a black eye, pain or visual problem occurs after a blow, contact your doctor or emergency department immediately. 
• In case of a chemical burn to the eye, flush the eye with clean water and seek emergency medical treatment immediately. 

Heb. 12:2   Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for caring about our spiritual and physical sight.