Our eyes are two of the most important things in our lives. We use them every second we are awake. They help keep us safe, recognize friends, and select things we like. It is possible to lead happy and healthy lives without being able to see, but it would be very different. Therefore, taking good care of your eyes is critical. Washing your eyes with saline1 solution2 is just one way to maintain eye health. It is also important to make foods that are rich in vitamin A and beta carotene3 part of your diet.

Eyes can be overused just like bodies and minds. Reading, using computers, and other activities amount to daily eye stress. That is why it is a good idea to take time to do eye-relaxing and eye-strengthening exercises. An example of an eye-strengthening exercise would be to move your eyes in all directions. First, keep your head and neck straight while breathing normally. Next, roll your eyes to the left for a few seconds. Blink a few times, and then roll them to the right. Continue to move your eyes in every direction you can–up and down and corner to corner. To relax your eyes, sit with your elbows4 on a desk or table. Rub your hands together until they are warm. Then, shape your hands like cups and place them over your closed eyes.

我们的眼睛是生命中最重要的东西之一。我们醒着的时候，无时无刻都会用到它们。眼睛能使我们保持安全，让我们认得朋友，并帮我们选出喜欢的东西。一个人眼睛无法视物固然还是有可能过着快乐健康的日子，不过生活肯定大不相同。因此好好照顾您的灵魂之窗是极其紧要的事。用生理食盐水清洗眼睛只是眼睛保健的方法之一。同时，把富含维生素A及β-胡萝卜素的食物当成您日常饮食的一部份，也是很重要的一件事。

正如同身体和心智，眼睛也会被过度消耗。阅读、使用计算机、或进行其它活动都等于是每天为眼部制造压力。这正是为什么花时间进行放松及增强眼部的运动是个好主意。巩固眼睛的范例运动之一便是四处转动您的眼球。首先ㄧ边正常呼吸，一边将您的头和脖子保持成一直线。然后将眼睛转向左边维持数秒。眨几下眼，接着转向右边。继续尽量朝各个方向转动您的眼睛－－从上到下，以及从角落到角落。要放松您的眼睛，请坐下来将手肘摆在书桌或桌子上。互相搓揉您的双手，直到它们发热为止。接着将手弓成杯状，将它们覆盖于闭起来的双眼上。

Building Your Vocabulary

1. critical　a. 紧要的；关键性的
We relied on Joe to make the critical decision.
我们靠阿乔来做出这个关键性的决定。

2. blink　vi. 眨眼
I can't help but blink in such bright light.
在这样的强光之下，我禁不住眨了眨眼。

Phrases for Learning

1. lead a + 形容词 + life　　过着……的生活
Mark has led a peaceful life since he retired.
马克退休后就一直过着平静的生活。
2. be rich in...　　有丰富的……
Both beef and pork are rich in protein.
牛肉和猪肉都富含蛋白质。
3. amount to...　　等于∕意味着……
All the effort I put in has amounted to nothing.
我所做的一切努力等于是白费功夫。
4. in all directions　　四面八方，四处
People ran off in all directions when the building was on fire.
建筑物起火时，人们向四面八方逃窜。

参考字词

1.saline　a.（含）盐的
2.solution　n. 溶液
3.beta carotene　n. β-胡萝卜素
4.elbow　n. 手肘

Tips In Use

...every second we are awake.
（我们醒着的时候，无时无刻……）
以下为各位介绍 awake 及 wake 的不同：
1. awake　a. 醒着的 & vi. 醒来（= wake up，三态为：awake, awoke, awoken。）
Vera was awake the whole night.
（薇拉彻夜未眠。）
I awoke when I heard a loud noise.
= I woke up when I heard a loud noise.
（我听到一声巨响时就醒了过来。）
2. wake　vt. 唤醒 & vi. 醒（常与 up 并用，三态为：wake, woke, woken。）
A loud noise woke me (up).
（一声巨响把我吵醒了。）
Ian often wakes up early in the morning.
= Ian often awakes early in the morning.
（伊恩早上常常很早就醒来。）