We are all familiar with the saying, "The eyes are the window to the soul." Well, that holds true for your pets. Their eyes express joy, sadness, when they want to play, when they want go out for a walk and when they want to cuddle with you. In addition, the eyes reflect physical health. Signs of possible infection or disorders are:

• Cloudiness indicating possible cataracts or lenticular sclerosis or injury.

• Bulging of the eye may indicate a tumor, abscess or glaucoma.

• Mucus or gray discharge indicates irritation or allergies.

• Yellow or green discharge indicates infection.

• Red inner lids can indicate infection or irritation.

• Difference in pupil size can indicate inflammation, a nerve problem or even a tumor.

Diet is a major factor in maintaining the health of your pets' eyes. According to Dr. Katy Sommers, D.V.M., Chinese food therapy suggests feeding your pets foods that are neutral and cooling benefit the liver energy such as turkey, raw fruits, broccoli , plain yogurt and spinach. Milk Thistle also corrects the liver energy. Good nutrition plays an important role in the overall health of your pet and can help to maintain healthy eyes and vision. When an animal has severe nutrition deficiencies or is malnourished, cataracts or other eye disorders can develop.

There are several vitamins, botanicals and other nutrients that help to nourish the eyes and are “natural treatments” for dogs and cats with eye disorders.

• Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties which fight free radicals that can damage the lens of the eye.

• The berries in Bilberry Extract are rich in antioxidants and anthocyanosides. Red pigments are beneficial in ophthalmology and vascular diseases.

• Zinc is a mineral linked to good vision and may protect eye tissue from damaging light and inflammation. The eyes use more zinc than any other organ in the body.

• Lutein is a carotinoid formed in dark, leafy greens. It helps protect the eyes from damage from ultra-violet radiation.

• Alpha Lipoic Acids restores biological function that diminishes with age and helps prevent cataracts.

• Caratenoids are antioxidants rich in color. Lutein and Zeaxanthin protects against muscular degeneration and reduces incident of cataracts.

• Grape Seed Extract contains a high content of oligomeric proanthocyanidins. They provide support for healthy skin, cardiovascular health and blood circulation, and reduces the risk of cataracts.

• Quercetin is a natural antioxidant bioflavonoid that protects cells from free radicals.

Other tips for maintaining eye health include avoiding exposing your pet to pollutants, dust and chemicals. Don't let your cat or dog ride in a vehicle with its head out the window as foreign substances can lodge in your pet's eyes and cause infection or injury.

If you notice any changes in your pet’s eyes, do see a Holistic Veterinarian specialist who can help with proper treatment of your pets’ imbalances using homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs or nutritional therapy to help restore your pets’ health at a deeper level.

Lee De Barriault is the owner of Natural Pet Specialty Shop located at 398-B N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne. For more information call 321-259-3005.