7 Everyday Mistakes That Could Be Silently Damaging Your Eyesight

Your daily habits may be affecting your eye health more than you realize. From spending hours looking at digital screens to skipping routine eye exams, certain everyday behaviors can cause discomfort or increase your risk of vision problems. Fortunately, simple changes can help protect your eyesight.

  1. Spending Too Much Time on Screens

Prolonged screen use can cause dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

  1. Skipping Regular Eye Exams

Many eye diseases, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, develop without noticeable early symptoms. Regular comprehensive eye exams can detect problems before permanent vision loss occurs.

  1. Not Wearing Sunglasses

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays increases the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. Wear sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days.

  1. Rubbing Your Eyes

Frequent or aggressive eye rubbing can irritate the eyes and is associated with corneal conditions such as keratoconus. Instead, use artificial tears or a cool compress to relieve irritation.

  1. Sleeping in Contact Lenses

Sleeping in contact lenses increases the risk of serious eye infections that can threaten your vision. Remove your lenses before bed unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed overnight wear.

  1. Neglecting Nutrition and Overall Health

A balanced diet rich in leafy greens, colorful fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids supports healthy vision. Managing diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol is also important for protecting your eyes. Click here for eye healthy recipes https://discoveryeye.org/eye-cook-delicious-food-health/

  1. Ignoring Changes in Your Vision

Blurry vision, difficulty seeing at night, or persistent eye discomfort may indicate an underlying problem. Never ignore vision changes, and seek immediate medical attention for sudden vision loss, flashes, or new floaters.

Protect Your Vision for the Future

Small changes in your daily routine can make a meaningful difference in maintaining healthy eyesight. Regular eye exams, healthy lifestyle choices, and early detection are essential to preventing avoidable vision loss.

At the Discovery Eye Foundation (DEF), we are dedicated to advancing eye research, increasing awareness, and supporting discoveries that help preserve sight for future generations.

Your vision is precious. Protect it today for a clearer tomorrow.

Children’s Eye Health: Building a Lifetime of Healthy Vision

August is Children’s Eye Health Month, making it the perfect time for parents and caregivers to focus on one of a child’s most valuable assets—their vision. Good eyesight plays a vital role in learning, development, sports, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Because many childhood eye conditions develop without obvious symptoms, regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for detecting problems early and protecting lifelong vision.

Why Children’s Eye Health Matters

Approximately 1 in 4 school-aged children has a vision problem that can interfere with learning and development. Yet many children don’t realize they have difficulty seeing because they assume everyone sees the same way they do. Undiagnosed vision problems can affect reading, classroom performance, coordination, confidence, and participation in sports and other activities.

Early detection and treatment can often prevent permanent vision loss and help children reach their full potential.

Common Childhood Eye Conditions:

Refractive Errors

The most common vision problems in children include:

  • Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.
  • Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty focusing on close objects.
  • Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.

These conditions are typically corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses when appropriate.

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia occurs when one eye does not develop normal vision because the brain favors the stronger eye. It affects approximately 2–3% of children and is most successfully treated when detected early, often before age 7.

Strabismus (Crossed or Misaligned Eyes)

Strabismus occurs when the eyes do not align properly. If left untreated, it can lead to amblyopia and problems with depth perception. Treatment may include glasses, vision therapy, eye muscle surgery, or a combination of these approaches.

 

Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For

Schedule an eye examination if your child:

  • Frequently squints or tilts their head
  • Covers or closes one eye
  • Rubs their eyes excessively (when not tired)
  • Complains of headaches or eye strain
  • Holds books or screens very close
  • Has difficulty reading or concentrating
  • Frequently loses their place while reading
  • Has one eye that turns inward or outward
  • Shows unusual sensitivity to light
  • Has excessive tearing or persistent redness

The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams

Vision screenings performed at school or during pediatric checkups are valuable but do not replace a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Screenings can miss many eye conditions that require specialized testing.

The American Optometric Association recommends:

  • First comprehensive eye exam: Between 6 and 12 months of age
  • Second exam: At least once between 3 and 5 years
  • Before first grade: Around 5 to 6 years of age
  • School-age children: Every year, or as recommended by their eye care professional

Children with a family history of eye disease or vision problems may require more frequent examinations.

Protecting Children’s Vision Every Day

Parents can help support healthy vision by encouraging simple habits:

  • Limit recreational screen time and encourage regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
  • Encourage outdoor play, which research suggests may help reduce the risk of developing myopia.
  • Provide a balanced diet rich in colorful fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, fish, and other foods containing vitamins A, C, E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Make sure children wear protective eyewear during sports and activities with a risk of eye injury.
  • Protect young eyes from harmful UV rays with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

A Lifetime of Healthy Vision Starts Early

Healthy vision is essential for a child’s education, confidence, and overall development. Regular comprehensive eye exams, healthy habits, and prompt attention to any vision concerns can make a lasting difference. By prioritizing children’s eye health today, parents can help ensure their children enjoy a lifetime of clear, healthy vision.

How Nutrition Shapes the Health of Your Eyes

When we think about healthy eating, we usually picture stronger muscles, better digestion, or sharper memory.  But your eyes? They’re often left out of the conversation — even though they depend on nutrients just as much as the rest of your body.

Your eyes are some of the most energy-demanding organs you have.  Every blink, every moment of focus, every shift from screen to sunlight depends on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The right foods can help sharpen your vision today and protect against age-related problems in the future.

Let’s dive into the fascinating connection between nutrition and your eyes, and explore what you can eat to keep your vision clear and your eyes comfortable.

Vitamin A: The Classic Eye Health Nutrient

Vitamin A is famous for a reason. It helps create a pigment in the retina that allows you to see in low light. Without enough of it, night driving might get tricky — or you may even experience night blindness.

Vitamin A also supports:

  • A healthy surface of the eye (the cornea)
  • Moisture production to prevent dry eye
  • Immune defenses that protect the eyes from infection

Top sources: Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, eggs, and dairy.

 

Lutein & Zeaxanthin: Natural Blue-Light Filters

These two antioxidants are like sunglasses built right into your eyes. They gather in the macula — the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision — and absorb harmful blue light from the sun and digital screens.

Why they matter:

  • Reduce risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Lower risk of cataracts
  • Support visual performance in bright light

Where to find them: Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, collards), broccoli, peas, and egg yolks.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Moisturizing from the Inside Out

If your eyes often feel gritty, tired, or irritated, omega-3s may help. These healthy fats support the oily layer of your tears, keeping them from evaporating too fast — a major cause of dry eye.  Omega-3s also play a structural role in the retina and have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Good sources: Salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

 

Vitamins C & E: Antioxidants for Long-Term Protection

Your eyes are exposed daily to oxygen, sunlight, and environmental stress — all of which create free radicals that can damage delicate tissues. Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants, neutralizing these free radicals and protecting your lenses and retinas.

They may help reduce the risk of:

  • Cataracts
  • Age-related eye damage

Get more from:

  • Vitamin C: citrus, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes
  • Vitamin E: almonds, sunflower seeds, avocados, plant oils

 

Zinc: The Vision Support Mineral

Zinc helps your body absorb and move vitamin A to the retina, where it’s needed for vision. It also supports enzymes that defend the eyes against oxidative stress.

Sources: Pumpkin seeds, lentils, chickpeas, beef, poultry, and whole grains.

 

The Best Eating Pattern for Healthy Eyes

While individual nutrients matter, your overall diet has the biggest influence. Research shows that a Mediterranean-style diet — rich in plants, healthy fats, and whole foods — is especially protective.

Build an eye-friendly plate with:

  • Leafy greens
  • Colorful vegetables
  • Fatty fish
  • Beans and legumes
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Whole grains
  • Olive oil
  • Limited processed foods and sugars

This pattern fights inflammation, supports blood vessel health, and provides a steady supply of eye-protective nutrients.

 

What About Supplements?

Supplements aren’t a replacement for food, but they can help in certain cases — particularly for people with intermediate macular degeneration, where the AREDS2 formula has been proven to slow disease progression.

For others, supplements may help if your diet lacks specific nutrients like omega-3s, B12 (for vegans), or lutein.

Always check with an eye doctor before starting an eye-health supplement routine.

 

The Bottom Line

Your eyes are an extension of your overall health — and they thrive on the nutrients you feed them. Whether you want to ease dry eye, sharpen your daily vision, or protect against age-related changes, your plate is one of your most powerful tools.

A balanced, colorful diet nourishes your vision from the inside out. What you eat today truly can shape how you see tomorrow.

Visit our website page: EyeCook for recipes that are rich with vitamins and nutrients for better vision and health!

March is Save Your Vision month

From wearing the right eye wear and getting regular exams to eating right and caring for your lenses, there are many things you can do to protect your vision.

 Healthy vision starts with you!  Follow these tips to take care of your eyes.

  • Get regular comprehensive dilated eye exams – You may not have any symptoms or eye problems. But visiting your eye care professional for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the only way to be sure. Some people also don’t realize they could see better with glasses or contact lenses.

A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect some common eye diseases in their early stages. These includes conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). During a comprehensive dilated eye exam, your eye care professional places drops in your eyes to dilate them. This allows more light to enter the eye so your doctor can examine for any signs of damage or disease.

  • Know your family’s eye health history – Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know since some eye disease or condition are hereditary. This information will help to determine if you’re at higher risk for developing eye problems.

Studies show that you are at an increased risk for eye disease if you have an immediate family member with eye disease, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Knowing your family history and informing your ophthalmologist or optometrist.

  • Eat right to protect your sight – Research shows eye health benefits from fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut. Eating plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens as well as fruits and vegetables will help keep your eyes healthy.  Visit our website for eye healthy recipes discoveryeye.org/eye-cook-delicious-food-health/ 
  • Maintain a healthy weight – Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions that could damage your eyes.  If you’re having trouble maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor.
  • Wear sunglasses – Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but most importantly, they protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation. 
  • Wear protective eyewear – Protective eyewear prevents eye injuries in the workplace (if needed), while playing sports or doing other activities that could cause damage. They include:
    • Safety glasses and goggles for working and repairing.
    • Safety shields for working at your hobby—gardening, home repairs.
    • Eye guards designed for specific activities and sports.
  • Most protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is 10 times stronger than other plastics. Many eye care providers sell protective eyewear, as do some sporting goods stores. Employers are required to provide a safe work environment, including protective eyewear if needed.
  • Quit smoking or never start – Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing:
    • Age-related macular degeneration
    • Cataracts
    • Optic nerve damage
    • Heart disease, lung diseases and various cancers including lung cancer
  • Clean your hands and contact lenses properly – To avoid the risk of infection, always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Disinfect contact lenses as instructed and replace them as directed by your eye care professional.

Eyes and Overall Health

Taking care of your eyes also may benefit your overall health. Some health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your eyes at the initial stage. The eye exam can tell you and your doctor if there are any underlying health conditions that need attention.

In addition to your comprehensive dilated eye exam, visit an eye care professional if you have:

  • Decreased vision
  • Eye pain
  • Drainage or redness of the eye
  • Double vision
  • Floaters (tiny specks that appear to float before your eyes)
  • Circles (halos) around light sources
  • Flashes of light

 

Another way to Save Your Vision is by supporting sight-saving research at the Discovery Eye Foundation.

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Back to School – Why Eye Exams are Important for your child!

Summer is almost over and it’s back to school season!

As parents, many of us are busy ensuring our kids are ready and prepared for the new school year; worrying about school supplies, new clothes, and new haircuts. There is always a long list of things to do before school starts. But something that often gets overlooked is getting your child’s eyes examined annually.

Early eye examinations are crucial to make sure children have normal, healthy vision so they can perform better at schoolwork and play. Early identification of a child’s vision problem can be crucial because children often are more responsive to treatment when problems are diagnosed early. Early eye exams also are important because children need the following basic skills related to good eyesight for learning:

  • Near vision
  • Distance vision
  • Binocular (two eyes) coordination
  • Eye movement skills
  • Focusing skills
  • Peripheral awareness
  • Hand-eye coordination

Parents also need to be alert for the presence of vision problems such as ‘crossed’ eyes or ‘lazy’ eye. These conditions can develop at a young age. ‘Crossed’ eyes or strabismus involves one or both eyes turning inward (towards the nose) or outward. Amblyopia, known as ‘lazy’ eye, is a lack of clear vision in one eye, which can’t be fully corrected with eyeglasses. Lazy eye often develops as a result of ‘crossed’ eyes, but may occur without noticeable signs. ‘Lazy’ eye can be treated if caught early.

In addition, parents should watch their child for indication of any delays in development, which may signal the presence of a vision problem. Difficulty with recognition of colors, shapes, letters and numbers can occur if there is a vision problem. Children generally will not voice complaints about their eyes, therefore parents should watch for signs that may indicate a vision problem, including:

  • Sitting close to the TV or holding a book too close
  • Squinting
  • Tilting their head
  • Constant eye rubbing
  • Extreme light sensitivity
  • Poor focusing
  • Poor visual tracking (following an object)
  • Abnormal alignment or movement of the eyes (after 6 months of age)
  • Chronic redness of the eyes
  • Chronic tearing of the eyes
  • A white pupil instead of black

Scheduling Eye Exams for Your Child

If eye problems are suspected during routine physical examinations, a referral should be made to an eye doctor for further evaluation. Eye doctors have specific equipment and training to assist them with spotting potential vision problems in children.

When scheduling an eye exam for your child, choose a time when he or she usually is alert and happy.

 

Glasses and Contacts – Keep these tips in mind for kids who wear glasses:

  • Plastic frames are best for children younger than 2.
  • Let kids pick their own frames.
  • If older kids wear metal frames, make sure they have spring hinges, which are more durable.
  • An elastic strap attached to the glasses will help keep them in place for active youngsters.
  • Kids with severe eye problems may need special lenses called high-index lenses, which are thinner and lighter than plastic lenses.
  • Polycarbonate lenses are best for all kids, especially those who play sports. Polycarbonate is a tough, shatterproof, clear thermoplastic used to make thin, light lenses. However, although they’re very impact-resistant, these lenses scratch more easily than plastic lenses.
  • Your eye doctor can help you decide what type of vision correction is best for your child.

Specialists state that 80% of what your youngster learns in school is taught visually. Untreated vision troubles can put children at a substantial disadvantage. Be certain to arrange that your child has a complete eye exam before school starts.

Blue Light: What Is It And How Does It Affect Your Eyes?

What Is Blue Light?

Blue light, also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light, is a color in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by human eyes. These wavelengths of visible and non-visible light are measured in nanometers (nm), and, in general, the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. Blue light is a short wavelength, which means it produces higher amounts of energy.

Unlike other forms of light, the eyes cannot effectively filter blue light, so more can pass through the eye to the retina. Blue light produces both benefits and concerns for our eyes and overall health.

Where Are You Exposed To Blue Light?

The largest source of blue light is sunlight. In addition, there are many other sources:

  • Fluorescent light
  • Fluorescent light bulbs
  • LED light
  • Flat screen LED televisions
  • Computer monitors, smart phones, and tablet screens

Blue light exposure you receive from screens is small compared to the amount of exposure from the sun. And yet, there is concern over the long-term effects of screen exposure because of the close proximity of the screens and the length of time spent looking at them. According to an NEI-funded study, children’s eyes absorb more blue light than adults from digital device screens.

Benefits of Blue Light?

Moderate amounts of blue light are essential for good health.

  • Promotes alertness
  • Boosts memory and cognitive function
  • Elevates mood
  • Regulates circadian rhythm

Blue Light and Digital Eyestrain

Using digital devices up close or for long periods can lead to digital eyestrain.

Research has shown that when people use computers, laptops, and other digital devices, they tend to blink less often than normal. Fewer blinks can mean less moisture.

Digital eyestrain means different things to different people, but is generally related to the focusing system of the eyes.

When your eyes are strained from staring at a blue-light-emitting screen, you might notice:

  • dry eyes
  • sore or irritated eyes
  • tired eyes
  • headaches
  • facial muscles fatigued by squinting

Blue light scatters more easily than most other visible light. This may make it difficult for your eye to focus when receiving blue light. Instead, your eye may digest blue light as poorly focused visual static. This reduction in contrast may make it more difficult for your eye to process blue light, potentially contributing to eyestrain.

Still, there isn’t enough evidence to confirm that blue light directly leads to eyestrain. More high-quality studies are needed.

How to Limit Blue Light Exposure

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that you take the steps below to reduce digital eyestrain.

1. Practice the 20/20/20 strategy

  • While you’re using a device that emits blue light, stop every 20 minutes to focus on objects that are around 20 feet away. Study those objects for 20 seconds before you return to your up-close viewing.
  • Keep your eyes moist
  • Eye drops, such as artificial tears, and room humidifiers are all good ways to keep your eyes from becoming too dry and irritated while you’re using blue-light-emitting devices.

2. Use eyeglasses with the right prescription

Squinting at screens for long periods isn’t recommended for the overall health of your eyes. If you wear prescription eyeglasses to correct your vision, make sure you’re wearing a prescription intended for the distance between your eyes and your screen — ideally an arm’s length away. Most glasses are formulated for longer distances.

3. Adjust the blue light on your screen

To lower the risk of eyestrain and sleep disturbance, you may want to set your screens to a “night shift” setting with warmer tones. You can also purchase blue-light-filtering screens to slip over your computer screen when you’re working at night. The filter could cut the glare of your screen.

And a 2020 research study shows that they block 30 to 60 percent of blue light, though it isn’t clear whether blocking the blue will help preserve the sleep-wake cycle for those who use backlit screens before bedtime.

A Thanksgiving Spread that Promotes Eye Health

Thanksgiving is almost here; a meal that nourishes the family bonds and traditions.  It’s the one time of the year where you can guarantee your eyes will be bigger than your stomach. This meal also has another added bonus — almost every item on the Thanksgiving table is healthy for your eyesight!

Here are several of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes and their corresponding benefits to your eye health:

Turkey –

No Thanksgiving is complete without a turkey, roasted golden brown and stuffed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Turkey is loaded with zinc and B-vitamin niacin, which helps prevent the formation of cataracts. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States, so gobble up!  You are “preventing” cataracts with every bite.

 

Spinach, Green Bean Casserole, Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts –

These foods and other leafy greens are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that protect the retina, which may also help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

 

Sweet Potatoes –

Sweet potatoes are full of Beta-carotene, which is a carotenoid and antioxidant that promotes night vision and overall good eyesight. Sweet potatoes are also loaded with vitamins C and E. Diets that are rich in these vitamins can help prevent or delay the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

 

Cranberry Sauce –

Cranberries contain bioflavonoids, a large class of antioxidants. Bioflavonoids are found in the pulp, skin and rinds of foods that contain vitamin C. Both flavonoids and vitamin C help protect the eyes from free radical damage caused by pollution and the body’s normal metabolic processes.

 

Pumpkin Pie –

Pumpkin is one of the best sources of vitamin A, so pumpkin pie is an eye-healthy dessert. In fact, one cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains more than 200 percent of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. Vitamin A provides nourishment and protection to the eye’s lens, cornea and macula (part of the retina), so it improves night vision. 

 

A diet that’s full of the right nutrients is a great start to keeping your eyes healthy, but don’t forget that regular eye exams are equally important! We hope you enjoy a happy and delicious Thanksgiving with family and friends.

*For more eye healthy recipes click here EYE COOK

BACK-TO-SCHOOL EYE CARE FOR KIDS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

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It’s back-to-school time! As your child prepares to start another school year, don’t forget to take care of one of their most important learning tools — their eyes.  Find out how you can help keep their eyes healthy, and why an eye exam is so important.

Be aware of vision problems:

Your kid may be spending more time in front of the screen than usual — and that could put him or her at increased risk for certain vision problems or eye conditions.

  • Nearsightedness: If your child is not already nearsighted, doing a lot of “close work” (using a screen or even in a book) can increase their likelihood of developing this condition. Encourage them to hold books or screens at least 18 inches away.
  • Dry Eye Syndrome: When we stare at a screen all day, our blink rate decreases significantly. The blinking action secretes an oil called meibum (one of the three layers of tear film), which keeps our eyes moist. When we don’t blink as much, our eyes can become overly dry and irritated.
  • Eye Strain and Fatigue: Excessive screen time can also lead to strain, fatigue, blurry vision, itchy eyes, and headaches.

Watch for behavioral changes that may signal vision trouble, for example:

  • Talk to your child about their new classroom or where they’re sitting to gauge whether they’re having issues seeing.
  • Ask them whether their eyes ever feel tired after watching something on a screen.
  • Watch for blinking, squinting and tearing of their eyes.
  • Pay attention to headaches or fatigue.

Help minimize any risk to your child’s eyes by doing the following:

  • Make sure they take frequent screen breaks. Instead of focusing directly on the screen, encourage your child to look around the room every now and then, or take some time to stare out the window (at least 20 seconds is recommended by the American Optometric Association). You can even remind them to blink.
  • Position the monitor or screen so it’s about 25 inches away, and also position it so their gaze is slightly downward.
  • Adjust the room lighting so that the screen isn’t brighter than the surrounding light. If it is, your child’s eyes will have to work harder.
  • Sharpen your child’s vision skills with “traditional” non-screen-based activities, like puzzles, blocks, drawing and painting, and playing catch.

Don’t Forget the Eye Exam

It’s easy for us to forget about our eyes let alone our child’s, but it is very important to get your child’s eyes checked regularly.

It is absolutely critical to ensure healthy eye development and that they have the visual skills necessary for successful learning. No matter where your child will be participating in school this year — don’t skip the trip to the eye doctor.

The American Optometric Association recommends children have an eye exam by the time they reach one year old, at least once between 3 and 5 years old, and once a year after first grade until they graduate. Your eye doctor can recommend the best frequency for your child.

Your child should still receive a comprehensive eye exam, whether or not they have received a vision screening at school or even at their pediatrician’s office.  While vision screenings can indicate some vision trouble, they often only test your child’s ability to see things that are far away, such as a classroom whiteboard.  Also, keep in mind the school screeners usually do not have all the necessary equipment or training to detect many eye health problems in children.

A comprehensive eye examination looks at complete eye health, and includes tests for the following, in addition to an understanding of patient and family health history:

  • Visual acuity
  • Depth perception
  • Color vision
  • Peripheral vision
  • Refractive errors (like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism)
  • Eye focusing, tracking, teaming and other eye movement abilities

Specialists state that 80% of what your children learn in school is taught visually. Untreated vision troubles can put children at a substantial disadvantage. Be certain to arrange that your child has a complete eye exam before school starts.

 

Firework Eye Safety Week | June 28 – July 4

FIREWORK & EYE SAFETY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Firework injuries cause over 10,000 visits to the emergency room each year, according to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.  As families and communities make plans for a star-spangled Fourth of July, the Discovery Eye Foundation is shining a light on fireworks safety month.

Fireworks are dangerous, and the month around July 4th is the most dangerous time. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s most recent annual fireworks injury report (PDF) fireworks caused twelve deaths and nearly 15,000 injuries in 2020. Two-thirds of the fireworks injuries treated in emergency rooms happened between mid-June and mid-July.

Fireworks may be advertised like toys around the Fourth of July. You may think you know how to handle them safely. But playing with fireworks can blind you or your loved ones. Leave fireworks to the professionals.

The most recent Consumer Product Safety Commission report found that 15% of fireworks injuries involved eyes. In the most severe cases, fireworks can rupture the globe of the eye, cause chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions and retinal detachment — all of which can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss.

Children and young adults are frequent victims. Children age 15 and under accounted for 36% of the total injuries, according to the commission’s report. And half of the injuries requiring an emergency room visit were to people age 20 or younger.

Even sparklers can be dangerous, as they burn at more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Sparklers were responsible for 900 of the injuries in the latest report in 2020.

Fireworks Safety Tips

The best way to avoid a potentially blinding fireworks injury is by attending a professional, public fireworks show rather than purchasing fireworks for home use.

If you attend or live near a professional fireworks show:

  • Respect safety barriers, follow all safety instructions and view fireworks from at least 500 feet away.
  • Do not touch unexploded fireworks; instead, immediately contact local fire or police departments to help.

For those who decide to purchase and use fireworks, follow these safety tips:

  • Do not allow young children to play with fireworks. Sparklers, a firework often considered by many to be the ideal “safe” device for the young, burn at very high temperatures and should be not be handled by young children. Children may not understand the danger involved with fireworks and may not act appropriately while using the devices or in case of emergency.
  • Older children should be permitted to use fireworks only under close adult supervision.
  • Do not allow any running or horseplay with the fireworks.
  • Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass and other flammable materials.
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
  • Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning or “dud” fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
  • Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
  • Check instructions for special storage directions.
  • Observe local laws.
  • Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
  • Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

What to Do for a Fireworks Eye Injury

Fireworks-related eye injuries can combine blunt force trauma, heat burns and chemical exposure. If an eye injury from fireworks occurs, it should be considered a medical emergency.

  • Do not rub the eye. Rubbing the eye may increase bleeding or make the injury worse.
  • Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
  • Do not apply pressure to the eye itself. Apply a clean eye patch, hold or tape the bottom of a foam cup or the bottom of a juice carton over injured eye. Protecting the eye from further contact with any item, including the child’s hand, is the goal.
  • Do not stop for pain medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the child to the emergency room at once – this is more important than stopping for a pain reliever.
  • Do not apply ointment. Ointment, which may not be sterile, makes the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.

Keep Fireworks Fun

Unexpected injuries not only ruin celebrations, but they can also dramatically change lives. Keep fireworks fun by remembering these tips and being smart about how you use fireworks. Stay safe out there!

Real Firework Eye  Injuries

Beware of Costume Contacts this Halloween

Costume Contact Lenses such as cat eyes or zombie may make your Halloween costume a bit more frightful although wearing those lenses without a prescription can be more terrifying, as it could result in vision loss or even blindness.

You can buy contact lenses, including decorative contact lenses, from your eye doctor or on the Internet.  It’s very important that you only buy contact lenses from a company that sells FDA-cleared or approved contact lenses and requires you to provide a prescription.  Even if you don’t wear corrective lenses you still need to get fitted properly.

Remember — Buying contact lenses without a prescription is dangerous!

Right now there are a lot of products that you can buy without a prescription but they may not be safe or legal.

You should NEVER buy lenses from:

  • street vendors
  • salons or beauty supply stores
  • boutiques
  • flea markets
  • novelty stores
  • Halloween stores
  • convenience stores
  • beach shops
  • internet sites that do not require a prescription

Know the Risks –

Wearing costume contact lenses can be risky, just like the contact lenses that correct your vision. Wearing any kind of contact lenses, including costume lenses, can cause serious damage to your eyes if the lenses are obtained without a prescription or not used correctly.

These risks include:

  • A cut or scratch on the top layer of your eyeball (Corneal Abrasion)
  • Allergic reactions like itchy, watery red eyes
  • Decreased vision
  • Infection
  • Blindness

Signs of possible eye infection:

  • Redness
  • Pain in the eye(s) that doesn’t go away after a short period of time
  • Decreased vision

If you have any of these signs, you need to see a licensed eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) right away!  An eye infection could become serious and cause you to become blind if it is not treated.

This Halloween season DEF wants to remind you of the importance of eye safety and to make sure to take the proper steps in ensuring the proper contact lenses.