Don’t Forget Your Eyes: UV Protection is Just as Important as Sunscreen

Summertime often means long hours spent outdoors—whether at the beach, hiking, barbecuing, or just soaking up the sunshine. Most of us know to apply sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, but there’s one vital area we often overlook: Our Eyes.

Just like your skin, your eyes are vulnerable to the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to serious eye health issues over time, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even certain types of eye cancer.

UV radiation, whether from natural sunlight or indoor artificial rays, can damage the eye’s surface tissues as well as the cornea and lens.  Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the dangers UV light can pose. By wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, you can enjoy the summer safely while lowering your risk for potentially blinding eye diseases.

Here are a few of the eye conditions you can avoid by wearing sunglasses:

  • Cataracts and eye cancers can take years to develop. Each time you bask in the sun without eye protection, you increase your risk of serious disease. Babies and children need to wear hats and sunglasses for this very reason. People of all ages should take precautions whenever they are outdoors.
  • Growths on the eye, such as pterygium, can show up in our teens or 20s. Surfers, skiers, fishermen, farmers, and others who spend long hours under the midday sun or near rivers, oceans, and mountains are at risk.
  • Snow blindness can happen after exposure to UV reflections off of snow, ice, sand, or water.

The good news? Protecting your eyes is simple.

Here’s how you can safeguard your vision this summer and every season

Many sunglasses shoppers forget to check the UV rating before purchasing a pair. Be sure to select sunglasses that provide 100% UV or UV400 protection, or block both UV-A and UV-B rays.

Here are additional tips to protect your eyes from UV damage, no matter what the season: 

  • Wear a hat along with your sunglasses. Broad-brimmed hats are best.
  • Protect children and senior citizens with hats and sunglasses. Everyone is at risk for sun damage.
  • Know that clouds don’t block UV light. The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds.
  • Sunlight is strongest midday to early afternoon. It is also stronger at higher altitudes and when reflected off of water, ice, or snow.
  • Never look directly at the sun. Doing so at any time, including during an eclipse, can damage the eye’s retina and cause a serious injury known as solar retinopathy.
  • Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds pose the same risks to your eyes and body as outdoor UV light.

Long-term eye health starts with small steps today. By embracing these simple guidelines, your eyes will thank you for years to come.

Support Sight-Saving Research by Donating to the Discovery Eye Foundation

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May is Healthy Vision Month

Welcome to May, when we celebrate Healthy Vision Month! As we embark on this month-long journey of raising awareness about the importance of eye health, the Discovery Eye Foundation is thrilled to join the cause.

Our vision is a precious gift and it’s crucial to take proactive steps to maintain it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of Healthy Vision Month and share valuable tips to help you safeguard your eyesight for years to come.

Healthy Vision Month is more than just an annual observance; it’s a reminder of the critical role that vision plays in our daily lives. Our eyes enable us to experience the world around us, from admiring breathtaking landscapes to connecting with loved ones through meaningful eye contact and so much more. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 75% of adults use some form of vision correction, highlighting the prevalence of vision issues in society. However, many people overlook the importance of regular eye care until they encounter vision problems. By dedicating the month of May to promoting eye health awareness, we can empower individuals to prioritize their vision and take proactive measures to preserve it.

Here are a few ways you can help protect your vision

  • Get an annual comprehensive dilated eye exam.
  • Know your family’s eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with an eye disease or condition, since some are hereditary.
  • Eat right to protect your sight: In particular, eat plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, albacore tuna, trout, and halibut. Visit Eye Cook for eye healthy recipes.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
  • Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home, such as painting, yard work, and home repairs.
  • Quit smoking or never start.
  • Wear sunglasses that block 99 -100 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
  • Wash your hands before taking out your contacts and cleanse your contact lenses properly to avoid infection.
  • Practice workplace eye safety.

Taking care of your eyes also may benefit your overall health. People with vision problems are more likely than those with good vision to have diabetes, poor hearing, heart problems, high blood pressure, lower back pain and strokes, as well as have increased risk for falls, injury and depression.

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

  • Decreased vision
  • Eye pain
  • Drainage or redness of the eye
  • Double vision
  • Diabetes
  • New floaters (tiny specks that appear to float before your eyes)
  • Circles (halos) around light sources or if you see flashes of light

For this Healthy Vision Month, take care of your eyes to help them last a lifetime.

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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AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month

Low vision affects millions of Americans — including many older adults. People with low vision aren’t blind, but because of their vision loss, they may not be able to do everyday tasks like driving or reading even with glasses.

What is Low Vision?

When your eyesight is impaired to the degree that you struggle with daily tasks like reading or cooking – or that you have difficulty recognizing faces, you may have a medical condition referred to as low vision. Someone with low vision can’t simply put on a pair of glasses or contacts and see well; this condition is beyond the typical loss of vision that occurs with aging.

Individuals experiencing low vision can struggle with maintaining independence; hobbies, reading and even socializing may become challenging as vision loss progresses. Because of the impact low vision can have on your life, it is important to have your eyes checked by a low vision specialist if you have any concerns. Since it is unusual to be able to restore vision once it is lost, screenings can help preserve the vision you have and help you access adaptive lenses and devices if you need them. While there is not a cure for low vision,  a low vision specialist can help you adapt and if needed, create a vision rehabilitation program designed to meet your specific needs.

If you are experiencing trouble seeing even with prescription eye glasses, ask your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a low vision evaluation. If your practitioner does not perform this evaluation, request a referral to a low vision specialist in a private practice, at a Braille Institute or a University Eye Care Institute. 

Low vision is often caused by one of these conditions despite adequate treatment:

  • Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) –AMD is a progressive eye condition affecting as many as 15 million Americans. The disease attacks the macula of the eye, where our sharpest central vision occurs, affecting reading, driving, identifying faces, watching television, safely navigating stairs and performing other daily tasks. Although it rarely results in complete blindness, it robs the individual of all but the outermost, peripheral vision, leaving only dim images or black holes at the center of vision. Read more

  • Diabetes– Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina.

In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid or blood inside the eye. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy retina is necessary for good vision.  Read More 

  • Glaucoma– Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the major nerve of the eye called the optic nerve, a part of the central nervous system that carries visual information from the eye to the brain

The eye experiences a gradual increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) due to an imbalance of the fluid produced in the eye and the amount of fluid drained. Over time, elevated IOP can cause vision loss. The most common form of glaucoma is primary open angle glaucoma which affects about 3 million Americans. However, there are other types including narrow angle, congenital, normal tension, and secondary glaucoma. Read more

Reducing your risk for Low Vision

Practicing healthy daily lifestyle habits can reduce your risk for low vision. A healthy diet, not smoking and maintaining healthy blood pressure are important first steps. Other healthy habits that can lower the risk include:

  • Eat a diet with plenty of green, leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, and collard greens, and fresh fruit.
  • Fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids is good for eye health. Try to include it in your diet at least once or twice a week. Types of fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and albacore tuna.
  • It’s important to keep your body healthy. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The healthier your body, the more it can foster good eye health. Visit our website for eye healthy recipes Eye Cook.
  • Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses and a hat with a visor in bright sunlight to protect your eyes from potentially harmful ultra-violet (UV) light and blue light.

Low Vision Reading Apps on Your Smartphone

Reading often is one of the most difficult challenges for visually impaired people. Many people with low vision give up reading altogether, because what used to be an enjoyable, effortless activity now requires thought, preparation and a lot of adjustment. In short, reading is just no fun anymore. 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has listed some of the top apps, devices and resources for people with low vision, below are a few listed for reading app, for more apps visit American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Regular eye exams are essential for all adults; it is recommended that adults over the age of 60 have eye exams each year. If your vision can not be improved to the point that you are able to see the things you need to see or read, your eye care professional can refer you to a low vision specialist. This specialist differs from a conventional optometrist and is trained to evaluate your low vision problem and offer solutions to help you retain or regain independence and the ability to do things you enjoy again.

For more information on AMD and other visual impairments – EYE CONDITIONS

 

More Low Vision resources

Thanksgiving Dinner for Your EYES!

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 is one of 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

UNDERSTANDING YOUR EYE PRESCRIPTION

If you need eyeglasses, it is because you were diagnosed with a refractive error during your eye exam. This means your eyes have trouble focusing and images can appear blurry. Types of refractive errors include being near-sighted (myopia), far-sighted (presbyopia) or having an astigmatism (your cornea is an irregular shape).

Understanding Your Eyeglass PrescriptionUnderstanding What 20/20 Vision Means

The number is based on you standing a distance of 20 feet in front of a standard eye chart to test your visual acuity. If during an eye test you can read the big E at the top of the eye chart, but none of the letters below that, your vision is considered 20/200. That means you can read a letter at 20 feet that people with “normal” vision can read at 200 feet, meaning you have very poor distance visual acuity. If you can read the seventh line from the top of most charts, your vision is 20/20. Any line below that would be 20/15 or below and indicates that you have exceptional visual acuity. Each eye is tested separately.

Understanding Your Eyeglass Prescription

The prescription you receive may be a form with headings that are filled in, or it may just be written out. In any case, it is written in a specific order, with the results for each eye listed separately.

OD is an abbreviation for oculus dexter, meaning right eye, while OS is oculus sinister, meaning left eye. If both eyes are being referred to the abbreviation you will see is OU (oculus uterque) meaning both eyes.

The next term on your prescription is Sphere (SPH) and is are measured in diopters (D). This number tells you how strong your lenses need to be to correct your vision. If this number has a minus sign (–), you are nearsighted; if the number has a plus sign (+) or is not preceded by any sign, you are farsighted.

Next may be cylinder (CYL), an indicator of the lens power if you have an astigmatism. The number for the CYL has the same format as the SPH, a minus sign (for the correction of nearsighted astigmatism) or a plus sign (for the correction of farsighted astigmatism). If there is no number given you either have no astigmatism, or your astigmatism is so slight that it is not really necessary to correct it.

If you do have a CYL number you will also have an axis number, based on a protractor scale that tells you where on the eye the astigmatism is found. For example, 

SPH –2.50   CYL +5.00 Axis 40 means you have a nearsightedness of -2.50 diopters with an astigmatism of +5.00 along the 40 degree axis.

If you are getting bifocals or progressive lenses, there is another number called an “Add.” This number is the amount of additional correction your eyes need to focus at close distance and will always be a positive number, whether or not the + sign is there.

Needless to say, eyeglasses can be expensive, but understanding a prescription should help you understand why. The stronger the lens the more expensive it is and then with each adjustment, the cost also increases.  Also, don’t forget that anti-glare or UV protective coatings add to the costs, but most people feel it is well worth it. Eye glasses are an investment in your safety, job, independence and letting you enjoy leisure-time activities you enjoy.

DEF’s Vision Legacy Society

We extend a heartfelt invitation to you to forge a vision legacy!

Join the Discovery Eye Foundation’s Vision Legacy Society! 

By including us in your estate planning, you can make a significant impact on the preservation of vision through a gift that will transform countless lives.

Your Vision Legacy Gift could help fund our sight-saving initiatives.

Support the groundbreaking research and the development of preventive measures and innovative treatments for debilitating eye diseases, including:

  • Age-related Eye Diseases
  • Macular Degeneration (AMD)
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa
  • Glaucoma
  • Keratoconus
  • Dry Eye

WAYS TO GIVE

  • Include us in your will, living trust, or estate plan
  • Designate DEF as a beneficiary in your will, living trust, or estate plan
  • Explore IRA charitable rollover options
  • Contribute through donor-advised funds
  • Create a charitable gift annuity
  • Establish endowment gifts for sustained research funding

WHAT TO GIVE

  • Cash Donations
  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Mutual Funds
  • Retirement Plan Assets
  • Real Estate Contributions
  • Insurance Policies

Your Vision Legacy Society Gift will further our goal of saving vision and making a profound impact on the gift of sight today and for generations to come. 

For information we invite you to our interactive estate-planning website at: discoveryeye.mylegacygift.org/

Save Your Vision Month –

Save Your Vision Month is here.

We at DEF remind you to prioritize your eyes in 2024

In honor of Save Your Vision Month, here are some everyday things you can control to help “Save Your Vision”.

  • Enjoy a cup of tea –Green tea contains antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin that help protect against AMD and cataracts. It is it hydrating, helping you produce tears.
  • Take time to blink – On an average you blink about 15 – 20 times a minute. However, that rate drops by half when viewing text on a screen. Try using the 20/20/20 rule when staring at a screen: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds so you can blink naturally and give your eyes time to relax.
  • Wear sunglasses and a hat – Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can deteriorate vision over time and can lead to cataracts and possibly age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The American Optometric Association recommends sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB radiation and that screen out 75 – 90% of visible light. And if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s a good idea to get sunglasses with lenses that are polarized, which means that they’ve been treated to reduce glare. We suggest wearing a large brimmed hat to further protect your eyes.
  • Increase the seafood in your diet – Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to bolster heart and brain health, as well as decrease your risk of eye disease. Studies show consuming omega-3 fatty acids, whether in foods you eat or in a supplement. It may help reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration. Research also shows not only can omega-3 fatty acids help reduce your risk of developing dry eyes, but it may also help treat bothersome symptoms as well.
  • Eat a rainbow – Eating a full rainbow of fruits and vegetables regularly helps give your body the nutrients it needs. In addition to fiber, vitamins and minerals, naturally colored foods contain what are known as phytochemicals, which are disease-fighting substances that also give fruits and vegetable their array of colors. Star nutrients are lutein and zeaxanthin—pigments found in such foods as dark, leafy greens, broccoli, zucchini, peas, and Brussels sprouts.  Also important are antioxidants found in red foods such as strawberries, cherries, red peppers and raspberries, orange foods have beta-carotene and include carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and yams.
  • Use digital screens at a safe distance – The brightness and glare from computers, tablets, smartphones and televisions can lead to eyestrain after prolonged use. Recent studies have also shown ill-effects from the UV rays from these devices. Symptoms can include headaches, blurred vision, dry or red eyes and difficulty refocusing. Experts recommend keeping the computer screen at least an arm’s length away and that you hold a handheld device at least 16 inches from your eyes.
  • Contact lens solutions serve a purpose –The most harmful but common problem is moistening contacts with saliva instead of saline solution. Proper contact lens care is important for keeping and free from infection.
  • Make-up makeover – Replace tubes of mascara after three months, as it is a breeding ground for bacteria. Sharpen liner pencils regularly and while it is okay to line the base of your lashes, using the liner inside the lash line can block oil glands. Replace eye shadows yearly and don’t share your eye cosmetics.
  • Use protective goggles – According to studies nearly half of eye injuries happen at home. These injuries occur when protective eyewear is not used or when the incorrect protective eyewear is used and an exposure occurs from around or under the protective eye equipment.  Sports activities are another cause of eye injuries, from contact sports to sports that use balls that could catch you unaware.  When snowboarding or skiing remember to protect your eyes from the sun and wind with tinted goggles that have UV protection.
  • Have a yearly eye exam – Even if you don’t wear corrective lenses, adults should get a comprehensive eye exam (which includes dilating your pupils with drops) by age 40. After that a yearly eye exam is recommended to keep your eyes healthy and catch any changes in your eyes that may be indicators of eye disease. If you have a family history of glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, or you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk for vision-related issues and your doctor may elect to see you more often. If you have symptoms such as persistent pain inside or behind your eyes, redness, or gradual loss of vision, make an appointment with your doctor immediately.

September is Healthy Aging Month

Healthy Aging Month is an annual health observance designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older.  Aging is a process that brings many changes. Vision loss and blindness, however, do not have to be one of them. There are several simple steps you can take to help keep your eyes healthy for the rest of your life.

Eye diseases often have no early symptoms, but can be detected during a comprehensive dilated eye exam.  A comprehensive dilated eye exam is different from the basic eye exam or screening you have for glasses or contacts. By dilating the pupils and examining the back of the eyes, your eye care professional can detect eye diseases in their early stages, before vision loss occurs. By performing a comprehensive eye exam, your eye care professional can check for early signs of –

Here are some other tips to maintain healthy vision now and as you age:

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables can help keep your eyes healthy. Visit our website for healthy eye recipes, click here Eye Cook.

 

 

  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk for diabetes. By exercising regularly, you can help keep your body healthy and prevent vision loss. 

 

 

  • Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk for age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and other eye diseases and conditions that can damage the optic nerve.

 

 

 

  • Wear protective eyewear when outdoors. Protecting your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays when you are outdoors is vital for your eye health.  Wearing sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

 

  • Know your family history.  Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with a disease or condition since many are hereditary, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes . This will help determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease or condition.

 

  • Consider a multivitamin. Vitamins C, E and the mineral zinc have been shown to promote eye health.  Vitamins with Lutein and Zeaxanthin have been known to help patients with moderate to severe age-related macular degeneration.

 

  • Give your eyes a rest.  If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing at any one distance, you sometimes forget to blink, resulting in dryness and eye fatigue.  Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain. Consider using a lubricant eye drop during long periods of intense eye use and rest your eyes for 5 minutes.

You can’t stop time, but you can take care of your eyes so that they remain healthy as you age. Having a healthy vision can be possible at any age! Even if you are not experiencing vision problems, visiting an eye care professional regularly for a comprehensive dilated eye exam is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of vision loss as you age.

Download “Everyone’s vision can change with age”
A handout with explanation on how vision can change with age.

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.