Herpes Zoster and the Eye: What You Need to Know

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV)—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the nervous system and can reactivate years or even decades later as shingles.

Most people associate shingles with a painful, blistering skin rash. However, when shingles develops on the face, it can sometimes affect the eye and surrounding tissues. This condition, called herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), can cause inflammation and potentially serious eye complications.

Recognizing the symptoms and receiving prompt medical care can help protect your eyes and preserve your vision.

What Is Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus?

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates in the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve, which provides sensation to the forehead, upper eyelid, and parts of the eye.

The condition typically affects one side of the face. A shingles rash may appear on the forehead, scalp, eyelid, or around the eye. In some people, the eye itself also becomes involved.

Shingles can affect several parts of the eye, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, retina, and optic nerve.

What Are the Symptoms of Shingles in the Eye?

Symptoms may begin before the characteristic shingles rash appears. A person may initially experience burning, tingling, itching, pain, or unusual sensitivity on one side of the forehead or face.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

  • A painful or blistering rash on one side of the forehead, scalp, eyelid, or nose
  • Swelling around the eye or eyelid
  • Eye redness
  • Eye pain or discomfort
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred or decreased vision
  • Headache or general fatigue

A rash on the tip or side of the nose can sometimes indicate an increased likelihood of eye involvement because the affected nerve branch also supplies structures within the eye. However, eye complications can occur even when a rash on the nose is not present.

How Can Herpes Zoster Affect Your Vision?

Not everyone with shingles near the eye develops serious eye disease, but herpes zoster ophthalmicus can affect multiple structures within the eye.

Possible complications include:

Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Keratitis can cause pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and, in some cases, corneal scarring.

Uveitis: Inflammation inside the eye that may cause redness, pain, light sensitivity, floaters, or changes in vision.

Elevated eye pressure and glaucoma: Inflammation associated with herpes zoster can sometimes increase pressure within the eye. Persistent elevated pressure may damage the optic nerve.

Corneal nerve damage: Shingles can damage nerves that provide sensation to the cornea. Reduced corneal sensation can interfere with healing and contribute to chronic eye problems.

Retinal or optic nerve involvement: Although less common, herpes zoster can affect the retina or optic nerve and may result in significant vision loss.

Some eye complications can develop or recur weeks, months, or even years after the initial shingles infection, making appropriate follow-up eye examinations important.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

Shingles involving the forehead, eyelid, nose, or area surrounding the eye should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional.

Seek medical attention especially if you experience:

  • Eye pain or redness
  • Blurred or decreased vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Swelling around the eye
  • A rash or blisters near the eye
  • New floaters or other sudden changes in vision

Early evaluation by an ophthalmologist can help determine whether the eye is involved and whether additional treatment is necessary.

Sudden or significant vision loss, severe eye pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical attention.

How Is Herpes Zoster in the Eye Treated?

Treatment typically includes oral antiviral medication to slow viral activity and reduce the risk of complications.

Treatment is generally most effective when antiviral medication is started as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the rash appearing. However, people with suspected eye involvement should seek medical care even if more than 72 hours have passed.

Depending on how the eye is affected, an ophthalmologist may also prescribe medications to control inflammation, manage eye pressure, or treat other complications.

Steroid eye drops should only be used under the supervision of an eye-care professional, as they are appropriate for some complications but can worsen others if used incorrectly.

Who Is Most at Risk for Shingles?

Anyone who has previously had chickenpox can develop herpes zoster. The risk increases as the immune system becomes less effective at keeping the virus inactive.

Shingles is more common among:

  • Adults age 50 and older
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • People taking certain medications that suppress the immune system
  • People undergoing certain medical treatments

Another possible complication is postherpetic neuralgia, in which nerve pain continues for months or longer after the shingles rash has disappeared.

Can Herpes Zoster Be Prevented?

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of shingles and its complications.

The CDC recommends the Shingrix vaccine, given in two doses, for adults age 50 and older. It is also recommended for adults age 19 and older who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed because of disease or therapy.

People who have previously had shingles may still benefit from vaccination because shingles can occur more than once. Your healthcare provider can advise you about whether and when vaccination is appropriate for you.

Protecting Your Vision

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus can range from a relatively mild condition to a serious eye disease. Fortunately, early recognition, antiviral treatment, and appropriate ophthalmic care can reduce the risk of complications.

If you develop a shingles-like rash on your forehead, eyelid, nose, or around your eye—particularly if you also experience eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, or changes in vision—do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Seek medical attention promptly.

At the Discovery Eye Foundation, we believe that education, research, and early intervention are essential to protecting sight. Understanding the warning signs of eye disease empowers people to seek appropriate care and take an active role in preserving their vision.

 

 

Cataract Awareness Month: Understanding Cataracts and Protecting Your Vision

June is Cataract Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating people about one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. Cataracts are incredibly common, especially as we age, but the good news is that they are also highly treatable. By learning the signs and seeking timely care, you can take important steps to preserve your vision and maintain your quality of life.

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. Normally, the lens which is behind the colored iris and pupil, is clear and helps focus light onto the retina, allowing us to see sharp images. As a cataract develops, the clouding of the lens can make vision appear blurry, hazy, or dim.

Cataracts often develop slowly and may not noticeably affect vision at first. However, over time, they can interfere with everyday activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Symptoms may include:

  • Blurry or cloudy vision
  • Increased sensitivity to light and glare
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Colors appearing faded or yellowed
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Double vision in one eye

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule a comprehensive eye examination with your eye care professional.

Who Is at Risk?

While aging is the most common cause of cataracts, several factors can increase your risk, including:

  • Age 60 and older
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
  • Long-term use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids
  • Previous eye injuries or surgeries
  • Family history of cataracts

Can Cataracts Be Prevented?

Although cataracts cannot be prevented, certain healthy habits may help lower your risk:

  • Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
  • Quit smoking
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes
  • Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams

Treatment for Cataracts

In the early stages, stronger lighting, updated eyeglasses, or magnifying lenses may help manage symptoms. However, when cataracts begin affecting daily activities, cataract surgery may be recommended.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed today. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, helping restore vision and improve quality of life for millions of people each year.

The Importance of Early Detection

Regular eye exams play a critical role in detecting cataracts and other eye diseases early, often before symptoms become severe. Early diagnosis allows you and your eye care provider to monitor changes and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

This Cataract Awareness Month, Take Action for Your Vision

Cataracts are a normal part of aging for many people, but vision loss doesn’t have to be.  Understanding the symptoms, knowing your risk factors, and prioritizing routine eye care can help you maintain healthy vision for years to come.

Your sight is precious. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam and encourage your loved ones to make their eye health a priority this Cataract Awareness Month.

The Discovery Eye Foundation is committed to finding the answers that will preserve the vision of millions of people.

Our groundbreaking research needs your help to move forward!  

Your donation can make a difference. 

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Digital Eye Strain: How Screens Are Affecting Our Vision

From smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop monitors, screens are now part of nearly every hour of our day. While technology keeps us connected and productive, increased screen time has led to a growing concern in eye care: digital eye strain.

Also known as Computer Vision Syndrome, digital eye strain refers to a group of vision-related symptoms that result from prolonged use of digital devices.

What Causes Digital Eye Strain?

When we use screens, our eyes work harder than usual. Several factors contribute to discomfort:

  • Reduced blinking while staring at screens
  • Poor lighting or glare
  • Improper viewing distance or posture
  • Uncorrected vision problems
  • Small text or low contrast settings

On average, people blink about 15–20 times per minute. During screen use, that number can drop by nearly half — leading to eye dryness and irritation.

Common Symptoms

You may be experiencing digital eye strain if you notice:

  • Blurry vision
  • Dry, irritated, or watery eyes
  • Headaches
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Increased light sensitivity

While these symptoms are usually temporary, frequent discomfort can affect productivity and overall eye health.

How Blue Light Fits In

Digital screens emit blue light, a high-energy visible light that may contribute to eye fatigue and disrupt sleep patterns. While research is ongoing regarding long-term retinal damage, many patients report reduced discomfort when using blue light filtering lenses — especially in the evening hours.

 

Who Is Most at Risk?

Anyone who spends two or more continuous hours on a screen daily is at risk. This includes:

  • Office workers
  • Students
  • Remote workers
  • Gamers
  • Children using tablets and phones

With remote work and virtual learning becoming more common, cases of digital eye strain have increased significantly in recent years.

How to Protect Your Eyes

The good news: small changes can make a big difference.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This allows your eye muscles to relax.

Adjust Your Workspace

  • Keep screens about 20–28 inches from your eyes
  • Position the monitor slightly below eye level
  • Reduce glare from windows or overhead lighting

Blink More Often
Make a conscious effort to blink fully to keep eyes lubricated.

Use Artificial Tears
Preservative-free lubricating drops can relieve dryness.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams and Special Glasses
An ophthalmologist can detect underlying vision issues and recommend corrective lenses specifically designed for computer use.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Persistent eye discomfort could indicate dry eye disease, uncorrected refractive error, or another underlying condition.

The Bottom Line

Digital devices are here to stay — but eye discomfort doesn’t have to be. With mindful screen habits, proper ergonomics, and routine eye care, you can reduce digital eye strain and protect your vision for the long term.

February is AMD Awareness Month: Protecting Your Sight

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating, supporting, and empowering those affected by this leading cause of permanent vision loss in the US.

Across the United States, nearly 20 million adults over 40 are living with some form of AMD. As our population ages, that number continues to grow — making awareness, early detection, and research more important than ever.

 

What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The macula allows us to read, recognize faces, drive, and see fine detail.

AMD does not cause complete blindness, but it can significantly impact central vision, making everyday tasks more and more difficult.

There are two main types:

Dry AMD

The most common form, accounting for about 80–90% of cases. It progresses gradually and may not show noticeable symptoms in early stages. But as time moves on the patients experience loss of central clear vision read, recognize faces, drive, and see fine detail.

Wet AMD

The less common form, with more sudden loss of vision. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood, leading to rapid vision changes. People with a sudden drop in their vision should see an ophthalmologist promptly because early treatment can help prevent further vision loss.

Why Awareness Matters

One of the greatest challenges with AMD is that early stages often have no noticeable symptoms. By the time vision changes occur, damage may already be underway.

Early detection through comprehensive dilated eye exams can:

  • Help establish the cause 
  • Allow timely treatment for wet AMD
  • Slow progression
  • Preserve independence and quality of life

If you are over 50, have a family history of AMD, smoke, or have cardiovascular disease, your risk may be higher.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

  • Blurred or fuzzy central vision
  • Straight lines appearing wavy
  • Dark or empty areas in the center of vision
  • Difficulty recognizing faces
  • Increased need for brighter light when reading
  • Use the amsler grid test to check your vision at home

If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam promptly.

Taking Steps to Protect Your Vision

While there is currently no cure for AMD, lifestyle choices can play a role in delaying its onset or slowing progression:

  • Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams
  • Quit smoking
  • Eat leafy greens and foods rich in antioxidants
  • Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Protect your eyes from UV light

Research continues to advance, offering hope for improved treatments and, one day, prevention.

How You Can Make a Difference During AMD Awareness Month

Awareness leads to action. Here are ways to get involved:

  • Support vision research by donating to the Discovery Eye Foundation, click here to donate
  • Share educational resources with family and friends
  • Encourage loved ones over 50 to schedule eye exams
  • Learn about clinical trials and emerging therapies

Together, we can reduce the impact of AMD and ensure more people preserve their sight and independence.

A Message of Hope

AMD can be life-changing, but it does not have to mean losing independence or hope. With early detection, proper care, and continued research, we are making meaningful strides in protecting vision.

This February, let’s commit to prioritizing eye health — for ourselves and for those we love.

Dry Eye vs. Allergies: How to Tell the Difference

Itchy, watery, red eyes can make anyone miserable. But are your symptoms from dry eye or allergies? While the two conditions often feel similar, they have very different causes and treatments. Knowing the difference can help you get the right relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears keep the surface of the eye smooth, nourished, and protected. When this system doesn’t work properly, you may notice:

  • Burning or stinging sensation
  • Grittiness (like sand in the eye)
  • Blurred vision that clears with blinking
  • Redness
  • Discomfort that worsens later in the day or after screen time
  • Dry eye is often related to aging, contact lens use, certain medications, medical conditions, or spending lots of time staring at digital screens. 

What Are Eye Allergies?

Eye allergies—also called allergic conjunctivitis—occur when your eyes react to allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, or mold. Your immune system triggers a histamine response, leading to inflammation and classic allergy symptoms such as:

  • Itching eyes (the hallmark sign)
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Many times there is also nasal congestion and sneezing
  • Swelling around the eyelids
  • Stringy, clear discharge
  • Symptoms that flare up seasonally (like during spring or fall) or in specific environments
  • Unlike dry eye, allergies are immune-driven and often come with other allergy symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose.

Key Differences Between Dry Eye and Allergies

Symptom/Feature Dry Eye Allergies
Main Sensation Burning, stinging, gritty Itching
Tear Quality Too few or poor-quality tears Excess watery tears
Discharge Usually minimal, stringy mucus Clear, watery, or stringy discharge
Timing Worse at end of day, with screen use Flare-ups tied to allergen exposure
Other Symptoms Blurred vision, eye fatigue Sneezing, nasal congestion
Relief From Artificial tears, lifestyle changes Antihistamines, avoiding allergens

 

Can You Have Both?

Yes—some people experience both dry eye and allergies at the same time. For example, if your eyes are already dry, allergens may irritate them more. And some allergy medications (like oral antihistamines) can actually make dry eye worse by reducing tear production.

 

When to See an Eye Doctor

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are from dry eye, allergies, or both, it’s best to consult an eye care professional. They can perform tests to measure tear production, check for inflammation, and help you find the right treatment plan.

 

Bottom Line

Both dry eye and allergies can make your eyes feel irritated, red, and watery—but the root causes are very different. Pay attention to whether you experience burning and dryness (more likely dry eye) or itching and watery discharge (more likely allergies). Correctly identifying the problem is the first step toward lasting relief.

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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Smoking and Vision Loss

Smoking has long been known to cause heart disease and lung cancer; however many people do not realize that smoking can lead to serious loss of vision. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals that can damage many organs in our bodies, including our eyes. Over time, smoking can cause serious eye diseases that can cause permanent vision issues.

The following eye diseases can be made worse by smoking:

  • Age-related Macular Degeneration(AMD) – an eye disease that affects central vision. You need central vision to see objects clearly and for common tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, and driving.
  • Cataracts – cause blurry vision that progresses over time. Without surgery, cataracts can lead to serious vision loss. The best way to protect your sight from damage linked to smoking is to quit or never start smoking.
  • Glaucoma – causes a gradual breakdown of the cells that make up the optic nerve which sends visual information to your brain.. As the nerve cells die, vision is slowly lost, usually beginning with side vision. Often the loss of vision is not noticeable until a significant amount of nerve damage has occurred. This is why as many as half of all people with glaucoma may be unaware that they have the disease.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy – a common complication of diabetes. It affects the tiny blood vessels of the retina in the eye. Retinal blood vessels can break down, leak or become blocked and this can affect vision over time. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, serious damage to the eye can occur when new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.
  • Dry Eye Syndrome – is a condition where eyes do not produce enough tears and lubrication may result in more prominent blood vessels on the eye This can lead to eye irritation, burning, scratchy and painful eyes.

Symptoms of Eye Diseases Related to Smoking:

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD):

    • Loss of central vision needed to see details straight ahead.
    • Blurry or wavy areas in the central vision.
    • Difficulty recognizing faces.
    • Need for more light to read or perform other tasks.

Cataracts:

    • Cloudy or blurry vision.
    • Colors appearing faded or dull.
    • Sensitivity to light.
    • Trouble seeing at night.
    • Double vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy:

    • Blurry or distorted vision.
    • Dark or empty areas in vision.
    • Difficulty seeing colors.

Dry Eye Syndrome:

    • Scratchy, burning, or painful sensations.
    • Red eyes
    • Excessive tearing.
    • Blurry vision.

How Can You Protect Your Vision Related to Smoking?

The best way to protect your eyes is to QUIT SMOKING.  According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), quitting smoking lowers the risk of developing eye diseases. Your eyes can begin to recover and your overall health will improve.

Here are some tips to protect your eyes:

  • Eat Healthy Foods: Add leafy greens like spinach and kale to your meals. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna, are also good for your eyes.
  • Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses. Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses help even on cloudy days.
  • Get Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular check-ups with an eye doctor. Early detection of eye problems can lower your risk of serious diseases. If eye diseases run in your family, early care is especially important.

If you smoke cigarettes and are concerned about your vision, consult with your health care provider about ways to quit smoking to help protect your eyes.  You can also find resources to help you on your journey to living a smoke-free life at Smokefree.gov.

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.

April is Women’s Eye Health Month

April is Women’s Eye Health Month to educate women about the steps they can take today to help preserve vision in the future. 

Did you know that more women suffer from visual impairments than men? Two thirds of blindness occurs in women. One reason why women are affected by more eye health issues than men is because they tend to live longer and according to the National Eye Institute, women are also affected by hormonal factors.  Some eye conditions can cause vision loss and even blindness. These include:

The easiest way to test for common eye problems is a dilated eye exam – in which your eye doctor uses drops to widen your pupils and check for common issues.  This exam is the best way to detect eye disease’s early stages.

Good Eye Habits to Lessen or Prevent Future Vision Problems

  • Receive an annual eye exam. Regular dilated eye exams help monitor your vision status.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Good nutrition is the key to good health, including your vision. Dark green vegetables have been shown to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) potentially. Also, remember to keep your diet low in sodium and caffeine. Visit our website for eye healthy recipes  discoveryeye.org/eye-cook-delicious-food-health/
  • Quit smoking today. Crushing the habit of smoking can reduce the risk of a host of diseases such as cancer and respiratory issues. Smoking is the most important risk factor for AMD and progression.

Having healthy eyes not only keeps us alert but keeps us safe. It is of the utmost importance to keep our eyes safe and have regular eye exams to check for any problems.

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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