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.

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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Recovery After Eye Surgery: Do’s and Don’ts for Faster Healing

Recovering from eye surgery—whether it’s LASIK, cataract surgery, or retinal procedures—requires proper care to ensure the best results.Many patients underestimate how important post-operative care is; however, following the right steps can speed up healing and prevent complications.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most important do’s and don’ts after eye surgery to help you protect your vision and recover safely. Additionally, these tips will support a smoother and more comfortable recovery process.”

Do’s After Eye Surgery

  1. Follow Post-Operative Instructions Carefully – Your ophthalmologist provides personalized instructions based on your procedure. These may include:
    • Medication schedules
    • Activity restrictions
    • Eye protection guidelines
  1. Use Prescribed Eye Drops Consistently

Eye drops are essential for:

    • Preventing infection
    • Reducing inflammation
    • Keeping the eyes moist
    • Missing doses can delay healing and increase risks.
  1. Protect Your Eyes at All Times – After surgery, your eyes are more sensitive.

Protect them by:

    • Wearing sunglasses outdoors
    • Using protective shields while sleeping
    • Avoiding dust and wind exposure 
  1. Limit Screen Time – Digital screens can strain your eyes and slow recovery.

Try to:

    • Take frequent breaks (20-20-20 rule)
    • Reduce phone and computer usage
    • Avoid prolonged reading
  1. Maintain Proper Eye Hygiene
    • Wash hands before touching near your eyes
    • Avoid contamination from towels or tissues
    • Keep your surroundings clean
  1. Attend Follow-Up Appointments – Follow-up visits allow your doctor to monitor healing and catch complications early.

 

Don’ts After Eye Surgery 

  1. Don’t Rub Your Eyes

Rubbing your eyes can:

    • Damage healing tissues
    • Disrupt surgical results
    • Increase infection risk
  1. Avoid Water Exposure

Stay away from:

    • Swimming pools
    • Hot tubs
    • Direct water spray in showers
    • Water may contain bacteria that can cause infection.
  1. Don’t Wear Eye Makeup Immediately

To reduce risk, avoid makeup for at least 1–2 weeks to prevent irritation and contamination.

  1. Avoid Strenuous Activities—ask your doctor what is allowed

Heavy lifting and intense workouts can increase eye pressure and delay healing.

  1. Don’t Skip Medications

Even if you feel fine, stopping medication early can lead to complications.

  1. Don’t Drive Until Cleared

Blurred vision and light sensitivity are common after surgery. Only drive when your doctor approves.

 

How Long Does Eye Surgery Recovery Take?

Recovery time depends on the procedure:

    • LASIK: 24–48 hours initial recovery
    • Cataract surgery: A few days –2 weeks for functional vision
    • Retinal surgery: Several weeks

Full healing may take longer depending on individual factors.

 

Signs of Complications After Eye Surgery

Contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience:

  • Sudden vision loss
  • Severe eye pain
  • Increased redness
  • Light flashes or floaters
  • Eye discharge 

Tips for Faster Recovery After Eye Surgery

  • Stay hydrated
  • Get enough sleep
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol

Conclusion

Proper recovery after eye surgery is essential for achieving the best results. In fact, by following these do’s and don’ts, you can minimize risks, heal faster, and protect your vision long-term.

Always consult your surgeon if you’re unsure about any part of your recovery process.

Protect Your Sight: 10 Habits to Avoid for Healthy Eyes

Your eyes are delicate and constantly at work, yet many everyday habits can unknowingly contribute to long-term damage to our vision.  Here are 10 everyday habits that might be harming your eyes without you even realizing it:

  1. Rubbing your eyes – This can damage the delicate tissues around the eyes and increase the risk of keratoconus in susceptible people. It also spreads germs, raising the chance of infections like conjunctivitis.

Better habit: Use a clean tissue or wash your face if your eyes are irritated.

 

  1. Staring at screens for too long – Spending hours on phones, computers, or tablets without breaks can cause digital eye strain. Symptoms include dryness, blurred vision, headaches, and eye fatigue.

Better habit: Follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

 

  1. Sleeping in contact lenses – Wearing contacts overnight (unless specifically approved) can cut off oxygen to your corneas and increase the risk of corneal ulcer.

Better habit: Always remove and clean contacts before bed.

 

  1. Skipping sunglasses – Not wearing sunglasses exposes your eyes to harmful UV rays, increasing the risk of cataract and macular degeneration over time.

Better habit: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, even on cloudy days.

 

  1. Ignoring dryness or irritation – Eye dryness can lead to chronic discomfort or damage to the corneal surface if left untreated. It may be linked to dry eye syndrome.

Better habit: Use preservative-free artificial tears and blink more often, especially when using screens. If persists, see your eye care practitioner.

 

  1. Not removing makeup properly – Sleeping in eye makeup can block oil glands, causing irritation or infection.

Better habit: Gently remove makeup each night with a clean cloth or wipes designed for the eye area.

 

  1. Using expired eye makeup – Old makeup can harbor bacteria, leading to eye infections.

Better habit: Replace mascara every 3 months and avoid sharing makeup to reduce the risk of contamination.

 

  1. Poor Contact Lens Hygiene – Not cleaning your contact lenses properly or using tap water to rinse them can lead to infections.

Better habit: Always follow your eye doctor’s care instructions, use fresh solution, and wash your hands before handling lenses.

 

  1. Reading in Poor Lighting – Though it won’t permanently damage your eyes, reading in dim light can cause eye strain and discomfort.

Better habit: Read or do close up work with adequate lighting.

 

  1. Skipping regular eye exams – Some serious eye diseases, like glaucoma, can develop without noticeable symptoms.

Better habit: Get a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years (or as recommended by your eye doctor).

 

Taking care of your eyes is just as important as caring for the rest of your body. Breaking bad habits and staying on top of regular eye exams can help keep your vision strong for years.  If you have any concerns about your eye health, consult your eye care professional for advice.

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.

June is Cataract Awareness Month

 

National Cataract Awareness Month is celebrated in June. The awareness campaign promotes information about the eye condition that is the leading cause of treatable vision loss in the U.S.?  Yes, this is a scary fact, but no need to be frightened because cataracts are treatable with an outpatient surgery.

Vision loss from cataract is caused by clouding on the lens of the eye. The lens of the eye is behind the colored iris and its dark center pupil. Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a crystal-clear artificial lens.  This common eye condition mostly affects people over 50 and the causes can range from simple aging, diabetes, long-term eye diseases, and eye injury/inflammation, to factors like hereditary influences, smoking, intake of certain oral steroids, and so forth.

 

Cataract Vision Simulator

Although there may be no early symptoms, patients may begin to notice:

  • cloudy or blurry vision
  • colors that look faded
  • difficulty seeing at night
  • a halo around lights, making night driving difficult
  • seeing double out of the affected eye
  • frequent changes of the prescription of eyeglasses or contact lenses

 

YOUR DIET IS VERY IMPORTANT

A healthy diet may help reduce risk of and/or delay formation and progression of cataracts. Research suggests that a diet high in vitamin C-rich foods — citrus (oranges, kiwi, lemon, grapefruit), bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower) — is helpful in slowing the progression of cataracts. More importantly, adopting good nutrition is a cornerstone of optimizing health early in life and can greatly reduce the risk of developing age-related diseases including cataracts.  For eye healthy recipes visit discoveryeye.org/eye-cook-delicious-food-health/

 

BE SURE TO HAVE AN ANNUAL EYE EXAM

By age 40, all adults should visit an eye specialist for a comprehensive eye exam to screen for early-stage cataracts and other eye diseases that are leading causes of low vision and even blindness. By age 65, a routine eye exam is recommended every year, in most cases to diagnose cataracts that are progressively clouding the lens. Cataract can be more common in people with diabetes, after eye trauma or in those taking corticosteroid medications. A comprehensive eye exam allows eye specialists to detect and monitor cataract progression as well as diagnosing other problems such as glaucoma. Patients should discuss with their eye specialist their vision problems and seek guidance about the timing of cataract surgery when worsening vision has compromised their quality of life and normal functioning.

 

LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 

Multiple factors are at play that increase our risk for developing a degenerative eye disease or vision compromising conditions as we age.  If an individual lives long enough, then cataract formation is unavoidable. Living a healthy lifestyle, however, greatly improves an adult’s odds of avoiding early onset, faster progression, or possibly even avoiding the need for cataract surgery in the future.

 

WHY WE PROMOTE CATARACT AWARENESS MONTH

It’s a celebration of sight – The ability to see the world clearly and in all its glory is something we shouldn’t take for granted. Millions upon millions of cells perform complex operations in our eyes to allow us the gift of sight. We should take care of our eyes and appreciate our glorious vision for what it is.

It’s a celebration of science – Science has not only explained to us how intricately our eyes work, but it has also revealed to us the many ways we can repair and treat them in case things go south. Medical advancements have ensured that about 80% of all eye diseases are treatable or can be prevented.

It’s a celebration of modern surgery – There’s “always” light at the end of the tunnel. Today’s cataract surgery is a modern-day miracle developed by dedicated surgeons over the last five decades.  For most of us it is a painless, outpatient surgery with rapid return of excellent vision.

For more information about cataract:

https://discoveryeye.org/eye-conditions/cataracts/

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

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.