Healthy Vision Month: Make Your Eye Health a Priority

Healthy Vision Month is a time to remind everyone to make their eye health a priority. Here are some easy ways you can keep your eyes healthy:

Wear Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses is very important because prolonged sun exposure is known to increase the risk of eye disease. It's best to use sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. 

Get a Dilated Eye Exam

This exam is the only way eye doctors can detect eye diseases early. During the exam, drops will widen your pupils so the doctor can use a special magnifying lens to examine your retina. 

Eat Healthy

Along with carrots, other foods that are good for your eyes are fruits, vegetables (especially kale and spinach), and fish such as halibut, salmon, and tuna.

Use Protective Eyewear

Anytime you're doing household chores or playing sports, it's important to protect your eyes. When doing things such as yard work or cleaning that involves chemicals, use goggles or safety glasses. For sports, use polycarbonate eye guards.

Common Eye Conditions

There are several common eye conditions of which you should be aware. It’s important that you talk with your eye doctor if you are experiencing symptoms.

• Dry eyes. This condition occurs when the tear glands can't make the necessary amount of tears. Symptoms include discomfort, burning, and itching. 
• Glaucoma. This involves the buildup of pressure in the eyes. Those affected don't feel pain or experience any other symptoms.
• Macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the number one cause of vision loss in Americans who are 60 and older. It takes away one's sharp, central vision, and symptoms include blurred vision.
• Conjunctivitis. Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis happens when the tissue that lines the eyelids and covers the cornea becomes inflamed. Symptoms include burning, itching, redness, and a sensation that you have something in your eye.

If you haven't had an eye exam in a while, take a few minutes to schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Maintaining your eye health is very important to have the best vision possible.