March is recognized as Save Your Vision Month, a national observance by the American Optometric Association. This month is all about spreading the message that we always need to take care of our eyes – not just when we are having trouble seeing.
Check out these eye care tips for optimum visual health:
Routine Eye Exams
The best way you can participate in Save Your Vision Month is to make sure you and your family schedule routine eye exams. It’s easy to take your vision for granted, and even easier to put off getting an eye exam. Having your eyes checked periodically is your best way to protect yourself against vision problems.
Oftentimes when we experience eye strain or have difficulty focusing, we just squint, blink, and move on with our lives. What a lot of people don’t realize is that if detected early enough, many vision problems that lead to serious loss of vision can be treated. And that’s what this month is all about.
So when should you see your eye doctor? We recommend the following guidelines:
- Before age 3, have your child’s vision checked by their pediatrician
- Ages 3 to 19 should have eyes screened every one or two years during regular pediatric or family physician check-ups
- Ages 20 to 29 should have a complete eye exam at least once a year, while ages 30 to 39 should have a complete eye exam every two years
- At age 40, all adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease should get a baseline screening
- Based on the results of the screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams
- Seniors age 65 and older should have a complete eye exam every one or two years to check for cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions
Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is the physical discomfort you feel after two or more hours spent looking at a digital screen. It’s associated with the close to mid-range distance of digital screens, like desktop and laptop screens, cell phones and tablets.
Symptoms include dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pain, and eye strain. Since more than 87 percent of Americans use digital devices more than two hours a day – and many even more for work-related reasons – it’s more important than ever to keep your vision healthy.
You can help Save Your Vision by being more mindful of your screen use, and following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break to look at something 20 feet away. Blink your eyes, refocus, and you’ve just helped prevent digital eye strain.
If you’ve been experiencing vision issues or you simply need to go in for your routine eye exam, contact Illinois Eye Center at (309) 243-2400 or visit our website to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors to help keep your vision in top shape.