For some people, March is dedicated to basketball or the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, but there’s an important event you may be overlooking: National ‘Save Your Vision Month‘. Every March, the American Optometric Association runs a nationwide campaign that shines a spotlight on eye health. What’s the main focus? Encouraging people to commit to regular eye exams.
The Truth About Vision Loss
There are more than 253 million people currently living with some form of vision impairment, and chronic eye disease is overwhelmingly the root cause. People 50 years of age or older and children under the age of 15 are particularly at risk.
Those are scary facts, but there’s good news, too: More than 80% of those vision impairments can be prevented or even cured if you act quickly and get the appropriate care.
Getting a Professional Opinion – From Your Eye Doctor
Do your eyes a favor and get your vision checked at least once per year (more often if you’re at risk or already diagnosed with an eye condition). Certain activities, like staring at a computer screen or wearing outdated prescription lenses, can lead to digital eye strain, while congenital or age-related issues can manifest so slowly you don’t even realize what’s going on until the disease’s effects are in full force.
How You Can Protect Your Vision Year-Round
While March may be the official time to recognize and celebrate ‘Save Your Vision Month,’ eye care is important 365 days per year. Steps you can take to better look out for your eyes include:
- Diet: There is evidence that eating more lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that occur naturally in your eyes, could help prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. You can bump up your store of these two carotenoids by eating more eggs, leafy green vegetables, carrots, red and yellow peppers, sweet corn, and tomatoes.
- Eye Goggles: Any time you’re working in a potentially dangerous environment, playing sports, or handling chemicals, wear the appropriate kind of protection to shield your eyes from trauma.
- The Sun: Invest in sunglasses that block out at least 99% of both UV-A and UV-B rays, and keep them in good condition; distorted or scratched lenses might be less effective.
- Proper Hygiene: Contact lenses should only be cleaned or moistened with saline solution—never use saliva.
To schedule your comprehensive eye exam, call Illinois Eye Center at 309-243-2400 today.