Vision
Your eyes are an important part of your overall health. While there are many things you can do to keep your eyes healthy and make sure you are seeing your best, the most important step you can take is to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Many common eye diseases often have no warning signs, but a dilated eye exam can detect these diseases in their early stages.
Many women are affected by chronic dry eye or seasonal allergies. As we live longer, the number of people with eye diseases will increase. A study sponsored by the National Eye Institute, through the National Institutes of Health, identifies age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy as the most common eye diseases in Americans 40 and older. This study emphasizes the importance of annual comprehensive eye examinations in preventing, delaying and treating eye diseases.
Don't Let Injuries Happen to You
There are about 2.5 million eye injuries every year, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Nearly half happen around the house during activities such as cooking, mowing the lawn or working in the garage. Eye experts say nine out of 10 eye injuries could be avoided if people used the right protective eyewear.
For most home projects, wear goggles marked ANSI Z87.1 on the product's lens or frame. You can buy them at your local hardware or building supply store. Be sure to protect your eyes during sports activities, too. The right safety gear can vary from sport to sport, so ask your doctor for guidance.
Prevention can be as easy as wearing safety glasses. Put them on before:
- Using cleaners or solvents
- Cooking with grease or oil
- Working with hammers, drills and other tools
- Mowing the lawn
- Securing a load with bungee cords
- Working on your car
Eye Health Video Series
Learn more about eye health by watching these videos:
Eye Health Issues – Preventive Care
You can have perfect vision and still have problems with your eyes. A comprehensive eye exam can uncover and diagnose potential problems. Watch video
When Should Children Have Eyes Examined?
There are a lot of different ways to check preschoolers' eyes. When problems are detected early, they can be treated more effectively. Watch video
Eye Health and Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the blood vessels, and the blood vessels in the eye are no exception. Watch video
Computer Vision Syndrome
An esimated 88 percent of people that work on computers will have a problem associated with CVS, including eye strain and headaches. Watch video
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