May Is Healthy Vision Month

By Mike Gansen, Owner

Wood Opticians

. https://www.woodopticians.com/

More Vision & Eye Care Articles

May Is Healthy Vision Month

It's hard to overestimate the importance of our eyes. Even small changes in vision can have big effects on your life.

Having regular eye exams is a great way to help ensure the best possible vision. And yet, many people do not have their eyes checked regularly. Regular checkups by an eye care professional are one of the best ways to maintain healthy eyes.

Everyone's Eyes Should Be Examined Regularly

Children. Babies who were born prematurely, or have a brother or sister with vision problems, should have their eyes checked by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. All children should be examined by an eye doctor when they are between six and 12 months of age, at three years, and when beginning school.

All children should then be examined every two years to check for early signs of eye disease or other vision changes. Children who need to wear glasses from an early age should continue to have regular checkups.

Adults. Adults shouldto have their eyes examined regularly, especially if they drive frequently. Checkups at least every two years help to keep track of visual acuity (clearness of vision), field of vision (how much the eye can take in at one time), color vision, and scotopic vision (vision in low light).

Over age 40. Starting at age 40, adults should be tested at least every two years for glaucoma (a disease caused by too much pressure in the eye, which can lead to loss of vision if not treated).

However, adults who have high-risk factors such as elevated internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure), diabetes, hypothyroidism, or a family history of glaucoma should be tested regularly starting at age 20.

Over age 60. At age 60, individuals should have yearly examinations to check for conditions such as cataracts, or for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that can cause severe blurring of central vision.

Smokers and people who spend a lot of time in the sun are at increased risk and need to be examined once a year by an eye doctor.

Eye Care Tips

Your eyes are constantly exposed to different environmental irritants, stresses, and strains. Here are helpful tips to help you take care of your eyes.

Let your eyes breathe. Whenever possible, avoid smoky, stuffy rooms. If you regularly wear contact lenses, you should have an occasional “glasses day” to give your eyes a chance to rest and be exposed to the oxygen they need.

Take a break from your computer. Long hours in front of a computer screen can strain your eyes. While concentrating on the screen, you tend to blink less frequently, causing your eyes to become dry and irritated. It's important to take regular breaks and make a conscious effort to blink.

Observe proper hygiene. To prevent infection, it's important to wash your hands before touching or rubbing your eyes. Never share cosmetics or eye drops with another person this can spread infection and be extremely dangerous.

Choose cosmetics wisely. If you wear eye makeup, products that are allergy tested and free of preservatives are gentler on your eyes. At night, it is important to remove all makeup from your eyes. And be careful to avoid the use of face creams close to your eyes.