Getting a comprehensive dialated eye exam is the first step in preventing serious eye diseases that can lead to vision loss or blindness.
Many Americans overlook the importance of an annual visit to the eye doctor as part of their health routine. Surprisingly, 23 million adults over 18 have never had an eye exam. Often, people only seek eye care when they notice vision problems, but many serious eye diseases show no early symptoms. Early detection is crucial for maintaining good eye health. That's why the American Academy of Ophthalmology has declared May Healthy Vision month, to encourage people to take their eye health seriously and see a doctor.
Several eye conditions can lead to vision loss and blindness, including:
Age-related macular degeneration, both wet and dry types
Cateracts
Choroideremia
Diabetic retinopathy
Glaucoma
Myopia
Retinal Detachment
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Take Steps to Protect your vision!
Get a comprehensive dialated eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Know your family history. Many of the eye conditions that impair vision are hereditary.
Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home.
Wear sunglasses that block out 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays, espeically on the water, at the beach, or in the snow.
Live a healthy lifestyle: maintain a healthy weight and eat foods like fish and dark leafy green vegetables to lower your risk of eye disease. Exercise regularly and don't smoke (smoking is as bad for your eye health as it is for the rest of your body).
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