Did you know?
- More than 24.4 million Americans 40 years of age and older are affected by cataracts
- Almost a million people in the United States go to the emergency room or doctor every year to seek treatment for an eye infection
- Nearly five million people over the age of 50 suffer from dry eye syndrome
- One in three people have astigmatism
While vision issues are anything but rare, most conditions can be minimized or even cured if the problem is caught early. This May, celebrate Healthy Vision Month by doing your eyes four huge favors.
- Know Your Family History
You probably know whether or not your grandparents had high blood pressure or cancer, but how was their vision? Though eye injuries and infections can crop up at any time regardless of your family history, some diseases are greatly influenced by genetic factors. Around 60 percent of infant blindness can be linked to inherited diseases such as retinal degeneration, congenital glaucoma and optic atrophy, and there are age-related eye problems that may be passed down as well. Researchers have even found a correlation between genetics and conditions such as nearsightedness and lazy eyes.
Make it your goal this month to ask family members about their eye issues, and bring up any concerns at your next eye appointment.
- Manage Your Risk Factors
Eye health and overall well-being are indelibly connected. Start by maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity and obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and vascular ailments can eventually lead to vision loss. Avoid smoking, stay on top of chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, hypertension and diabetes, and work on incorporating beneficial foods into your diet. A few daily servings of leafy greens, fatty fish, eggs, carrots, citrus, berries and almonds will boost your levels of vitamin E, vitamin C, DHA, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene — nutrients that are essential to healthy, high-functioning eyes.
- Protect Your Peepers
Those million people mentioned above who’ll get an eye infection this year? Many of them will suffer due to improper contact lens use. There are also tons of people who will incur an eye injury at work or while playing sports. Not every accident can be avoided, but you can sidestep a good percentage of “oops” moments by donning the right type of safety frames and sports eyewear and by following the eye care routine (including how long you wear your contact lenses and how you clean them) recommended by your eye doctor.
- Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Finally, the biggest way you can protect your vision is by scheduling a yearly comprehensive eye exam — more often if you already have a diagnosed issue or if your investigation into your family history turns up some risk factors.
Your eye health is nothing to play around with. Let Healthy Vision Month inspire you to be more proactive about your sight. Make your appointment with at Illinois Eye Center today by calling 309-243-2400 today.
