When it comes to our health, we often visit our doctor or nurse regularly to make sure our bodies are healthy. But what about our eyes? They’re not always top of mind, but they’re just as important. During Healthy Vision Month, held each May, the National Eye Institute empowers Americans to make their eye health a priority and educates them about steps they can take to protect their vision.
Get a dilated eye exam. Getting a dilated eye exam is the only way to catch eye diseases early, because with many, there are no warning signs. Talk to your eye care professional about how often you should have one.
Live a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, managing chronic conditions, and not smoking can lower your risk of eye disease.
Know your family history. Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with an eye disease, since many are hereditary. This will help to determine if you are at higher risk for developing an eye disease yourself.
Use protective eyewear. Protect your eyes when doing chores around the house, playing sports, or on the job to prevent eye injuries from happening. This includes wearing safety glasses, goggles, safety shields, and eye guards that are made of polycarbonate.
Wear sunglasses. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation, so you can keep your vision sharp and eyes healthy. A hat offers great protection, too!
Taking these steps can help prevent vision loss, blindness, and many eye diseases and conditions from occurring.
NEI offers a variety of resources you can use in May and throughout the year to promote the importance of eye health. Visit the Healthy Vision Month Website at http://nei.nih.gov/hvm/ to view the free resources available, including videos, shareable social media content, and more.
Let’s celebrate Healthy Vision Month together! No effort is too small when encouraging people to make their vision last a lifetime.
