May Is Healthy Vision Month

May is Healthy Vision Month , a national eye health observance established by the National Eye Institute (NEI) in May 2003. NEI is part of the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

As part of Healthy Vision Month, NEI also provides information about a number of steps all Americans can take to protect our eyes and vision:

• Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
• Know your family history, including any family history of eye problems.
• Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses help protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase your risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. When buying sunglasses, look for those that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use protective eyewear. Protect your eyes when doing household chores or yardwork, playing sports, or working on the job. Wear safety glasses, goggles, shields, or eye guards made of polycarbonate. Talk with your eye care provider about the right kind of protective eyewear for your needs.
• Live a healthy lifestyle, including eating healthy foods; maintaining a healthy weight; managing chronic conditions, such as diabetes; and refraining from smoking.

According to NEI, "Taking these steps can help prevent vision loss or blindness from many eye diseases. In addition, comprehensive dilated eye exams can detect problems early, when they're easier to treat."

You can learn more about the steps to take to protect your vision at Keeping Your Eyes Healthy at NEI's Healthy Vision Month website.

Call us today to schedule your next visit