Eye Doctor Discusses Prevention and Treatment of Vision Loss on
World Sight Day
This year, for the World Health Organizations World Sight Day on October 11, Think About Your Eyes wants to help focus attention on the importance of overall vision health.
Did you you know that up to 80% of cases of blindness are avoidable, either resulting from preventable conditions (20%) or being treatable (60%) so that sight is restored. And, myopia (or nearsightedness) the most common vision problem in children affecting 1.7 billion people in the world today, is the most common vision problem in children and puts the eyes more at risk for serious vision threatening conditions. The good news is that getting an annual comprehensive eye exam can ensure you’re catching vision issues early for yourself and your children. In fact, prevention and treatment of vision loss are among the most cost-effective and successful of all health interventions.
A visit to the optometrist for a comprehensive exam tests more than just eyesight—it tests the overall health of the eye. In addition to determining whether you need glasses/contacts, eye doctors will check for eye diseases and other problems that could lead to vision loss. Make an annual eye exam part of your yearly health check-ups.
Eye exams can also uncover symptoms of other health issues, sometimes before symptoms have appeared in other parts of the body. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers can all affect the eyes and be detected through an eye exam, making this health check-up important for overall health.
During this tour Dr. Justin Bazan, OD will discuss the importance of an comprehensive annual eye exams as well as ways to keep your eyes healthy such as:
Encouraging outdoor activities for at least 2 hours a day
Healthy nutritional diet including foods high in beta-carotene as well as foods high in vitamins A, C, D, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids
Taking a break from smartphones, tablets, and computers to alleviate the symptoms of digital eye strain
Think About Your Eyes is a national public awareness campaign in partnership with the American Optometric Association encouraging people to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam and promote overall vision health. Need a doctor? Visit thinkaboutyoureyes.com to find one near you and schedule an appointment.
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