May is Healthy Vision Month! Lower your risk of visual impairment and keep your vision clear with our healthy vision tips for every stage of life.
Children’s Eye Health
- Monitor for nearsightedness.
Many children who need glasses don’t get diagnosed until they’re in school. To prevent this delay in diagnosis, parents can watch for signs like sitting too close to the TV or holding books very near to the face. They can also schedule proactive appointments that include vision screening. If signs of serious vision challenges appear during the screening, the child will be referred to an ophthalmologist for a full exam. - Treat lazy eye and crossed eyes as early as possible.
Common children’s eye conditions like lazy eye or crossed eyes can respond well to treatment, but it’s most effective when treated early. The earlier that treatments can start, the better chance the brain has to develop healthy vision pathways.
Teen Eye Health
- Use the 20/20/20 rule.
As teens grow, they spend more time using screens for school. Hobbies like video games can add to screen time. To prevent eye strain, teens can use the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. - Start a habit of wearing sunglasses.
Direct exposure to UV rays can cause permanent eye damage, which makes wearing sunglasses an important lifelong habit. Since teens value independence, they may be more likely to wear sunglasses that match their style. - Clean contacts properly.
This is the age that many people get their first pair of contacts. As teens adjust to their first pair of contacts, it’s important that they keep their contacts clean. Using an approved contact solution and washing hands before inserting contacts can keep germs out of the eye and ward off infections.
Adult Eye Health
- Maintain a healthy diet.
We know that leafy greens, vitamins A and C, and omega-3 fatty acids are good for our general health, and it’s no surprise that they help our eyes, too. Some nutrients help our eyes directly, while others help lower risk for diseases that can lead to vision impairment. - Know your genetic risk factors.
Some eye-related conditions don’t have visible symptoms, but can be detected with a dilated exam. Knowing if you have a family history of eye conditions like macular degeneration or glaucoma can help you stay committed to regular checkups. - Manage other health conditions.
Diabetes and other health conditions can cause vision problems if not kept under management. Make sure to follow treatment recommendations from your doctor to maintain your overall health and preserve your vision. - Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams.
In a comprehensive exam, your doctor will check your optic nerve health, eye surface health, and more. Your doctor can diagnose some serious eye conditions before you exhibit symptoms. This early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent vision loss.
Ready to take charge of your eye health? Schedule an appointment today. Center For Sight’s expert team provides care at every stage of life, from pediatrics to adulthood.
