Don’t Turn a Blind Eye to Glaucoma Awareness Month
Glaucoma Awareness Month, observed every January, is a time to draw attention to one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” due to its ability to stay asymptomatic until significant vision loss has occurred. This makes proactive eye care essential for everyone, especially as we age.
Why Are Eye Exams Important?
- Vision Preservation: Regular eye exams can detect glaucoma and other eye diseases early, giving patients a chance to receive treatment before irreversible damage occurs.
- Eye Health Can Reflect Overall Health: Eye health reflects systemic health. Many conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and even neurological disorders can first be detected through eye exams.
- Quality of Life: Good vision is vital for daily activities, independence and overall well-being.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Eyes
- Schedule Regular Eye Exams
- Children should at least have one eye exam between age 3 and 5 years.
- Adults should have comprehensive eye exams every 1-2 years, depending on age and risk factors like family history or pre-existing health conditions.
- Glaucoma screenings are critical for early detection and management.
- Protect Your Eyes
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays.
- Use safety goggles when working with hazardous materials or in environments prone to eye injuries.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
- Diet – Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and E such as leafy greens, carrots, and fish.
- Hydration – Staying hydrated helps to keep your eyes from drying out.
- Exercise – Regular physical activity promotes healthy blood flow, including to your eyes.
- Limit Screen Time
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
- Adjust screen brightness and use anti-glare filters if necessary.
- Quit Smoking
- Smoking increases the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to vision loss.
- Monitor Eye Health
- Be aware of any changes in your vision, such as blurriness, halos, or difficulty seeing at night, and report them to an eye care professional.
Glaucoma Awareness Month is an opportunity to prioritize eye health and educate others about the silent nature of this condition. By adopting healthy habits and scheduling regular eye exams, you can protect your vision and enjoy a lifetime of seeing the world clearly. Make your eye health a priority – not just this month, but every month!
As always, consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.
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Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, October 13). Vision loss, blindness, and smoking. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/vision-loss-blindness.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). About glaucoma. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/glaucoma.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Taking care of your eyes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/prevention/taking-care-of-your-eyes.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Why eye exams are important. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/why-eye-exams-are-important.html
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma Research Foundation. (2024, February 20). https://glaucoma.org/articles/january-is-glaucoma-awareness-month?msclkid=ec2e9bd47b9c127162eafc986069c863&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GRF+-+Articles&utm_term=glaucoma+awareness+month&utm_content=Glaucoma+Awareness+Month
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, October 10). Adult health. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/basics/eye-care/hlv-20049421
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2014, January 21). Glaucoma: The “Silent thief” begins to tell its Secrets. National Eye Institute. https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/glaucoma-silent-thief-begins-tell-its-secrets
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, September 11). Tired, achy eyes? National Institutes of Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2024/09/tired-achy-eyes
Disclaimer:
We want you to be well and to live your best life. The content in this blog is provided for the purposes to educate and entertain you: our very important reader. It is not intended as medical advice or as substitute for medical advice from a trained healthcare professional.
If you have a medical condition or are under the care of a medical provider, please always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before undertaking a new health care regimen. To that point, never disregard medical advice or delay treatment for a medical condition because of something you read on this site.
Listen to your care providers as they know you and your conditions best. Thank you for reading!
The Team at BSDI