The eyes are some of the most sensitive and important parts of the human body, which is why it’s essential to properly care for them. For almost 35 years, August has been National Eye Exam Month, the perfect time to get your eyes and vision checked if you haven’t already. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction.
Vision checkups are most important for those under 18, so that any eye conditions can be caught and treated early, and for those over 61, when conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration occur more commonly. Optometrists recommend vision check-ups once a year for these age groups, and once every two years for those aged 18-60. However, if you notice a change in your vision or eyes (such as redness, irritation, swelling, dryness or watery eyes, or seeing flashes or “floaters” in your field of vision), tell your healthcare provider right away.
If your work and/or daily life requires considerable visual strain, such as staring at a computer screen all day, the 20-20-20 method is recommended to protect your eyes: rest your eyes every 20 minutes by looking 20 feet away (about 7 meters) for 20 seconds.
Vision problems can affect your health in various ways. Poor vision not only makes it more difficult to go about your daily life and increases your risk of accidental injury, but can cause additional health issues such as eye strain, headaches, dizziness, depression and anxiety, and light sensitivity.
Doctors can detect other conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol by the health of your eyes, and many eye conditions are easily treatable if diagnosed early. If you have a condition such as diabetes, you are at higher risk for secondary eye diseases, so talk with your optometrist and other healthcare provider about your risk level.
If you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to contact us anytime at info@gravityintprog.com. Stay safe and healthy!
