Did you know that even if your vision is terrific you could still have early symptoms of any number of eye diseases and not know it? March is Save Your Vision month; it’s dedicated to making sure you can see well and that your eyes are healthy.
This year’s campaign is dedicated to increasing awareness of eye strain or Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). It’s caused by prolonged use of digital devices and according to the American Optometric Association (AOA), the average American spends at least seven hours on computers, tablets, phones or other devices.
Long-term viewing of any type of digital screen makes your eyes work harder. Letters on a digital screen are less defined, have lower contrast and the screens often have reflections and glare. Any undiagnosed vision problems can compound problems like eyestrain, blurred vision, dry eyes, headaches and neck and shoulder pain.
In addition to CVS, diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts that are usually associated with age can have early symptoms that can only be detected with a thorough, in-person eye exam. Once identified, some diseases can be treated before they affect your vision. Another thing your eye doctor does during an eye exam is look at the blood vessels behind your eyes. This can help detect more than 270 systemic and chronic diseases like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and even cancers that can also be treated and/or managed.
The best thing you can do for your eyes is to make an appointment with your Doctor of Optometry. Check out the Your Health Idaho website for information about vision coverage offered in partnership with VSP. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help keep your eyes healthy:
- Adopt the 20-20-20 rule: Take a break from your computer every 20 minutes and stare at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- If you use make-up, be sure to replace your mascara and liquid liner every three months and your eye shadow and pencils every year. Avoid ingredients like metallics, parabens and aluminum.
- A balanced diet full of colorful fruits and veggies, eggs and fish are just as important to eye health as they are to heart health.
- Many eye diseases are related to high blood pressure and diabetes. So, exercising 3-4 times a week can help keep your risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and Glaucoma low.
- Staying well-hydrated can reduce eyestrain and dry-eye by keeping your eyes well lubricated.
- Be sure to wear 100 percent UV-blocking sunglasses when you’re outside, even when driving. Just a little time in the sun can be harmful and the damage compounds over time.
And remember to blink!