What’s your Eye-Q?
May Is National Vision Month where we focus on making healthy choices to protect eye health.
In addition, this month is great time to focus on overall health as chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can also increase the risk of some eye diseases.
Statistics
Eye Exams
According to the National Eye Institute, more than 23 million Americans age 18 and older have never had an eye exam.
Eye Diseases
By 2030, it is estimated that 11.4 million people will have diabetic retinopathy, 4.2 million will have glaucoma, and 3.7 million will have age-related macular degeneration (NEI).
Vision Impairment
Approximately 12 million people 40 years and over in the United States have vision impairment. This includes 1 million with blindness (CDC).
Children
Approximately 6.8% of children under 18 in the US have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. Nearly 3% of children under 18 years have blindness or vision impairment (CDC).
Job-related eye injuries
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, about 2,000 US workers sustain job-related eye injuries every day that require medical treatment.
blindness caused by diabetes
About 90% of blindness in US adults caused by diabetes is preventable (CDC).
Steps to Protect Your Vision
Get an Eye Exam
In the early stages, some eye diseases will not show significant symptoms or may slowly develop over time. Getting a routine eye exam is important so that changes to the eyes not seen by the naked eye can be noticed and treated as soon as possible. Regular eye exams can also help you get to know your eyes and your baseline.
Protect Your Eyes
Whether it’s work or play, wearing protective glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from UV rays can be beneficial. Choose sunglasses that block out 99 to 100% of UVA and UV radiation. Also, talk to your eye care professional to find the perfect pair for you. Remember, even on cloud days UV rays can still affect the eyes, so don’t forget your eye protection on those days too.
Get Moving
Physical activity can not only help with weight maintenance but also help lower the risk of health conditions that can affect our vision. Aim for 10,000 steps per day, do household chores or even dance! Any movement that increases your heart rate is movement that will have benefits.
Quit Smoking
Cigarette smoke can affect every part of the body including the eyes. Stopping the habit can reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
Eat the Rainbow!
Although carrots and eye health are usually synonymous, consuming other foods that contain vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, zinc and lutein can also improve or maintain eye health. Foods such as sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, leafy green vegetables, almonds, salmon, flax seeds and legumes are great daily additions.
What's your eye-q?
Take this fun quiz to test your eye health knowledge!
References:
National Eye Institute
Centers for Disease Control
– Dana Gardner, Registered Dietitian, MS, LD/N
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