Routine vision exams are just as important as eating healthy and exercising. A comprehensive dilated eye exam can check for common eye problems.
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends vision screenings for all children 3 to 5 years old to detect conditions such as lazy eye and amblyopia which can be treated if detected early.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), report that people with vision problems are more likely to have diabetes, poor hearing, heart problems, high blood pressure, lower back pains, strokes, falls, injuries and depression. In 2013, vision problems cost Americans approximately $139 billion according to the organization Prevent Blindness America.
The CDC recommends the following to protect your vision:
- Schedule comprehensive dilated eye exams regularly.
- Since some eye conditions are hereditary, it is important to know your family’s eye health history.
- Include dark, leafy greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids to help protect your vision.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Wear protective eyewear whenever needed.
- Make a plan to quit smoking.
- Invest in sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of ultraviolet A and B radiation.
- Wash your hands when handling contact lenses to prevent infections.
- Wear the proper eye protection in the workplace.
Visit the CDC’s Vision Health Initiative for more information and resources.
