Wednesday, April 28, 2004

May is Healthy Vision Month

In observance of May as Healthy Vision Month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Eye M.D. Association, urges Americans to take care of their eyes, as well as the eyes of their family members. Preventive eye care is important because eye conditions and diseases that can rob you and your family of good vision can strike at any time of life, from newborn to old age.

“Although eye problems are often associated with aging, some of those problems actually start earlier and vision loss can be prevented if the problem is caught sooner,” said Academy spokesperson Anne Sumers, M.D., a Ridgewood, N.J., ophthalmologist.

Infants and toddlers should be screened for common childhood eye problems, such as strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye), during their regular pediatric appointments. Vision screening is recommended for all children starting at around three years of age. Some warning signs a child may have vision problems include wandering or crossed eyes, a family history of childhood vision problems, redness, discharge, a disinterest in reading or viewing distant objects and squinting or turning the head in an unusual manner while watching television. Other conditions have no symptoms, so vision screening is very important.

“Most children, teenagers and young adults have healthy eyes, but they still need to take care of their vision,” said Dr. Sumers. “The major danger to the eyes at these ages is accidental injury. They should take care of their vision by wearing protective eyewear when taking part in high-risk activities, such as playing sports. High-risk sports include basketball, baseball, hockey, football, lacrosse, fencing, paintball, water polo, racquetball, soccer and downhill skiing.” An Eye M.D. can recommend the appropriate protective eyewear.

For adults, the Academy recommends a complete eye exam at least once between the ages of 20 and 29, at least twice between the ages of 30 and 39 and every two to four years between the ages of 40 and 65. Seniors over age 65 should be examined at least every one to two years for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other eye conditions. Those with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam by an Eye M.D. at least every year. African-Americans, or those with a family history of glaucoma, should have their eyes examined as often as their Eye M.D. recommends.

Protecting your eyes from accidents and early detection and treatment of eye problems are the best ways for you and your family to take care of your vision throughout life. So if you or your family are at risk for eye diseases or experience any eye problems, visit your Eye M.D.

Here are some tips for keeping healthy eyes and vision:

• Screen children’s vision. Problems such as amblyopia and strabismus must be detected and treated at a young age to prevent vision loss.

• Wear sunglasses and hats. This helps protect the eyes from UV light, which can cause cataracts and may be a contributing factor to retinal disease.

• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They are good sources of antioxidants, which can prevent a number of diseases including eye disease.

• Watch out for fireworks. Fireworks have been known to injure both users and bystanders alike. Attend public fireworks displays put on by professionals.

• Wear eye protection at home, work and play. Sports injuries are a leading cause of eye injuries among both adults and children in the United States. Chemicals and yard debris are also common causes of eye injuries. Your Eye M.D. can recommend the appropriate eyewear for your activity.

• Dilated medical eye exams for people with diabetes. Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

• Treat contact lenses with respect. See an eye care professional and follow their instructions, even if the contact lenses are just worn just fun. Contact lenses that aren?t properly fitted for cleaned, or have been worn too long, can cause eye injuries, infections and even blindness.

• Don’t smoke. Smoking is known to be a risk factor in retinal eye disease.

• Toss old mascara. Bacteria that tends to grow in the mascara tube over a period of time can lead to eye infections.

• Give kids safe toys. Check labels to make sure they are age-appropriate, avoid games or toys with sharp or protruding parts or projectiles, and consider carefully before giving darts, pellet guns or other firearms.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons (Eye M.D.s) with more than 27,000 members. For more information about eye health care, visit the Academy’s partner Web site, the Medem Network, at www.medem.com/eyemd. To find an Eye M.D. in your area, visit the Academy’s Web site at www.aao.org.