The National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), marks July as Healthy Vision Month, spotlighting eye health and celebrating opticians and other eye care …
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The National Eye Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), marks July as Healthy Vision Month, spotlighting eye health and celebrating opticians and other eye care professionals. This year's theme, "Healthy Vision Month 2024: Reframe Your Future," emphasizes the importance of eye health and the impact of vision loss on daily life.
Vision loss can profoundly affect various aspects of life, from performing everyday tasks to managing the emotional toll of visual impairment. Feelings of fear, anxiety or grief are common, but individuals are not alone in facing these challenges.
According to the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, the United States is grappling with an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with half of adults reporting feelings of loneliness.
Healthy Vision Month 2024 aims to address this issue by raising awareness about the resources available to those with visual impairments. The focus is on accessing vision rehabilitation services, mental health support and fostering social connections to help individuals live their best lives despite vision loss.
Participating in Healthy Vision Month 2024 offers an opportunity to support yourself and others with visual impairments. Here are some tips from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect your vision and eye health:
Regular eye exams: Schedule comprehensive dilated eye exams to detect early stages of eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration.
Healthy diet: Incorporate fruits, vegetables and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna, to maintain eye health. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are particularly beneficial.
Avoid tobacco: Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage, all of which can lead to blindness.
Sun protection: Wear sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
Protective eyewear: Use safety glasses, goggles and eye guards during activities that pose a risk of eye injury. Polycarbonate lenses are recommended for their superior strength.
Eye rest: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain from prolonged computer use—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Hygiene for contact lenses: Wash your hands before handling contact lenses and disinfect them as directed by your eye care professional to prevent infections.
Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and related eye conditions. Consult your doctor if you need help with weight management.
Blood sugar control: Manage your A1C level, blood pressure, and cholesterol to prevent blindness caused by diabetes.
Family eye health history: Discuss eye health with family members to identify hereditary risks and take preventive measures accordingly.
Healthy Vision Month 2024 encourages everyone to take proactive steps in eye care and support those with visual impairments. By staying informed and engaged, individuals can protect their vision and improve their overall quality of life. Reframe your future by prioritizing eye health today.
