Keep Your Eyesight a Priority During Healthy Vision Month
Every May, we honor National Healthy Vision Month by taking the opportunity to make the health of our eyesight a priority. A person’s eyesight can be affected by many things, including aging, underlying health conditions, exposure to harm via the sun or cleaning products, and injuries. For those of us who’ve never experienced a problem with our eyes, it can be easy to take them for granted.
The truth is that many of us will experience some type of issue with our eyes throughout the course of a lifetime, so why not be better informed now about how to take care of our vision? At Retina Group of Florida, we’ve outlined the ways you can keep your eyesight a priority during Healthy Vision Month.
Lower Your Risk for Injury & Harmful Exposure
As warmer weather approaches across the country, this means that most of us will be spending more time outdoors and in the sunshine. Many people wear sunglasses to be comfortable outside or even as a simple fashion accessory, but sunglasses also provide real protection for your eyes. It’s important to use sunglasses that offer broad-spectrum support, meaning that they will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. You should wear sunglasses any time you are outside, even if for a short period of time.
You should also be aware of how everyday household products and chores can pose a risk to your vision. Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can harm the eye if accidentally sprayed or blown into the face. If you wear gloves to perform the task, you should absolutely also wear protective eyewear. The same goes for any type of around-the-house job where tools are used.
Talk to Your Doctor About Underlying Conditions
Several underlying health conditions can negatively impact a person’s vision, especially if these conditions are not treated properly. An example of this is diabetes, which if not closely and properly managed, can lead to diabetic retinopathy. If you have an underlying health condition, please take the time to speak with your doctor about whether the condition or the medication you take can affect your vision.
Learn About Retina Condition Symptoms Proactively
It may seem obvious when an eye issue is occurring, but sometimes symptoms of a retina condition can be subtle and only become more noticeable over time. For many eye diseases and issues, it is essential to seek care as early as possible in order to attempt to restore vision and maintain a high quality of life for the patient. Here are some retina symptoms to be aware of:
- Redness of the eye
- Dry eyes
- Double vision
- Decreased vision
- Increase in flashes and/or floaters
- The appearance of “halos”
If you have concerns about a problem with your vision or are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please contact Retina Group of Florida today. We will be happy to walk through your symptoms or concerns and schedule an appointment if needed.