By Claire Brinsden Jordan
Healthy vision, happy life!
With so much beauty to see all around us in South Pinellas – sunsets on the beaches, pelicans diving, the sun sparkling on the water, and dolphins playing – it’s important to think about how we take in these majestic views, and how we can protect our eyesight. Shakespeare said that the eyes are the windows to the soul, but our eyes are also the windows to our health. Perhaps you prolong an eye exam to avoid that uncomfortable ‘puff of air’ tonometry test that measures fluid pressure in the eye (thankfully, there are alternative tests now). Or maybe you wait until your contact lens prescription runs out. But how often should you really get an eye exam?
In 2023 the American Optometric Association (AOA) updated its guidelines to recommend ANNUAL comprehensive eye exams for adults aged 18-64, instead of every two years (it’s always been annual for those 65+). The number of people in the US who are legally blind or have uncorrected refractive errors in their vision is expected to double by 2050, compared to the 2015 data. “Comprehensive eye exams provide the opportunity for early detection of eye health and visual performance problems, as well as the prevention of vision loss. Linked to decreased quality of life, eye and vision disorders can alter an individual’s overall physical and mental well-being,” says AOA President Ronald L. Benner, OD. For pediatric patients, they should get their first eye exam between 6-12 months of age, then at least once between ages 3 and 5, before first grade and then annually thereafter.
Did you know that a comprehensive eye exam can detect over 170 diseases, including brain tumor, cancer, diabetes, Lyme disease, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease? Our revealing peepers show the actions of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues throughout the body. So, it’s not just about renewing your contact lens prescription, or picking out a pair of new, stylish glasses – indeed, I have sported some funky frames in my time. Our eyes need the attention they deserve, so in addition to an eye exam, here are some tips to keep your eyes in top form every day.
Vitamin A is a building block of the protein rhodopsin, which is vital to seeing in low-light conditions. A Vitamin A deficiency causes dry or cloudy corneas, which can lead to night blindness. You can get your daily dose of Vitamin A from fish, eggs, dairy, leafy greens, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, and tomatoes. Most of your Vitamin A is stored in your liver, so liver disorders can cause Vitamin A depletion. B Vitamins, especially B6 and B12, reduce blood levels of an acid that can affect your retinal arteries and cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or blurry vision. Vitamins C & E are powerful antioxidants and can help prevent cataracts.
Sunglasses with UV400 lenses are the best at protecting your eyes from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays when enjoying the outdoors. Polarized lenses filter reflected light and offer glare reduction from snow, water, or other smooth surfaces, but they do not block ultraviolet rays as well as UV400 lenses. Some sunglasses offer both, which is ideal for us here in South Pinellas. UV400 lenses come in all styles of frame, so you can look cool while protecting your eyes. And of course, always wear those not-so-stylish safety glasses or goggles when playing sports or doing home
improvement projects.
Reducing digital eye strain (DES) has become more difficult as our screen time has increased. DES can cause dry, itchy, and watery eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. Just as we rest our muscles after a workout, we need to let our eyes rest after prolonged digital electronic use – whether computer, phone, or television. Try to adopt the 20-20-20 rule, where you take a
break from the screen every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It also helps to keep your computer screen just below eye level and about 20-24 inches away. Take “blink breaks” as you blink less when you’re looking at a screen. Relax your eyes by gently covering them with the palms of your hands for about 30 seconds or until the afterimages turn black. Overall, you should try to limit your screen time to less than two hours a day to prevent eye strain.
Regular exercise gets your blood circulating, which is good for the blood flow to the retina and optic nerve in your eyes. Even walking just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of cataracts, AMD, and glaucoma.
Quit Smoking. Smoking can harm the optic nerve and increases your risk of AMD and cataracts. Check out smokefree.gov for resources on smoking cessation.
Wash your hands! Before touching your eyes, make sure to wash your hands first to prevent infection, especially if you wear contact lenses. Always avoid rubbing your eyes.
Get plenty of sleep. When you sleep your eyes have time to recharge so they’re ready for a new day of taking in the sights.
Keep your pillowcase clean. Our eyes spend all night next to our pillow, so it’s important to keep it clean and free of dust, dirt, and bacteria that can cause irritation or infection.
Use “clean” make-up near your eyes. If you wear mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow every day, then it’s important to choose “clean” make-up brands that put as few harmful chemicals next to your eyes as possible. If the mascara that’s shipped to you is treated as “hazardous materials” by the carrier, then you should probably switch brands. Always remove eye makeup before sleep and be sure to regularly clean or replace make-up applicators used near your eyes. After three months, it’s time to toss eye makeup, even if you haven’t used it all.
Getting a yearly eye exam is the best way to keep your eyes healthy and update your prescription as your vision changes. Our eyesight is vital to the quality of life we enjoy, so make that appointment today for your comprehensive eye exam and protect your precious peepers!