Prevent Poor Eye Health in the New Year
Blindness or low vision affects more than 3.3 million Americans aged 40 years and older. This number is predicted to double by the year 2030. The diabetes epidemic and our aging population will contribute to this increase, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One of the leading causes of blindness and low vision is glaucoma. Prevent Blindness America reports that while glaucoma typically affects adults over the age of 40, African Americans or those of Afro-Caribbean descent are more likely to get glaucoma at a younger age. Individuals are also at risk if they:
…have a blood relative with glaucoma;
…have diabetes;
…have had an eye injury or eye surgery, even as a child;
…are very nearsighted;
…and/or have taken steroids for a long-term basis.
Symptoms of glaucoma can include the following:
- Loss of vision, particularly side vision
- Blurry or foggy vision
- Difficulty adjusting to dark rooms
- Rainbow-colored rings around lights
Glaucoma can be treated, and if detected early, you can protect your eyes against serious vision loss. “The most important thing you can do today is schedule an eye exam,” said Dr. Rhonda Johnson, medical director of health equity and quality services at Highmark. “If you have not had a dilated eye exam, now is the time. With this type of exam, where eye drops are given to allow for a closer look into the eye, your eye doctor can check for glaucoma and other eye diseases.” Encourage your family members, friends and loved ones also to get an eye exam.
“Get the most out of your eye doctor appointment,” Dr. Johnson adds. “Write down your questions before your appointment; tell your eye doctor about any medications you are taking and if you have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma. Ask your doctor to write down any medication instructions so they are clear and understandable when you get home.”
Here are some tips from the CDC for maintaining healthy eyes all year long:
Enjoy foods that benefit your eyes. Fruits and vegetables—particularly dark leafy greens, such as spinach, kale or collard greens—can help keep your eyes healthy. There are also eye health benefits from eating fish, such as salmon, tuna and halibut that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing diabetes and other conditions, which can lead to vision loss. Talk to your doctor about a weight-loss plan.
Wear protective eyewear. Wear appropriate safety glasses, goggles, safety shields or eye guards when playing sports, doing projects at home or at your worksite. And remember your sunglasses. Choose sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation.
Don’t smoke. Smoking is just as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. Research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing conditions such as optic nerve damage and cataracts.
Rest your eyes. If you spend a lot of time at the computer or focusing on any one thing, you may forget to blink, causing your eyes to tire faster. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly. Always wash your hands thoroughly before putting in or taking out your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect and replace contact lenses as instructed.
Dr. Johnson is the medical director of health equity and quality services at Highmark Inc. She leads Highmark’s efforts to reduce racial and ethnic health care disparities among Highmark members through clinical interventions and improvements in health literacy, language access and health plan cultural competency.
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