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Protect Your Eye Health During Gift Of Sight Month


December 2, 2022

In just a few short years a month that was established by an eye care company has become an important reminder to all to make sure we are addressing the health of our eyes in the same way that we are approaching our overall physical and mental health. A staggering 49% of all adults in the United States have been found to be negligent in their visits to an eye care professional which should happen once a year to protect your eye health.

Given that December is the Gift Of Sight Month, it is a good opportunity for you to have a conversation with your loved one, whether they are aging in place or not, about making sure that she/he is taking good care of their eyes and seeing an eye care professional annually as part of their overall focus on their health each year.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) when eye health is neglected it can lead to dangerous diseases that could damage or destroy your vision entirely. A visit to your eye doctor can help detect eye diseases which often go unnoticed and undiagnosed for long periods of time and when left untreated can do serious damage to your eyes. The CDC recommends that all adults, regardless of age, have a comprehensive dilated eye exam every year which includes;

  • Visual acuity (sharpness)
  • Depth perception
  • Eye alignment
  • Eye movement

It may be hard to believe, but when the eye doctor uses eye drops to make your pupils larger and see inside your eyes she/he may not only be able to identify the early onset of eye diseases but may also be able to identify the early stages of high blood pressure or diabetes. While the diagnosis of these diseases should be referred to your primary care physician, eye exams can often detect trouble before your own medical provider can.

Some of the eye diseases that can be spotted early by annual eye exams include, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. These diseases are generally far along when they are diagnosed, unless caught early. They are also seen more frequently in older adults which makes the need for a visit to your eye doctor all the more important as you get older.

If you are a caregiver for someone who is aging in place, make sure she/he is not skipping an annual eye exam as part of her/his health checkups.

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