Healthy Vision Month | Wolfe Eye Clinic

May 20, 2022

May is Healthy Vision Month: Why Are Healthy Eyes Important?

In 2003, the National Eye Institute established May as Healthy Vision month to encourage individuals to make their eye health a priority. Did you know that more than 23 million Americans, age 18 and older have never had an eye exam? According to a national survey conducted by National Eye Institute, it’s true! Most times the reason an eye exam is not preformed is because the individual does not think they have an eye problem because they can see well, but the truth is that many eye diseases don’t have symptoms in the early stages.

There are many ways to protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy as you age; eat healthy, stay active, not smoke. However, the simplest way to make sure your eyes stay as healthy as possible is to have a yearly dilated eye exam with your local eye doctor. According to National Eye Institute, even if your eyes feel healthy, you could have an eye problem and not know it. Wolfe Eye Clinic eye care specialists are here to provide treatment and care to their patients in order to maintain healthy vision. 

See our very own Dr. Logan Vincent here on WHO Channel 13's Hello Iowa segment speaking to the importance of Healthy Vision! 

How Can I Protect My Eyes?

Knowing your family’s health history is a key aspect in knowing what vision problems you may have or need to watch for. The National Eye Institute tells us that some eye diseases and conditions can run in families, like macular degeneration or glaucoma. This is why it is important to inform your eye doctor of any known medical history in your family. There are also many other simple steps you can take each day to secure your healthy vision such as:

  • Wear sunglasses: Sunglasses can protect your eye from harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun, even on cloudy days!
  • Wear protective glasses: Safety goggles or glasses can protect your eyes during certain activities like construction work, home repairs, or even playing sports.
  • Resting your eyes: When looking at a computer or tablet for a long time you can create dry eye symptoms. It is important to rest your eyes by taking longer blinks or closing your eyes more frequently when using a device with a screen.
  • Contact lens wear: Care for your contacts is crucial in protecting your eyes from any diseases. Make sure to always wash your hands before putting in or taking out your contacts. Always disinfect them with a contact solution and make sure they are replaced regularly so they do not damage your corneas.

Can My Overall Health Affect My Eyes?

Overall health can be related to your eyes and vision! Among people age 65 and older, 54.2 percent of those who are blind and 41.7 percent of those with impaired vision say their overall health is fair or poor according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individuals with vision problems are more likely to also have health complications like diabetes, poor hearing, high blood pressure or depression. Poor vision can also increase your risk of falling, injury, nausea and even dizziness. Take care of yourself by regularly visiting your primary health care provider and your local optometrist, if needed.

Wolfe Eye Clinic and our eye care specialists are here to encourage everyone to see their eye care doctors regularly and continue to learn more about their eye health. For further questions about your eye health or to schedule an appointment to see a Wolfe Eye Clinic specialist call us at (833) 474-5850 or fill out a form here.