May is Vision Health Month

May is not just another month, it's Vision Health Month. This is a time when we pause to recognize the crucial role that healthy eyes and good vision play in our daily lives and recommit to the simple steps we can all take to preserve our vision and eye health.

Vision Loss

Vision loss can be devastating to Canadians of all ages. Did you know that one in seven Canadians will develop a serious eye disease in their lifetime? 

Luckily, maintaining good vision health can be simple, and 75% of vision loss is preventable when treated with proper care. The first step is to book and attend your comprehensive eye exam. A regular eye exam is the best way to stay on top of your ocular health. 

During your eye exam, your Optometrist will assess your vision and take a detailed look at your eye health and the inside of your eyes. A comprehensive eye exam can detect potentially life-threatening conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain tumours. 

Your Optometrist will also recommend extra products, such as eye drops and sunscreen, as well as treatments that may benefit you, such as those for dry eye disease. 

Your Optometrist will also prescribe glasses and sunglasses if you need them to help you see your best while you work and do what you love to do daily.

Canadian Association of Optometrists

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that adults attend an eye exam every two years, that babies have their first exam between six and nine months old, and that school-aged children and those over sixty-five should have one annually. 

Several factors contribute to your vision health, such as choosing a healthy lifestyle, including quitting or avoiding smoking, exercising, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Your risk of developing diabetes and other conditions that could lead to vision loss, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, stroke, and glaucoma, increases with being overweight, so maintaining a healthy weight can keep your eyes healthy, too.

Conclusion

During Vision Health Month, we encourage you to make eye exams a regular part of your healthcare routine. Remember, your Optometrist does more than just check your vision. 

They are your partners in maintaining your eye health and can often detect signs of serious health conditions before you notice any symptoms. So, take the first step towards better vision and health in your exam today!