It’s second nature to schedule your yearly physical, or routine dentist appointment, but what about your eye health?  When was your last comprehensive eye exam?  A yearly eye exam is just as important as any other routine appointments you make.  This May, during Healthy Vision Month, NEI and Prevent Blindness urge you to take control of your vision, and decide what you want to see in the future.  Learning how to protect your eyes is the first step in preserving eye health. 

Most vision problems are in fact preventable.  Take a look at some everyday tips in order to take the first step in preserving your eye health:

Wear sunglasses (even on cloudy days!) Sure, sunglasses are fashionable, but more importantly, they protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and help keep your vision sharp.  Maintain a well-balanced, healthy diet It is true, carrots are good for your eyes! Diets rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables — especially dark leafy greens— is important for keeping your eyes healthy.  Get plenty of physical activity Regular exercise comes with a lot of great benefits. It can boost your mood, reduce stress, help you stay at a …

Prevent Blindness, the nation’s eye health and safety organization, declares May as UV (ultraviolet) Awareness Month.  Many people are well aware about the damage that UV rays can have on the skin, but most are unaware of the damage it can cause to the eyes.

What is this invisible threat exactly?  And how does it impact us? This ultraviolet radiation is measured in nanometers (nm). It is categorized in three basic terms and classified by the strength of the UV ray:

UVC: These rays are below 280 nm. The upper atmosphere absorbs these, so they do not reach us, therefore protection from these rays is not overly necessary.UVB: These are between 315 – 380 nm. These manage to make it to the earth’s surface and are notorious for damaging sight. They can cause snow blindness but are notably responsible for sunburn and several types of skin cancer. Research has shown that these rays are strongest during the summer and at higher altitudes.UVA: These are the most dangerous being 315 – 380 nm. They are known for causing chronic eye damage. Studies have indicated that these rays get absorbed by the lenses of our eyes leading to damage of the …