May is Healthy Vision Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of eye health and the steps we can take to protect our vision. Approximately 37 million adults in America have age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, all of which can cause visual impairment or blindness. However, recent studies show that making healthy choices and getting regular eye exams can help reduce a person’s risk of vision loss. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of blindness can be prevented or treated if discovered early enough and the global cost of vision loss is estimated to be nearly $3 trillion.

A significant tool in the eye care industry has been the continued development of optomap single-capture ultra-widefield (UWF™) retinal imaging technology. With optomap, risks of blindness can be discovered early.

The retina is the part of the eye responsible for sending visual information to the brain. It is essential to maintain healthy retinal function to ensure clear vision and prevent vision loss. optomap imaging facilitates early detection of various eye conditions, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

optomap imaging is non-invasive, painless, and quick to complete. The images captured during an optomap exam are saved for future reference, allowing eye care professionals to monitor changes in the retina over time, while also educating patients and sharing their findings in the image.

With optomap technology, eye care professionals can detect and manage eye conditions early, reducing the risk of vision loss. It also offers patients a more comfortable and efficient alternative to traditional methods of examining the retina.

Take a look at some everyday tips that may help preserve eye health:

• Wear sunglasses, even when it may seem cloudy.
• Eat right for your sight! Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale and bok choy. Also stock up on some fish high in omega 3s
• 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 healthy weight — and protect you from serious eye diseases.
• Give your eyes a rest. Do your eyes ever feel achy at the end of the day? If you spend a lot of time at the computer or staring at your phone, you may forget to blink — and that can tire out your eyes.

Healthy Vision Month serves as a reminder to prioritize our eye health. Regular eye exams, including optomap imaging, can facilitate early detection of eye conditions and maintain healthy retinal function. To schedule an optomap exam, speak to your eye care professional today.