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While we believe in 12 healthy vision months, we’re going to “borrow” from a Justin Timberlake meme and let you know that May is dedicated to promoting the importance of eye health & encouraging people to take steps to maintain good vision. This month-long observance is an opportunity to raise awareness about the prevalence of eye diseases and conditions and to encourage people to make eye health a priority. We're all for that!

We Know Eye Health is Important

Your eyes are one of the most important organs in your body, responsible for allowing you to see and perceive the world around you. The eyes are also incredibly delicate and can be easily damaged by a variety of factors, including disease, injury, and environmental factors. Eye diseases and conditions, including Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Diabetic Retinopathy, can cause vision loss and blindness, which can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. 

These are just a few examples of the many eye diseases and conditions that can affect people of all ages. While some of these conditions are more common in older adults, others can affect people of all ages, including children. This is why it is important to take steps to protect your eye health throughout your life.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Vision

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage your diabetes and protect your eyesight. Here are some actionable tips:

• Get regular eye exams: One of the most important things you can do to protect your eye health is to get regular eye exams at Urban Optiks Optometry. Eye exams can help detect eye diseases and conditions early, when they are most treatable. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults get a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, depending on their age and risk factors. 
• Wear protective eyewear: If you work in a job that exposes you to potential eye hazards, such as flying debris or chemicals, it's important to wear protective eyewear. This can include safety glasses, goggles, or face shields, depending on the type of work you do.
• Practice good hygiene: Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye). Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, and avoid sharing towels or other personal items that come into contact with your eyes.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle can help protect your overall health, including your eye health. Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and don't smoke.
• Protect your eyes from UV radiation: Exposure to UV radiation from the sun can increase your risk of cataracts and other eye diseases. Wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays whenever you are outside, and wear a hat to protect your eyes and face from the sun.
• Give your eyes a break: If you spend a lot of time working on a computer or other digital device, make sure to take frequent breaks to rest your eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain and fatigue.
• Manage chronic health conditions: Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase your risk of developing eye diseases and conditions. If you have a chronic health condition, work with your healthcare provider to manage it effectively and protect your eye health.
• Be aware of your family history: Some eye diseases and conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, have a genetic component. If you have a family history of these conditions, it is important to be aware of your risk and to get regular eye exams to detect any early signs of disease.

May You Always Have Healthy Eyes

Healthy Vision Month is a reminder of the importance of taking care of your eyes and protecting your vision. By getting regular eye exams, practicing good hygiene, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and protecting your eyes from UV radiation, you can reduce your risk of developing eye diseases and conditions that can cause vision loss and blindness.

If you have any concerns about your eye health, don't hesitate to talk to us at Urban Optiks. By working together, we can help ensure that your eyes stay healthy and that you maintain good vision throughout your life.