July is Healthy Vision Month
Mayor’s Wellness Campaign
July marks the onset of Healthy Vision Month, which serves as a reminder to prioritize your eye health amidst your daily life. With eyes serving as windows to the world, maintaining their well-being is vital to preserving the health of your vision.
Vision impairment has a major impact on every facet of life, presenting formidable challenges in performing everyday tasks which can diminish independence and quality of life. Beyond practical hurdles, the stigma surrounding visual impairment exacerbates feelings of isolation, fear, anxiety, or grief. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), about 80% of all visual impairments worldwide can be prevented, treated, or cured properly. The top two most common causes of blindness are Cataracts and Glaucoma.
Despite the critical role eye exams play in preserving vision health, they often fall by the wayside in many people’s healthcare routines. A common misconception is that eye exams are only necessary for individuals experiencing noticeable vision problems. However, routine eye examinations not only assess visual acuity but also screen for various eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration which can develop silently, exhibiting few to no symptoms until irreversible damage occurs.
Moreover, adopting a healthy lifestyle contributes to optimal vision. This includes consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and zinc which fosters eye health. Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses outdoors and using safety glasses when engaging in activities that pose the risk of eye injury. Additionally, in today’s digital era, where screens dominate much of our daily lives, taking screen breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule – take a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away – provides rest for your eyes. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help protect your eyes and enjoy clear vision for years to come.
Let Healthy Vision Month serve as a catalyst for proactive steps towards a clearer future through the lens of optimal eye health. Whether it’s rescheduling an eye exam, adopting healthier lifestyle choices, or practicing mindful screen habits, every effort is an investment in your future health and contributes to preserving the gift of sight.
Written by Samantha Austin, CHES®, Health Educator, Westfield Regional Health Department on behalf of the Mayors Wellness Campaign Advisory Committee of the Chathams.
References:
Lee SY, Gurnani B, Mesfin FB. Blindness. [Updated 2024 Feb 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448182/
National Eye Institute. (2024). Healthy Vision Month. Retrieved from: .nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/healthy-vision-resources/healthy-vision-month
American Optometric Association. (2024). Computer Vision Syndrome: org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome?sso=y
