If you read our blogs, you know we have really focused our 2021 news on preventative care. As we continue to see COVID not only changing our economy, how we interact with others, and where our country is heading but also healthcare.
All health is important as it tends to link together. For example, good gut health can mean good immunity. So all preventative care is crucial. We are in the business of eyes, so we are partial. Vision is so important for preventative care. As you may know from our other blogs, vision disease typically is asymptomatic until it has caused permanent damage.
Today we wanted to look into vision facts. If you have not been convinced to come in for an annual exam yet, maybe some of these facts can help you choose to get preventative care.
No. A poll taken by American Academy of Ophthalmology found that most Americans do not know about vision health. The best way to keep your vision is to educate yourself.
This poll found that fewer than 20 percent of American can identify the three major causes of blindness. We will give you one of the three. Many people that suffer from diabetes know that one major cause of blindness is diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by the blood vessels in the eye. Diabetes can create scar tissue causing retina to pull away from the eye. This can cause spots in vision, flashes of light, or vision loss.
Another cause of vision loss is glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the eyes optic nerve. This typically is due to increasing fluid and pressure in the eye. That puff of air helps optometrists prevent vision loss by checking eye pressure which is the prime indicator of the early stages of glaucoma. Click here to learn more about glaucoma.
Finally, age- related macular degeneration (AMD) causes blindness. Specifically in the center of the eye. The cause is usually leaky blood vessels that grow under the retina.
The poll also found that less than half of Americans know that vision can be lost to eye disease before symptoms arise. Additionally, 47 percent of poll takers did not know that the brain adjusts for vision loss so until it is significant it is likely undetected by the individual. Once again, showing how important those annual vision checks are to ensure eye health.
First off, schedule an annual exam with us! As optical providers, we are versed in finding, identifying, and treating eye disease. Our offices are taking COVID precautions to protect patients.
Second, keep reading our blogs! Learning about vision loss and prevention can help not only you but those close to you identify and treat eye disease early because it becomes permanent.
Look for common vision issues associated with eye disease
We love helping patients. It is our passion. We want patients to feel like family. We care and we want your vision to be its best. Please do not hesitate to come and see us if you think you may be suffering from eye disease.
