February is Low Vision Awareness Month
The month of February is Low Vision Awareness Month. What exactly is low vision? Low vision describes significant visual impairment that isn’t correctable through glasses, medication, eye surgery or contact lenses. It’s often characterized by partial sight such as blind spots, tunnel vision or blurred vision. The most common causes of low vision in the United States are glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts. There are several other causes of low vision as well such as strokes, traumatic brain injury and other diseases.
Dilated Eye Exams
You might think that because your vision is fine that your eyes are healthy, but receiving a comprehensive eye exam is the only way to be absolutely certain. During your visit both of your eyes will be closely examined for any signs of vision problems and eye diseases. The dilation of your eyes is a very important part of your comprehensive eye exam as it helps your doctor to get a clear picture of both your eye health and your overall well-being.
New Year’s Resolutions for Your Eyes
Happy New Year to all of you! With the start of 2015 comes resolutions to be the best that we can be in the New Year. Many of us make goals related to health or exercise — losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, but one part of our body that tends to get overlooked is our eyes. This year, whether you’re looking to eat healthier, lose weight or bulk up; make it a point to get your eyes into the action.
It’s Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in Americans aged 20 to 65? Not many people do. Dr. Kerry Solomon is taking advantage of the fact that November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month by helping to generate awareness among our patients and community.
What is Low Vision?
Low vision refers to a visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery, prescription drugs, glasses or contacts. It’s often characterized by partial sight, such as blurred vision, blind spots or tunnel vision. Low vision can impact people of any age, but it is primarily associated with adults over the age of 60.
Glaucoma Awareness Month
This month is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. January is an important time to raise awareness and spread the word about glaucoma, its symptoms and its treatment. The disease is considered the “silent thief of sight” as there are virtually no symptoms associated with it and once vision is lost, it’s gone for good. As much as 40% of vision can be lost before any sort of change is noticed. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Currently there is no cure for glaucoma, but with early detection and treatment, its effects can be slowed down and further vision loss can be prevented. Over 2.7 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of these individuals don’t even know that they have the disease. With these numbers growing, it is very important to not only receive regular eye examinations, but to help raise awareness about the disease as well.
Glaucoma and Why You Should Have Your Eyes Examined
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain, is damaged by the pressure of fluid inside your eye. There are two main types of glaucoma. One is primary open-angle glaucoma and the other is angle-closure glaucoma. These types of glaucoma are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure, or pressure inside of the eye. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease contributes to or causes increased eye pressure.
May Is Healthy Vision Month: Keep an Eye on Your Vision
May is Healthy Vision Month and offers up a great opportunity to learn about eye health and to make sure you and your family recognize the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams as a way to maintain healthy vision.