The
eyes
HAVE IT
The future is brighter with better vision! Learn how to keep eyes healthy, plus shop pair eyewear at Hy-Vee.
Routine
EYE Care
We rely on our eyes to guide us through life. Keep seeing clearly as you age with a few simple tips and guidelines for healthy eyes.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Stay active to support a healthy weight and lower your risk of health conditions that can lead to vision problems. Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can lead to glaucoma, cataracts and potential loss of vision.
Quit Smoking (or never start)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), research has linked smoking to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage—all of which can lead to blindness.
Wear Sunglasses
Your favorite shades are more than a fashion accessory—they protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Look for options that block out 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation.
get regular eye exams
The best way to take care of your eyes is to get an eye exam (your doctor can recommend how frequently you need one). An optometrist will check the overall health of your eyes and vision to determine if any chronic eye conditions are developing, and prevent impairments to your vision.
13%
of adult Americans reported they either “have trouble” seeing or are unable to see at all.
WHEN TO SEE
AN EYE DOCTOR
Schedule an eye exam if you’re experiencing any of these vision-related symptoms:
1
You notice your vision getting worse, such as struggling to read road signs or small text.
2
You experience headaches after straining your eyes on tasks such as reading or typing.
3
You have symptoms of eye allergies, such as redness, itchiness and burning.
4
You’re having eye problems such as pain, double vision, floaters or seeing flashes, circles or halos of light.
Consider getting a yearly eye exam if you’re at a higher risk for eye disease due to a family history of eye disease, wearing contacts, previous eye injury or surgery or have diabetes.
1. Ask about your health and family health history.
2. Perform peripheral and color vision checks and a visual acuity exam (such as reading letters from a chart).
3. Dilate your pupils with eye drops to further exam your eyes, if necessary.
4. Prescribe glasses or contacts if needed.
An eye doctor will:
Q
A
AND
with Hy-Vee Chief Medical Officer Dr. Daniel Fick
Why and how is eye health important to overall health?
Q:
Low vision affects more than 5 million Americans 40 years and older. Loss of vision, even in one eye, can have significant life and health consequences. Good vision allows individuals to be independent and to participate in more activities.
A:
What are some signs that there may be problems with your vision and eye health?
Q:
Common vision issues are loss of the central field of vision with macular degeneration. If you are seeing “floaters” in your vision or flashes of light, it is important to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately.
A:
How can someone keep their eyes healthy as they get older?
Q:
Have a regular vision screening that includes a fundoscopic exam of your retina to check for eye problems such as cataracts and an ocular pressure check to screen for glaucoma.
A:
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