Eye Health and Safety Month

Eye Safety in the Workplace

March 29, 2017 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

This month is Workplace Eye Safety Month! No matter where you work, it is important to keep your eyes safe in the workplace. Learn a few tips on how to keep your vision in its best condition.

Workplace Eye Safety

Protect your eyes—If you work in an environment that uses chemicals or oils, it is important to wear eye protection, such as goggles. Working in construction and manufacturing may also require the use of eye protection, as you want to make sure that your eyes are safe as you work.

Wear computer glasses—If you work at a computer for the majority of the day, it is important to save your eyes from eye strain. Maintain your eye safety by investing in computer glasses, which will block some of the blue light from the computer screen. Also, make sure to abide by the 20-20-20 rule—for every 20 minutes you work on the computer, focus on something that is 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to refocus your vision. This rule applies to phones and televisions, too! Do not spend too much of your day focusing on a screen.

Know your risks—Certain work environments are more dangerous to the eyes than others. Some jobs may require the use of safety eyewear, goggles, or special-use safety glasses. If you work in an environment that is more strenuous on your eyes, it is important to maintain and perhaps even increase your eye safety.

Workplace eye safety is important to your health, as well as your success in your career. Be sure to make your vision a priority no matter where you work so that your can maintain your eye health. To learn more about workplace eye safety, or to schedule an eye exam with one of our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Eye Exams, Eye Health, Eye Health and Safety Month, Eye Safety, Eyeglasses

Save Your Vision with an Eye Exam

March 15, 2017 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

This March is Save Your Vision Month! Although we live busy lives, it is important to take time to care for our eyes, as we use them at every waking moment. Learn more about the ways in which your eyes can benefit from an eye exam.

An Eye Exam Can Save Your Vision

Do not stare at the computer—According to a 2016 survey, the average American uses a screen for approximately seven hours each day. However, the blue light that comes from computer screens, phone screens, and the TV can damage your eyes in a number of ways. It is recommended that if you use a screen for more than twenty minutes at a time, you should look 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds so that your eyes have a chance to focus on something that is far away. Make sure to refocus your eyes so that you do not get any headaches associated with eye strain.

Eye strain is damaging to your health—If you suffer from eye strain, you may also suffer from headaches, blurred vision, and a general lack of sleep. If you have any of these side effects, make sure to make an appointment for an eye exam to get your prescription updated and check on the health of your eyes.

To reverse eye strain, come in for an eye exam—An eye exam can ensure that your eyes and your body are in their optimal health if you are concerned that you might have digital eye strain. As your optometrist about computer glasses, which may save your vision if you need to work on the computer for several hours each day.

Put your vision first! Save your eyes with an eye exam this March. To learn more information about digital eye strain, or to schedule an eye exam at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.

Filed Under: Eye Exams, Eye Health, Eye Health and Safety Month

Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month

April 25, 2016 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

Most women know that taking care of their health is crucial. However, many forget about the importance of also getting their eye health in check—especially because women are at higher risk than men for ocular diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and age related macular degeneration. Fortunately, there are different ways to reduce this increased eye health risk and protect your eyes from many diseases. Learn how to properly care for your eyes and ensure that they are healthy today and in the future.

Regular Eye Exams

Vision changes as you age – it’s a fact of life. Conditions develop that may not have been present before. This is why regular eye exams are necessary, even if you don’t seem to have any vision problems. Trained eye doctors will detect and treat any conditions early, so that you can avoid serious issues later in life. If left untreated, diseases like glaucoma can lead to blindness. Take care of your eye health by making an appointment for a comprehensive exam.

Protective Eyewear

Another risk women face in regard to their eyes is injury. Many injuries happen right inside the home, such as during home improvement projects. The best way to prevent eye-damaging accidents is to protect yourself while doing any sort of work that may lead to slips or falling debris. Protective eyewear like safety goggles should be kept in your home for easy access any time you need them.

Overall Health

Several health conditions result in vision impairment. Diabetes and high blood pressure, for example, both affect your ability to see clearly. Taking precautions to maintain your physical health will, in turn, maintain your eye health. Getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet are two sure ways to prevent eye-threatening diseases.

As a woman, you have many health risks that are unique to your gender, and your eyes are no exception. With a heightened risk for conditions like glaucoma, it’s important to take steps that will ensure the health of your eyes. Receiving regular eye exams, using protective eyewear, and maintaining your physical health are all crucial to your eye health.

For more information about eye health, or to schedule an eye exam with one of our optometrists, visit our website.

Filed Under: Eye Care Tips, Eye Exams, Eye Health, Eye Health and Safety Month, Eye Safety

Keep your Eyes Healthy

February 29, 2016 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

When it comes to your health, are your first thoughts about issues like weight, cholesterol and blood pressure? Your eyes benefit from good care as much as the rest of your body does. Follow these tips to keep your eyes and your vision in top shape.

Have a comprehensive eye exam once a year

Eye problems are not readily evident. You may not even realize that your vision has diminished until it’s checked by an optometrist. A thorough eye exam will also check for signs of disease or damage.

Use protective eyewear

Even if you’re performing a simple home repair, wear safety glasses or goggles to prevent sharp objects or particles from entering your eyes. If your kids participate in sports, make sure they use the appropriate eye protection. Always wear sunglasses whenever you’re outside on sunny days.

Keep your hands clean

During the day your hands come into contact with an infinite number of germs and bacteria, from both objects and other people. The best practice is to avoid touching your eyes entirely, but frequent hand-washing will reduce the possibility of irritation or infection.

Take a visual break

Increasing use of high-tech devices like computers and cell phones has also increased the potential for eye strain. Eye care professionals recommend the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, turn your gaze about 20 feet into the distance and hold for about 20 seconds.

Learn your family’s eye history

Many diseases and conditions are hereditary. Become informed about any issues your parents and grandparents may have had so you can monitor your eye health for signs and symptoms.

Quit smoking

If you don’t smoke, don’t start. Research has shown that smoking increases your risk of macular degeneration, optic nerve damage and cataracts, conditions that can each lead to blindness.

For more information about eye health or to schedule an appointment with one of our optometrists, visit our website.

Filed Under: Eye Care Tips, Eye Exams, Eye Health and Safety Month

Best Practices for Great Eye Care

February 16, 2016 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

Many people take their eye health for granted until they suffer from vision loss or other eye conditions. Having a thorough eye care routine can go a very long way in maintaining excellent eye health. Don’t be reckless with your sight! Keep reading to find out the best care best practices for your eyes.

Don’t Strain Your Eyes

When working on a computer, phone, or tablet, your eyes eventually get tired and begin to strain to focus on whichever device you’re looking at. This can seriously affect your eye health. Make sure that you receive an ample time of rest and look 20 feet away from the screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds.

Schedule Regular Eye Check-Ups

Getting an eye exam regularly is the best thing you can do for not only your eyes but also your overall health. Many common eye conditions don’t present symptoms until well into their development. The earlier a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts is diagnosed, the better the chances of successfully treating them. Also, a thorough eye exam can detect signs of diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Ensure That Your Insides Are Healthy

Your diet can alter many things in your body, including eye health. Keeping up a healthy diet reduces your chances of getting diabetes and becoming progressively blind. Aside from a proper diet, smoking is also something to keep out of your healthy lifestyle. Smoking slows down your circulation and also puts you at risk of getting optic nerve damage.

Keep Your Eyes Protected

UV rays are extremely harmful to the eyes. To prevent any UV-related issue with your eyesight, wear sunglasses to block out those dangerous rays. Without any protection, you are prone to develop cataracts and even macular degeneration.

For more information about eye health or to schedule an appointment with Valley Eyecare Center, visit our website.

Filed Under: Computer Vision Syndrome, Eye Care Tips, Eye Conditions, Eye Exams, Eye Health, Eye Health and Safety Month, Eye Safety

Children’s Eye Safety and Sports

April 20, 2015 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

April is Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month. For this reason, we’d like to focus on how you can keep your child’s eyes safe during recreational activities. The safety of your child’s eyes is not something to be taken lightly. Protecting your child’s vision is important now in order to set her up for fewer problems later in life.

When it comes to kids eye care, there is one sure-fire way to provide protection during sports: utilizing the proper protective eyewear. While you certainly don’t want to keep your kids from enjoying their favorite sports due to a high risk of eye injury, you should take every measure necessary to ensure their safety.

Sports and Kids Eye Care

Sports present many opportunities for injury in children, even more so than adults, since children’s bodies aren’t yet fully developed. The eyes are no exception to this rule. According to The American Academy of Ophthalmology, each year more than 40 percent of eye injuries occur as a result of sports or other recreational activities. The organization also reports that of the injuries noted, 78 percent happened to people not using protective eyewear.

Preventative Measures for Kids Eye Care

Such a simple thing makes such a huge impact in the health of your child’s eyes. Just as you would never think of letting your kid ride a bike without a helmet, so should you never let him play sports without protective eyewear. Will he mumble and complain? Sure, but it’s your job as his parent to secure the future of his eye health.

If you think your child may have already suffered an eye injury or is at high risk, call to schedule an appointment today. Don’t let another minute pass without taking your kid’s eye health seriously.

Filed Under: Children's Vision, Eye Health, Eye Health and Safety Month, Sports Eyewear

Low Vision Awareness Month

February 23, 2015 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

February is the time to observe Low Vision Awareness Month. Here is some information to help you better understand this condition.

What Is Low Vision?

The term “low vision” refers to sight that cannot be corrected with glasses, surgery or medication. This condition makes even everyday activities such as cooking, shopping or watching TV a serious challenge.

What Causes Low Vision?

A major cause of low vision is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As many as 15 million people over the age of 50 suffer from this condition which affects the macula, the part of your eye responsible for sharp detail. Other cases of low vision result from glaucoma, cataracts or diabetic retinopathy. Some individuals are born with low vision due to optic nerve damage.

It’s important to emphasize that low vision does not mean the normal changes in eyesight that come with aging. Low vision can affect people of any age. If you have a hard time seeing clearly even with glasses or contact lenses, you should be tested.

How Is Low Vision Detected?

Your Phoenix optometrist can conduct a low vision examination. This procedure takes into account your daily functions and whether or not your vision is at a level to comfortably accommodate those activities. A yearly exam increases the chances of early detection, which is key to successful treatment. Thanks to medical advances, people with low vision are able to lead full, productive lives. Schedule an appointment with your Phoenix optometrist to learn more about low vision and proper care of your eyes.

Filed Under: Children's Vision, Eye Conditions, Eye Exams, Eye Health and Safety Month, Low Vision

Are Women More Likely To Have Eye Problems?

August 20, 2014 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

Did you know that women are more likely to develop eye health issues than men?

In fact, according to the Women’s Eye Health Task Force, nearly two-thirds of people suffering from blindness or high levels of visual impairment are women. Domestically, it’s much the same: Prevent Blindness America reports the same figures here at home.

This is a medical statistic that’s only started to become widely-known, and doctors around the world are just beginning to look into the reasons why.

Links Between Women And Vision Trouble

Why do women have more vision problems around the world? There are several proposed reasons for this, and it’s likely they’re all contributing to the issue:

1 – Women live longer than men, statistically. In the US, for example, women live roughly five years longer. Since vision problems accrue over time, and are worst in old age, this is going to naturally increase the number of blind women, relative to men.

2 – Hormonal changes. Men don’t suffer menopause, or anything like it, which removes this as a risk factor. The hormonal changes in a woman’s body later in life can cause changes in eye shape or composition, especially if “bloating” is involved. This can lead to ocular hypertension and other eye disorders.

3 – Lower access to health care. While not globally true, in many places in the world -and even in America- women generally have lower access to health care than men, especially among the low-income. Many eye conditions are treatable if caught early on, but can lead to irreversible damage if left untreated.

Along with this, there are the environmental and behavioral issues that both men and women share. However, due to women’s existing higher chances of vision problems, that means problems like smoking, or high blood pressure, carry a greater chance of vision damage.

Keep Watch On Your Eyes Past Forty

The best eye health measures are preventative. Our eyes are fragile, and there are many things in this world which can damage them irreparably. Optometrists recommend women over 40 to have an eye checkup at least once a year. This is especially important in the first year or two past menopause, when many new problems may develop.

Women may have higher chances of eye disease, but it’s not inevitable. Consult with your Phoenix Optometrist if you’d like more recommendations on how to reduce your own chances of vision loss.

Filed Under: Eye Conditions, Eye Exams, Eye Health, Eye Health and Safety Month, Genetics

Children’s Eye Health And Safety Month

August 13, 2014 By Valley Eyecare Center Leave a Comment

Are you staying on top of your children’s eye health?

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, just in time for back-to-school activities. If your child is more than a year old, this is an excellent time to take them in for an eye exam! After all, vision trouble is one of the leading causes of unnecessary behavioral problems in school, and can even contribute to poor grades.

Besides that, what other activities can a parent engage in to help protect their child’s eyesight? We’ve got some suggestions!

Four Ways To Protect Your Children’s Eye Health

1 – Talk to your child about eye safety.

This is one of the basic things, but commonly overlooked. You can’t protect your child’s eyes 24/7. It’s vital to teach them how precious their vision is, especially in terms of using protective eyewear whenever their eyes might be at risk

2 – Model good behavior.

Those talks go down better if the child’s parents are showing how things should be done. Make sure you and your spouse are always using protective goggles, such as when working with fireworks or around machinery.

3 – Require sports goggles for physical outdoor play.

Broadly speaking, we wish every child playing baseball or hockey -or any other sport with small flying objects- were using goggles. A single accidental impact can ruin an eye, or an eye socket.

And no one has the reflexes to reliably duck a 100mph flying object. That’s why goalies and catchers wear full facemasks.

However, this is especially relevant if your child already wears corrective lenses. Damage from flying objects can be made worse by traditional glasses or contacts. Prescription sports goggles truly are the only safe option here.

4 – Watch for the following warning signs.

Generally speaking, a child’s eyes should develop “by themselves” without the need for parental intervention. After all, we’ve been doing it for a very long time. However, if you see any of the following in your child, you should contact an eye doctor:

Pink or bloodshot eyes
Yellow-tinted “whites” of their eyes
Mismatched coloration
Miscolored or mirror-like pupils
Visible cysts or lesions around the eyelid
Consistently mis-aimed or uncoordinated eyes
Excessive tearing, especially when not truly crying
Moving nearer/further from objects to read them

Remember, children’s eye health is crucial because they only get one set of eyes. Don’t hesitate to contact your Phoenix Optometrist if you have any concerns!

Filed Under: Children's Vision, Eye Conditions, Eye Exams, Eye Health, Eye Health and Safety Month