Many people see the doctor every year for a physical. Most of us also schedule regular visits to the dentist to get our teeth cleaned. But what about your eyes? It’s important to take care of your eyes just like you take care of the rest of your body!
Healthy Vision Month is the perfect time of the year to focus on your vision. That’s why we’re joining forces with the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, to celebrate eye health this month — and encourage young adults to make vision a priority for the future.
1. Black Americans and Eye Health
Black Americans have some of the highest rates of vision loss and blindness caused by common eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. And get this: experts expect those rates to get even worse over the next decade.
Many eye diseases don’t have early warning signs or symptoms, which can make them tricky to catch before they cause vision problems. The good news is there are steps you can take to help protect your vision for a lifetime.
2. Protect Your Vision!
Here are some simple steps that can help keep your eyes healthy.
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3. Get An Eye Exam
Getting an eye exam is the only way to be sure your eyes are healthy — but unfortunately, many Black Americans aren’t getting their eyes checked. Talk to your doctor about scheduling an eye exam.
4. Know Your Family’s Eye Health History
Blacks are at higher risk for eye diseases that run in families, like glaucoma. Ask your family members if they’ve had any eye problems at your next family gathering.
5. Eat Eye-Healthy Foods
A diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables — especially dark leafy greens, like spinach or kale — can help keep your eyes healthy. And if you have diabetes, be sure to choose foods that are high in fiber and low on the glycemic index.
6. Get Plenty of Physical Activity
Regular physical activity comes with a lot of great benefits. It can boost your mood, reduce stress, help you