African Americans are at higher risk for eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss and blindness unless detected early.
To help increase eye health awareness and promote early detection of eye disease, the National Eye Institute (NEI) and its National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) have launched Write the Vision: Make Your Plan to Protect Your Sight.
This new initiative is developed specifically for African Americans and offers tips like the following to help protect your sight.
1. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Because many eye diseases have no warning signs or symptoms, early detection is important for preventing vision loss and blindness. African Americans age 40 or older should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam as part of their regular healthcare routine, as directed by their eye care professional.
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2. Learn your family’s eye health history.
We don’t just inherit the shape or color of our eyes from our parents.
We inherit their eye health, too. And, especially for African Americans, your family tree can put you at risk for glaucoma.
Knowing if you are at risk for eye disease can help save your sight.
3. Don’t get blindsided by diabetic eye disease.
People with diabetes are at risk for diabetic eye disease, which often has no symptoms in its early stages.
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African Americans are at higher risk for the disease, which, if left undetected, can cause vision loss and even blindness.
Keep your diabetes under control and get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year to help protect your sight.
4. Be cool and wear your shades.
Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.
5. Learn more about your vision.
Our eyesight changes as we age. Some changes can be corrected with eyeglasses or better lighting.
Other changes may signal more serious threats to your vision.
There’s an easy way to know for sure: See your eye care professional.
Make your plans—Write the Vision is here!
Visit Write the Vision: Make Your Plan to Protect Your Sight to learn how to focus on your vision. Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam to make sure you are seeing your best.
And please share the inspiration of healthy vision in African-American communities nationwide by encouraging others to visit the site, too. Write the Vision needs champions like you to help elevate vision as a health priority for the African-American community.
