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.
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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.
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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 stay at a healthy weight — and help protect you from serious eye diseases!
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7. Wear Sunglasses (even on cloudy days!)
Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and help keep your vision sharp. When shopping for shades, look for a pair that blocks out at least 99 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation.
So, what’s your vision of the future?
Help us spread the word about Healthy Vision Month by telling us your vision of the future! Use #MyVisionMyFuture and the language below on social media throughout the month of May to share the steps you’re taking now to protect your vision in the future.
“I ___ now so I can see ___ in the future.” #MyVisionMyFuture
Whether you’re looking forward to taking in the view from your corner office or setting your sights on the Eiffel Tower — you can take simple steps now to make sure your eyes are ready for the future. To learn more about Healthy Vision Month and how to take care of your eyes, check out the NEI Healthy Vision Month website.
