We can do a lot to prevent blindness and other eye disorders. Becoming educated about our eyes is probably one of the most important things that we can do for ourselves. A few simple steps taken today can save us from a lot of potential problems down the road.
Dr. Mark Bergmann, an ophthalmologist and one of the premier eye surgeons (LASIK, Rezoom, cataract, corneal implant) in the midwest and Cincinnati, Ohio, has compiled a "Top Ten List" of ways to prevent blindness and other eye complications. Let's focus on this list:
Dr. Bergmann's Top Ten ways to Prevent Blindness
1. Don't smoke, and if you do, QUIT today!!! Recent studies conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts indicate that smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts and can lead to age related macular degeneration. Furthermore, smokers are more likely to have "stroke" or vein occlusion of the retina.
2. Wear ultraviolet (UV)-blocking coated eye protection. Dr. Bergmann recommends that his patients protect their eyes from ultraviolet sunlight by wearing either sunglasses that have a label stating "99% UV Protection" or clear prescription glasses with a UV coating added.
3. Wear safety glasses when working in potentially dangerous situations. For example, when cutting grass, working on do-it yourself home or work-related projects. Or, when participating in certain sport activities where the eye could be injured. So be certain to wear appropriate sports eye wear.
*** Stay away from fireworks unless you are a professional. Thousands of injuries, some that lead to blindness, occur every year due to fireworks.***
4. Wear a hat with a brim. The brim serves to block out even more of the damage causing UV rays. In fact, it can reduce UV rays to the eyes by about 50%!!
5. Everyone should have an eye examination at least every 1-2 years in order to catch diseases such as diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
6. Make sure children get eye examinations as newborns and also by age four or five in order to catch amblyopia and treat it before it is too late.
7. Keep blood sugar levels in check to rule out diabetes.
8. Get good, healthy nutrition...... that which includes fish, berries and green vegetables. Consider a multi-vitamin, especially one with lutein, if approved by your primary care physician.
9.If you are a diabetic, you should have a dilated eye exam at least once per year....and have excellent blood sugar control.
10.Minimize salt and sugar intake. Hypertension and diabetes can cause eye damage.
All Rights Reserved Copyright 2007 www.MarkBergmannMD.com blogpost by Ed Cicale and Dr. Mark Bergmann