March Is National Save Your Vision Month

March is national Save Your Vision Month, which is organized by the American Optometric Association, and aims to increase awareness regarding good eye care and encourage more people to go for regular eye exams. During the month, Americans are reminded of the importance of eye health and comprehensive eye examinations performed by doctors of optometry. Vision and health are more intertwined that most people may realize. Many general health problems, like diabetes and high blood pressure, can actually be detected early by having the eyes examined. And healthy vision in children is a key component of learning and developing to their full potential in life.

Eye health and vision care must be viewed as a national priority per the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM). Vision is a key component of our health and an estimated 142 million Americans over age 40 experience vision problems which can be addressed. Between 8.2 and 15.9 million people have a correctable visual disability attributable to uncorrected refractive error. Research supports the importance of healthy vision in children and adults, who are more productive at school and work, and more socially engaged.

Dr. Helen J. Zervas, a board-certified Optometrist at Family Eye Care in Bristol, says that, “Most of us take our vision for granted. Save Your Vision Month reminds us that almost everything in our lives is based on visual stimulation. And it is human nature not to consider how important our eye care is until there is an actual problem.”

“Most people think that Optometry only focuses on the functioning of the eye, but we are dedicated to caring for the whole person. Eye exams can tell you a lot about your overall health. We are committed to an individualized care plan that ensures a comprehensive understanding of your eyes, your overall health and wellness, and detection of any early signs of eye disease. We utilize the newest and most innovative equipment, from state-of-the-art testing to diagnostic equipment, to assess your eye health and reduce the risk of any issues. This allows us to intervene early with treatment plans that save your vision and minimize any further damage.”

Dr. Zervas adds, “Another benefit of regular eye exams is the ability to address eye strain and damage as a result of the computers, which are a ubiquitous part of everyone’s lives. Some of the most common problems from computer use are dry eyes, blurry vision and eye strain, partly because computer users blink less than is normal. To remedy this, regular eye exams are essential along with good habits such as taking computer breaks at regular intervals, consciously trying to blink the eyes and using artificial tears. Keeping the computer monitor at a safe distance below eye level and free of dust are also helpful for improving clarity.”

The Save Your Vision commemoration dates all the way back to 1927 and it was later officially declared as a national observance by President Johnson in 1963. This was done in order to stress the importance of regular, comprehensive eye examinations and optometric care. In 2005, the American Optometric Association (AOA) House of Delegates voted to extend the campaign to a month.

For more information, contact Family Eye Care: https://bit.ly/2q2FvXv