North Country Health Nuggets
Healthy Vision
Our eyes help us stay connected to the world around us, making good vision an important part of overall health and quality of life. Taking steps to protect your eyesight at every age can help detect problems early and reduce the risk of vision loss.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are one of the best ways to maintain healthy vision. Many eye diseases develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms until permanent damage has occurred. Routine exams can identify conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration before they significantly affect sight.
Healthy lifestyle choices also support eye health. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods containing vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, may help maintain healthy eyes. Staying physically active, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, and avoiding tobacco use can further reduce the risk of eye disease.
Protecting your eyes from injury and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is equally important. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when outdoors. Using appropriate protective eyewear during sports, home improvement projects, or jobs where eye injuries may occur can help save your vision. It takes only a few seconds to put on safety glasses, but recovering from an eye injury caused by chemicals or flying debris can take months, and some injuries may result in permanent vision loss or blindness.
If you spend long hours using digital devices, remember to give your eyes regular breaks. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjusting screen brightness, reducing glare, and positioning screens at a comfortable distance can also help reduce eye strain.
Children should receive age-appropriate vision screenings and eye examinations as recommended by their healthcare providers. Early detection of vision problems can improve learning, development, and social interactions. In Minnesota, Child and Teen Checkups (C&TC) is a benefit available to children who are eligible for Medical Assistance (Medicaid). For information specific to your county, contact your local public health office or visit its website. If your child is not covered by Medicaid, check with your insurance provider to locate an ophthalmologist or optometrist and schedule an eye exam. Summer can be an ideal time to schedule routine eye appointments before the new school year begins and allows time for follow-up care if vision problems are identified.
Older adults should continue regular eye care, as the risk of age-related eye conditions increases over time. Anyone who notices sudden vision changes, flashes of light, new floaters, eye pain, or a curtain-like shadow over their vision should seek immediate medical attention.
By scheduling regular eye exams, protecting your eyes from injury and UV exposure, maintaining healthy habits, and seeking prompt care for vision changes, you can help preserve your eyesight and enjoy healthy vision throughout life.
Safety Glasses: How to Prevent Blinding Eye Injuries - American Academy of Ophthalmology
Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services
(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)