Having healthy eyes is an easy thing to take for granted. A lot of us might find ourselves saying, “If it isn’t broke, why fix it?” But the truth of the matter is, once vision problems begin, they can really interfere with our lives. Too often we wait too long to do anything about vision-related concerns and by the time we do, a serious visual ailment may already be taking hold. There’s a lot you can do to support and maintain healthy vision. Check out this ultimate guide to keeping your eyes healthy now in 2019 and the many years yet to come.

Schedule Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams

Because many eye diseases do not show immediate symptoms until the damage is already done, comprehensive eye examinations are one of the best things you can do to maintain your vision and overall ocular health. More than just a vision screening, a comprehensive eye exam by a licensed ophthalmologist can assist in the detection of glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal diseases. Furthermore, conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes may be detected at a very early stage.

Age Matters

Depending on your age, the recommended frequency of eye examinations will vary. A good rule of thumb is:

• Adults Under 40 – Schedule an eye examination every 2-3 years.
• Adults 40-60 – Schedule an eye examination every 1-2 years.
• Adults Over 60 – Schedule annual eye examinations.

As you age, you become more susceptible to eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. If you or your family members have a history of vision-related problems, consult with your doctor if you should check in more often.

A Closer Look at the Typical Eye Exam

An eye examination at NeoVision Eye Center will consist of a series of tests that will determine your overall eye health and which treatments options may best serve your own visual needs.

Your eye exam will include consultation & testing of:

• Medical & Family History – It is important we learn about your general health, the visual demands of your work or hobbies, any medications you may be taking, and if any eye related problems run in your family.
• Visual Acuity – A basic visual test to determine how well you see in comparison to someone with “normal” vision at various distances. It is a simple measurement of sight.
• Refraction Vision Exam – Using a variety of refractive techniques, this test can determine if you need eyeglasses and the proper prescription for needed lenses.
• Eye Movement & Alignment – Checking for eye coordination and muscle function, this test evaluates how your eyes work together and individually.
• Pupil Size & Reactivity – Pupil examination is important for the diagnosis of several conditions such as optic nerve inflammation, high blood pressure, acute glaucoma, and uveitis.
• Field of Vision & Eye Health – This process is to determine problems in your field of vision and tests the functionality of the retina, optic nerve, and optic pathways.

Every patient will be provided with a complete explanation of all findings, what they mean, and what treatment options may be available to you. You will also be able to have answered any questions you may have.

Tips for Keeping Your Healthy Eyes

Incorporating eye health as a part of your regular health check-ups with comprehensive eye exams is among the best things you can do to keep your eyes healthy. However, there is plenty you can do on your own to help support your ocular health all year round.

• Eat Healthy – A diet rich in vegetables and fruits such as dark leafy greens play an important role in maintaining the tissues in our eyes. Studies also show that foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins C & E support ocular health.
• Exercise Regularly – Exercise improves our cardiovascular functions and circulation. Providing more oxygen to our bodies and eyes reduces the risk of macular degeneration.
• Protective Eye Wear – Protective eyewear such as safety goggles and glasses should be worn during any activity that poses a threat of impact or eye injury. Also, sunglasses with UV protection should always be worn during sunny outdoor activity.
• Quit Smoking – Smoking is just as harmful to our eyes as it is to the rest of our bodies. Smoking is linked to macular degeneration, cataracts, and optic nerve damage; all of which can lead to blindness.
• Let Eyes Rest – If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen, whether for work or play, your eyes can become dry and fatigued. Practice the 20-20-20 rule to prevent eye strain: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.
• Keep Them Clean – Avoid infection by thoroughly washing your hands before handling your contact lenses or making any contact with your eyes.

Vision & Optical Treatment Options

NeoVision Eye Center provides our patients with safe and effective vision services. Through our comprehensive eye examinations, we can help you determine a treatment option and plot a course for your best possible vision. It is our belief that informed patients make the best patients.

We make it our mission to ensure you will fully understand your visual condition, what treatment options are available, and why any recommended service is the best choice for you.

Our medical director and ophthalmologist Dr. Shobha Tandon is an expert in LASIK and cataract surgery, as well as many other laser vision correction services. We offer many comprehensive optical services as well and can assist you with quality eyeglasses for reading, safety, and sports alongside contact lens fittings and examinations.

Keeping Your Eyes Healthy in 2019 with NeoVision in Union City

Keeping your eyes healthy in 2019 and beyond is an ongoing process and NeoVision Eye Center is your trusted ally and provider for all your vision services. We combine expertise, technology, safety, and patient care to create an experience that will leave you feeling you have made the right decision. For more information about our offered services or to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye examination or treatment consultation, please call or contact our office online today!

Make 2019 the year you take control of your visual health.