Maintaining the health of your eyes and vision is crucial for overall quality of life. There are common questions about eye and vision health that many of us have. It helps to understand the basics of vision health, so you feel confident when you choose your own vision care. Let’s look at nine of the most frequently asked questions about vision health and vision care.
1) Can I Reduce the Risk of Vision Loss?
Yes, there are several proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of vision loss. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a key part of reducing the risk of vision loss.
Here are some of the actions you can take to reduce vision loss:
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables that you enjoy and keeps you satisfied.
- Regular exercise can also improve blood circulation, which benefits the eyes.
- Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases.
- Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays.
- Additionally, manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as they can impact vision health.
2) Why Are Regular Eye Exams So Important?
Regular eye exams are essential to vision health because they can detect signs of vision problems and eye diseases at an early stage when they're most treatable. Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, often have no early symptoms. Early detection through regular exams can prevent or slow vision loss.
3) What Happens During an Eye Exam?
An eye exam typically involves several tests to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. A full-service eye exam may include some of the following vision tests:
- Visual Acuity Test: Measures how well you see at various distances.
- Refraction Test: Determines your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Visual Field Test: Checks for blind spots in your peripheral vision, which can indicate eye disease or other health issues.
- Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside your eyes to check for glaucoma.
- Pupil Dilation: Involves using eye drops to widen your pupils, allowing the eye doctor to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of disease.
4) Which Is Best for You: Contacts or Glasses?
Choosing between eyeglasses and contact lenses depends on personal preference, lifestyle, and specific vision needs. Here are some of the key differences between eyeglasses and contact lenses:
Glasses:
- Easier to wear and maintain
- Can correct a broader range of vision problems
- Less likely to cause eye infections since they don't touch the eyes directly
- Can offer protection from dust, debris, and harmful UV rays with the right lenses
Contact Lenses:
- Provide a wider field of view since they move with your eyes
- Less likely to get in the way during physical activities
- Available in various types, including daily, biweekly, and monthly disposables
When deciding between eyeglasses and contact lenses, consider factors such as convenience, comfort, and your specific vision requirements. Some people use both, wearing glasses at home and contacts when they need the convenience and unobstructed view they provide. Most vision insurance plans offer discounts or allowances for prescription eyewear—this can be a great reason to add vision insurance if you don’t already have it.
5) What Are Common Causes of Vision Loss for People Over 40 Years Old?
Several conditions can cause vision loss and impairment in individuals 40 and older, here are some of the most common causes:
- Presbyopia: A natural part of aging where the eye's lens becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Presbyopia is common and typically managed with reading glasses or adding near-vision capabilities to your existing glasses prescription.
- Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's lens, leading to blurry vision.
- Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye that damages the optic nerve.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Deterioration of the central part of the retina, affecting central vision.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by diabetes.
No matter your age, taking care of your vision health matters. Understanding the more common reasons for vision loss can help you make choices that support your eyesight.
6) What Are the Differences Between an Ophthalmologist, Optometrist, and Optician?
Selecting the right eye care professional can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between ophthalmologists, optometrist, and opticians.
Ophthalmologist:
- A medical doctor specializing in eye and vision care
- Performs eye exams, diagnoses and treats eye diseases, prescribes medications, and performs eye surgery
Optometrist:
- Doctors of Optometry are necessary health care professionals and are recognized as doctors who provide quality eye health and vision care services
- Examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and disorders related to the eye
- Can prescribe corrective lenses and medications for certain eye conditions, as well as perform certain surgical procedures
Optician:
- A technician who designs, fits, and dispenses corrective lenses based on the prescriptions provided by ophthalmologists and optometrists
- Does not perform eye exams or treat eye diseases
Knowing the expertise of each eye care professional empowers you to make informed decisions about your vision health.
7) What Is Digital Eye Strain and How Can You Avoid It?
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, results from prolonged use of digital screens. Symptoms include eye discomfort, headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain.
Here are some things you can do to avoid digital eye strain:
- Whenever you find yourself spending time looking at a digital device, be sure to take frequent breaks. Get up, stretch, and give your eyes a rest.
- Ensure proper lighting to reduce glare on screens.
- Adjust the screen's brightness and contrast for comfortable viewing.
- Use ergonomic seating and maintain an appropriate distance from the screen.
8) What Are UV Rays? How Can They Cause Damage to Your Eyes?
UV rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage various parts of the eye, leading to conditions such as:
- Cataracts: UV radiation increases the risk of cataract formation.
- Macular Degeneration: UV rays can contribute to the deterioration of the central retina.
- Photokeratitis: A painful, temporary condition similar to a sunburn on the cornea.
To protect your eyes from UV rays, wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays and consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat for additional protection.
9) What Common Health Conditions Can Damage Eyes?
Several health conditions can adversely affect eye health, including:
- Diabetes: Can lead to diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina.
- Thyroid Disorders: Can cause eye problems like dry eyes, double vision, and bulging eyes.
Managing these health conditions effectively with the help of health care professionals can protect your vision.
Conclusion
Maintaining vision health is crucial for overall well-being. Regular eye exams, a healthy lifestyle, and proper eye protection can significantly reduce the risk of vision problems. Having vision insurance can make your corrective eyewear and regular eye exams simple and cost-effective. When researching your vision insurance plan, make sure they offer a large network of providers in your area, and compare the benefits you’ll have access to. These may include discounted glasses or contacts, low-cost eye exams, and more. VSP® Individual Vision Plans make it simple to find an eye doctor near you.
By staying informed and proactive, you can preserve your vision and enjoy a better quality of life.
Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans' social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Reviewed by Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon:
Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon is Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at VSP Vison Care where she helps drive strategic initiatives aimed at raising awareness about vision, eye health and its connection to overall wellness, while providing insight into medical advancements that seek to benefit patient care. She also provides oversight of VSP programs to address gaps in care for some of the most high-risk populations, including those living with diabetes.
With more than two decades of experience as a Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Sheety-Pilon has dedicated much of her time to clinical research across numerous ophthalmic subspecialties and has an established history of helping patients through novel therapeutic agents and clinical adoption of transformative technology in the areas of digital health, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
Prior to joining VSP Vision in 2019, Dr. Sheety-Pilon served as Adjunct Clinical Professor at Illinois College of Optometry, held various executive positions within the eye health industry, and has extensive experience managing and practicing within an ophthalmology and optometry practice.
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