Early Detection and Treatment Leads to Healthy Eyesight

Sunglasses make it easier to see on a sunny day, whether out on the road or the water. However, wearing the right sunglasses is also a great defense against ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause short- and long-term eye damage. These are the most important factors to consider when purchasing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun: Make it 100 percent.   The single most important thing to look for when buying sunglasses to protect your eyes is a sticker or tag indicating that they block 100 percent of UV rays. However, fewer than half of people buying sunglasses bother to check whether the lenses protect the eyes from ultraviolet light, according to the Academy's 2014 national sun safety survey . Bigger is better.   The more coverage from sunglasses, the less sun damage inflicted on the eyes. Consider buying oversized glasses or wraparound-style glasses, which help cut down on UV entering the eye from the side. Darker lenses don't protect better.   While very dark

S easonal allergies affect more than 35 million Americans each year  and can have a tremendously negative impact on an individual’s quality of life. Tree pollens in April and May, grass pollens in June and July and mold spores and weed pollens in July and August add up to a five-month barrage of eye-irritating allergens. Triggered by the same allergens that cause intermittent allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is the most commonly occurring ocular allergy. A part of a wide array of allergic conditions that involve inflammation of the conjunctiva, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by a combination of ocular itching, inflammation, watering and redness. If seasonal conjunctivitis is bothering you, here are some tips that can help: Study your geography . You can monitor tree, grass, weed and mold spore counts for your particular geographic area. That way you can determine when it might be best to stay indoors, thus minimizing exposure to irritating alle

Take  Simple Steps to Protect Your Sight   Approximately  37  million  adults in America have age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma, all of which can  cause visual impairment or blindness, acc ording to the National Eye Institute (NEI). i  However, recent studies show that making healthy choices and getting regular eye exams can help reduce a person’s risk of vision loss. In support of NEI’s  Healthy Vision Month  in May, Friedberg Eye Associates  and  the American Academy of Ophthalmology are encouraging everyone to take charge of their eye health and preserve their sight by following some simple tips.    Live a healthy lifestyle . Eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking can lower your risk of eye disease.  Foods that boost eye health  include dark green leafy greens, cold water fish and citrus fruits. A study recently published in the journal  Ophthalmology  showed that a diet rich in vitamin C c