Vision care should be on top of your preventive health checklist, even if you have near-perfect eyesight. Regular exams help your specialist spot red flags early and resolve minor issues before they become major problems. Timely diagnoses and interventions can save your vision down the road and lower the risk of age-related vision loss.
While optometrists and ophthalmologists recommend comprehensive eye exams at least once every two years, most Americans fall short on this front. Unfortunately, almost 20 million Americans have visual impairments.
That accounts for 8% of the U.S. population suffering from severe vision problems, including blindness. Additionally, issues such as cataracts, nearsightedness, and farsightedness affect millions more.
Regular visits to your eye doctor can delay or prevent many of these problems, but you may make some blunders between these visits. Some mistakes can be big troublemakers, leading to severe complications. Your eye specialist wants you to follow some rules beyond the basics of regular eye care to stay safe from vision problems.
Here are the ones you must adhere to diligently:
Rule #1: Check Your Eye Drops Carefully
Your eye specialists may recommend some prescription eye drops, and you may use some over-the-counter products. With both, you need to watch the ingredients, expiry dates, usage specifications, and storage instructions. Going wrong with any of these factors may lead to severe side effects and complications.
The recent outcry regarding the recall of EzriCare Artificial Tears eye drops establishes unprecedented dangers consumers may face. More than 80 cases of eye infections and at least four deaths have been reported due to the use of the contaminated medication. The manufacturer issued a voluntary recall, but a victim can still file an EzriCare Artificial Tears lawsuit to claim compensation for their negligence.
TorHoerman Law notes that victims should report adverse incidents related to drug use sooner than later because it can be valuable evidence during the lawsuit. Timely medical care can also be a savior as treatment can prevent aggravation of vision-related issues.
Rule #2: Don’t Ignore Early Symptoms of Vision Loss
According to NIH statistics, visual impairment and blindness cases in the US are likely to double by 2050. The sad part is that people tend to overlook the early warning signs, worsening their problems beyond resolution. Eye doctors reiterate the significance of timely treatment if you experience vision loss, even if temporary and in one eye.
You must see a doctor immediately because short-term vision loss could be a sign of a transient ischemic attack. Flashing lights, double vision, and floaters are other red flags requiring immediate attention.
Rule #3: Choose Your Sunglasses Wisely
The next time you buy a new pair of sleek and stylish sunglasses, you must think beyond how good they look on you. The purpose of sunglasses is to protect your eye from the harmful ultraviolet rays that can contribute to macular degeneration, pterygium, and cataracts. They also keep your eyes safe from dust, dirt, and other debris.
Invest in high-quality UV-blocking sunglasses, as they can provide defense from harsh elements. Anti-glare glasses are even better because they offer protection from the glare of reflective surfaces and prevent headaches and migraines.
Rule #4: Be Honest About Your Health Issues
Your eye doctor wants you to be honest about your overall health issues rather than just talk about your vision problems and eyesight checks. According to the CDC statistics, the leading causes of low vision and low vision in the US are age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma.
You must discuss your medical history and current health problems with your eye specialist at every visit. A holistic overview of your health enables them to develop a comprehensive vision care and treatment plan. They can also recommend actionable precautions to delay or prevent age-related vision loss.
Rule #5: Never Sleep With Your Contacts In
Contact lenses can make life easier for people with vision issues because they offer freedom from glasses. But wearing them wrong can cause more harm than good, and your eye doctor wants you to know it. Wearing contact lenses while sleeping can increase your risk of eye infection. The risk increases six- to eight fold.
You must follow other rules with contact lenses, such as changing them regularly, maintaining good hygiene while handling them, and storing them according to recommendations. Also, discontinue use when you experience symptoms such as redness, irritation, and watering.
The Bottom Line
With vision loss being a pressing concern for Americans, following your eye doctor’s advice becomes critical. Be regular with preventive checks and follow instructions carefully. Also, stay on top of these rules, even if your eye doctor doesn’t mention them during every checkup.