FOUR TIPS TO MAKE SURE KIDS’ EYES AND VISION ARE ‘GRADE A’ THIS SCHOOL YEAR

As we age, our risk of developing eye diseases increases significantly. In fact, one in six Americans aged 65 and older has a vision impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma are more prevalent in older adults and can lead to significant vision loss if not properly managed.

Some of the leading causes of blindness—such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy—can begin without any symptoms. That’s why Eye Associates of South Texas and the American Academy of Ophthalmology urge all healthy adults to get an eye exam at age 40, even if their vision seems fine. Early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to happen at this age.

Prevent Blindness has designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. This important initiative aims to increase awareness about eye diseases and conditions that disproportionately affect women.  Why are women at higher risk?  For some women, fluctuations in hormones due to pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause can bring on such changes.