Your Vision, Your Health: Why Healthy Vision Month Matters

We rely on our eyesight every day to read, drive, work, and enjoy life, but we often take it for granted until something goes wrong. That's why Healthy Vision Month, celebrated each May, is so important. It's a chance to focus on raising awareness about eye health and learning ways to protect our vision for the future.

At Kirk Eye Center, serving patients in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, and Chicago, IL, we strive to keep your eyes healthy every month of the year. Below, we explore what causes vision loss, such as cataracts and glaucoma, the basics of protective eyewear, and what to expect during an eye examination. Call now to book an appointment.

What causes vision loss?

There are several factors that contribute to vision loss, including:

• Age-related factors: As we age, our vision naturally changes. Conditions like cataracts and glaucoma become more common as we get older.
• Chronic diseases: Diabetes and high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels, leading to long-term vision loss if not managed properly.
• Lifestyle choices: Smoking greatly increases your chances of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
• Eye injuries: Accidents or not wearing protective eyewear can result in injuries to the eye, leading to long-term damage.

If you experience any changes in vision or vision loss, it's important to book an eye exam right away.

How to protect your vision long-term

During Healthy Vision Month, you can focus on protecting your eyesight and preventing potential vision problems. At Kirk Eye Center, our team shares a few simple tips to help keep your eyes healthy:

• Schedule regular eye exams: We recommend scheduling an eye exam every 1 – 2 years, even if you have perfect vision.
• Wear protective eyewear: Whether you're playing sports or doing yard work, wear safety glasses or goggles to help save your eyes from potential trauma.
• Eat well: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E can reduce your risk of cataracts and glaucoma.
• Take breaks from digital screens: Prolonged use of computers can strain the eyes and cause headaches or dry eyes. Try to take breaks every 20 minutes and look away from the screen.

What is included in a comprehensive eye exam?

So, what is included in a comprehensive eye exam? At Kirk Eye Center, whether you're in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL, our specialists will perform a short series of tests to check your vision and overall eye health. Here's what the process may include:

• Basic vision tests: We'll measure how sharp your vision is using charts and refraction tests.
• Eye pressure check: This helps us catch early signs of glaucoma, which increases pressure within the eye.
• Peripheral vision test: We'll check your side vision to spot any abnormalities.
• Dilated eye exam: By temporarily enlarging your pupils, we can get a closer look at your retina and optic nerve. This is crucial for identifying conditions like diabetic retinopathy.

Protect your eye health this May

Whether you want to learn more about protective eyewear or have questions such as, "What causes vision loss?" and "What is included in a comprehensive eye exam?" Healthy Vision Month is one of the best times to schedule your next appointment. Call Kirk Eye Center in River Forest, Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or Chicago, IL, to learn more about our services. Remember, healthy vision is essential for living a full and active life, so don't neglect your eye health this May.