Scheduling an appointment with your eye doctor every year is crucial to maintaining good eye health. However, an eye care professional may not always be straightforward in reminding you about the importance of taking care of your peepers. Dr. Joel H. McGahen, your trusted eye care provider in the area, shares some of the things your optometrist wants you to know about your eye health.
1. Your Eyes May Reveal Underlying Health Conditions
Your optometrist may discover signs of underlying health conditions through your eyes and their composition. Here are some of the common medical conditions they may find during a routine eye exam:
2. Smoking Can Cause Serious Eye Damage
We all know the impact cigarette smoking can have on one’s health. If you are a regular smoker, you’re more likely to be diagnosed with cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The latter, in fact, is one of the leading causes of vision loss among individuals in the United States. Smoking can damage the small blood vessels in the retina and optic nerve, which may eventually lead to vision loss.
3. Sunglasses Are Not Just for Fashion
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your eyes the same way they harm your skin. Long-term exposure to UV rays can increase your risk of cataracts, AMD and eye cancer. Thus, sunglasses are just as important as sunscreen. Be sure to choose a pair with lenses that block 99% or more of those rays, and wear them every time you’re outdoors, especially during the summer.
4. 20/20 Vision Does Not Guarantee Perfect Eyesight
You may think that you don’t need to see your optometrist because you have 20/20 vision. However, this only refers to your central vision, which is what you see when looking straight ahead. Your side vision, night vision or color vision could still be impaired. Glaucoma, for instance, is an eye disease that affects the inner eye, while the central vision remains unaffected.
If you’re looking for qualified eye professionals around Shippensburg, PA, and nearby areas in Pennsylvania, turn to Joel H. McGahen, OD. We offer quality eye care services, including routine examinations and eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions. Call us today at (717) 264-4012 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment.