Georgia Optometric Association

Myopia is becoming more common in kids and adults with rates nearly doubling over the past few decades, jumping from roughly 25% in the 1970s to about 42% today. Myopia Awareness Week is a great time to be alert for warning signs like blurred distance vision, squinting, eye strain or headaches. and put down the cell phone (reduce near work), go spend some time outside (it helps!)…and schedule a comprehensive eye exam to safeguard your overall health. GOAeyes.com

Retinal detachment? Amblyopia? Chalazion? If you need more information about an eye health or vision term, please visit the Georgia Optometric Association's Consumer Eye Health Resources page at GOAeyes.com. You will find helpful explanations of many conditions that will enable you to !

The Georgia Optometric Association joins with colleagues and peers around the world in celebrating , a time to recognize the important role doctors of play as primary vision and eye health providers. Our members are proud to serve the people of Georgia in communities throughout the state.

On Valentine’s Day, our thoughts turn to those we love our significant others, our families, pets and friends. We think about how much we love and appreciate all that these wonderful people and animals do. But have you ever thought about how much you love and appreciate your eyes for all they do?

Show your eyes some love this Valentine's Day by protecting, resting and nourishing them to ensure long-term vision health. Key tips include practicing the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital strain, wearing sunglasses for UV protection, eating nutrient-rich foods, and scheduling a comprehensive eye exam.

Key Tips for Eye Health This Valentine's Day:
• Reduce Digital Strain: More than ever before, we’re spending hours each day using digital devices, including cell phones, tablets and laptops. But spending hours looking at these devices and the high-energy blue light waves they emit can cause eye fatigue and even damage the eyes over time. To minimize this damage, keep screens as far away from your eyes as possible. That’s 20 to 24 inches for your computer screen or tablet. In addition follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Protect from UV Rays: A lifetime of sun exposure can do damage to your eyes and also increases the risk that you’ll eventually develop conditions that impact your vision. These conditions include cataracts, eye cancer, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and corneal inflammation or growths. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection, even on cloudy days.
• Prioritize Eye Nutrition: Eat foods rich in vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids, such as leafy greens and fish, to support eye health. Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated and prevent dry eye symptoms
• Practice Proper Hygiene: Clean makeup brushes regularly and avoid sharing cosmetics to prevent infections.
• Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Weight: Exercise can help prevent or control high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, which can all contribute to serious vision problems. Watching your weight can prevent you from becoming overweight and increasing the risk of developing diabetes and diabetic eye disease. Get out there and move—walk, run, dance or garden—as often as you can!
• Schedule an Exam: Book an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive check-up. Find a Georgia Optometric Association doctor of optometry near you at GOAeyes.com.

Weather forecasters are predicting rough winter weather in Georgia this weekend. Prepare your Winter Storm Vision Emergency Kit now so you have access to your vision essentials. We invite you to Like/Share so your friends & family nearby can prepare as well.