Nationwide Vision Celebrates World Optometry Day

What is World Optometry Day?

Every year, World Optometry Day is celebrated by eye care professionals globally to highlight the crucial role of vision care in overall health. It’s also a great opportunity for patients to learn more about maintaining healthy eyes.

The first World Optometry Day took place in 1992, initiated by the International Optometric and Optical League, now known as the World Council of Optometry. The aim was to raise awareness about the global need for eye care. This mission is the core of 2024’s theme: "Advancing Optometry's Commitment to Global Eye Care."

Visit us at your nearest Nationwide Vision office to celebrate World Optometry Day and our dedication to your eye health. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with us today!

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Why is Eye Health So Important?

Our eyes are a vital part of our lives, yet we often overlook their importance in our daily routines and overall perspective on life. The true value of sight becomes apparent when we start losing it. That's why at Nationwide Vision, we are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal vision, understanding its key role in a fulfilling and happy life.

Eyes, like any other body part, require regular care for optimal functioning. This is especially crucial given that certain eye conditions can rapidly deteriorate vision without prompt and appropriate care. The most effective way to ensure eye health is by having a routine eye exam at least once a year with an eye doctor.

Routine eye exams are essential for evaluating eye health, updating prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses, and identifying serious eye conditions early on, before they become severe issues. Patients with chronic eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, might need more frequent visits to manage their eye health effectively. However, it's recommended for everyone to undergo at least one routine eye exam annually.

Common Eye Conditions to Watch Out For

As we discussed earlier, some eye conditions can rapidly damage your vision if not addressed in time. Some of these conditions are unavoidable but treatable, while others are more severe and require prompt intervention by an eye doctor.

Below are some of the most frequent eye conditions that we encounter and treat.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma stands out as a particularly alarming eye condition, often referred to as "the silent thief of sight." This nickname is apt because many individuals with glaucoma are unaware of their condition in its early stages due to the lack of symptoms. By the time symptoms become noticeable, irreversible damage to vision may have already occurred.

This is why regular eye exams are crucial; they can detect glaucoma early on before it leads to significant vision problems. Treating glaucoma is generally straightforward. Medications are commonly used to reduce eye pressure and prevent further damage. In some cases, routine surgeries might be necessary to clear obstructions in the eye’s natural drainage system, helping to keep the pressure from rising again.

Cataracts

Approximately half of all Americans will experience cataracts at some stage in their lives. This condition is marked by a clouding effect on the eye's natural lens, occurring as proteins within the lens age, break down, and clump together. This process results in an opaque layer that obstructs light from entering the eye.

Symptoms of cataracts include trouble seeing in dim light, such as while driving at night, sensitivity to glare, seeing halos around lights, double vision, clouded vision, and faded colors.

Fortunately, cataracts are a well-understood condition with numerous effective treatment options available. There are various quick and successful surgical procedures to remove cataracts, and these can often include the insertion of an intraocular lens to replace your cloudy natural lens and improve vision quality.

Common Eye Infections

There are lots of causes of eye infections. Corneal scratches and abrasions, untreated eye injuries, improper contact lens care, and not washing your hands before touching your eyes are just a few.

Different infections can vary in severity, from common ones like Pink Eye to more serious conditions such as keratitis. Eye infections typically cause discomfort, including symptoms like redness, swelling, and an itchy or burning feeling. However, all eye infections require medical attention.

Neglecting treatment for eye infections can lead to conditions like uveitis, which is characterized by red, swollen, painful eyes and blurred vision. Without appropriate treatment, uveitis, along with many other eye infections, can result in permanent vision loss.

If you suspect you have an eye infection, it's crucial to schedule an appointment with your Nationwide eye doctor as soon as possible.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Macular degeneration primarily occurs in individuals over the age of 60 and poses a risk of total vision loss if not properly managed. The condition targets the macula, which is a critical part of the retina that enables central vision. As age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progresses, it gradually weakens the macula, complicating tasks like reading, discerning intricate details, or identifying faces.

In its early stages, AMD typically doesn't present noticeable symptoms. However, eye doctors with specialized training can spot early indicators of macular degeneration during a thorough dilated eye exam. Early detection of AMD is vital, as prompt treatment can significantly increase the likelihood of preserving more of your vision.

Currently, there is no cure for AMD, making ongoing treatment essential to protect your vision. If you're over the age of 60, it's important to have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. Regular appointments allow your eye doctor to monitor for AMD and begin early treatment if necessary.