Eye health is an important topic, yet one that is often overlooked. Our eyes are one of the most important parts of our bodies and are essential for everyday life. Unfortunately, many of us don’t take the necessary measures to protect our vision. At Professional Eye Care, we are committed to raising awareness about the simple steps to take to maintain your eye health, especially for preventing blindness. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how the Gr8 Eye Movement can encourage you to be proactive in your eye health.
The Amsler Grid
An Amsler grid is a tool used to monitor and detect changes in vision, especially related to macular degeneration. It consists of a grid of horizontal and vertical lines, with a central dot. To use an Amsler grid, position it at eye level about 15-20 inches from your face and stare at the dot in the center. Cover one of your eyes while focusing the other on the black dot. While focusing on the dot, observe if any lines appear distorted, missing, or wavy. Additionally, note any changes or abnormalities noticed while looking at the grid. Repeat the process for the other eye. Regular use of the Amsler grid can help individuals detect early signs of macular degeneration and seek timely medical intervention.
Prioritize Eye Health
When a patient suspects they have cataracts, the first step is to schedule a medical assessment with an eye care specialist. At Professional Eye Care, our team of experienced ophthalmologists in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Frome, Sav La Mar, Mandeville, and Santa Cruz are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care services.
During the medical assessment, the eye care specialist will conduct a series of tests to evaluate the patient’s overall eye health and determine if cataracts are the cause of vision problems. These tests may include visual acuity testing, where the patient reads letters from an eye chart to assess their ability to see clearly. Additionally, a slit-lamp examination will be performed to closely examine the structures of the eye, including the lens, to identify any cloudiness or opacity associated with cataracts. Monitoring the intraocular pressure is also important, as high pressure can indicate other eye conditions or complications related to cataracts.
Detect Issues Early On
Preventing blindness is all about the proactive measures you take for your health. With the dedication of the Gr8 Eye Movement monthly exams, you can easily track any changes in your vision. If you notice floaters, flashers, blurred vision, or other visual impairments, contact your eye doctor right away. At Professional Eye Care, we have six convenient locations in Jamaica so you can see an optometrist as quickly as possible. Some eye issues that can lead to blindness include:
- Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Diabetes-Related Retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
Even if it is just a slight change in your vision, seeing an eye doctor gives your vision the best chance. Your eye doctor will run tests to check for any retinal diseases that may be the cause of your vision impairment. With early detection of these diseases, your eye doctor can provide you with treatment plans to stop or slow the effects of the disease. By visiting your eye doctor as soon as you notice any issues, your optometrist may be able to help you improve or even restore your vision.
Learn About Your Health Risks
If you aren’t noticing any vision impairments, understanding the signs of eye health issues is still a crucial factor of early detection and blindness prevention. The Gr8 Eye Movement is a great resource for learning about possible eye conditions, especially as you age.
The Gr8 Eye Movement surveyed Americans who are at risk of retinal diseases, and came across these these results among others:
- 95% knew little to nothing about the retinal condition or risks.
- 70% were already experiencing symptoms.
- 67% thought vision loss was just a normal part of aging and untreatable.
- 79% scheduled an appointment with an eye doctor after learning more information about the possible retinal disease.
With these results, the Gr8 Eye Movement realized the need for raising awareness about treatable retinal diseases. They offer educational materials, resources, and access to specialists who can provide expert advice and assistance to help people better understand eye health issues. By increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of retinal conditions, more people will learn that there may be treatment available to help improve their vision and maintain overall eye health.
Look Towards A Healthier Future
At Professional Eye Care, we believe the gift of vision is a gift that everyone deserves. Join us in the Gr8 Eye Movement and check in on your eye health monthly so you can maintain your vision and be confident in your future. With an appointment at Professional Eye Care, our team of highly trained and experienced optometrists will provide you with a comprehensive eye examination so you can rest assured that your eye health is in good hands. During eye exams, our doctors will check thoroughly for refractive errors, glaucomas, cataracts, pterygium, and test for retinal conditions. If they find any issues, they will come up with a customized care plan for treatment to maintain and improve your vision. We also offer eyewear and contact lens services so all your vision needs can be met under one roof.
Regular eye examinations are the best way to ensure healthy eyes. Visits to an optometrist should be every one to two years for kids and adults, and annually for those 65 years and older. But if you notice any changes in your vision, don’t wait until your next routine checkup for an exam.
Preventing blindness from retinal diseases all starts with you. Monthly eye check-ins will help you track your vision and notice any changes that could be a result of a treatable retinal disease. With early detection and the right treatment plans, you can maintain clearer vision for longer. Remember, aging is not always synonymous with blindness, so be sure to schedule regular eye exams to test for retinal conditions. Contact us at Professional Eye Care in Jamaica to book an appointment today!