Dr. Kameen's Blog

Being that March is "Save Your Vision" month, I wanted to share what I believe to be the 5 most important things you can do to preserve your vision for a lifetime.

1. Don't skip your annual eye exam.
The importance of an annual (60 and over) or biannual (under age 60) eye examination cannot be overemphasized. The sophistication of this eye exam also must be considered. We have come a long way from the old days of "is it better one or better two" and have developed intensely accurate diagnostic computer analytic tests that can pick up cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and many other conditions often 5-15 years before they ever become symptomatic. Once these conditions are diagnosed, early intervention can be sight savers in many cases. The attached video goes into greater detail regarding the eye exam process.

2. Keep them protected.
In terms of eye protection, not only have the traditional "safety glasses" expanded into almost every area of work and recreation, but their quality and appearance have improved as well. Longstanding examples of eye protection while using fireworks, opening champagne bottles and playing racquetball are still there, but consider yard work, mountain biking, kick boxing, basketball......you get my point. Our culture is so much more active now and in such diverse ways, that having a good pair of safety glasses that can be used in many areas is a very good idea. Sporting goods stores, as well as opticians and Optometrists offices carry these, as do many sites on the internet.

3. Better coverage.
While we are at it, lets talk about sunglasses. The good news now is that  even the cheap sunglasses at the big box stores have adequate ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) protection. Of course, the expensive and stylish ones do a great job as well. The two biggest areas where I believe our eyes need the most UV protection are when we are on a boat or a golf course for a prolonged period (4 hours or so). In these environments the sunlight is pouring into our eyes, and we have proven UV exposure at these levels can advance cataract formation. I am not a firm believer that we need sunglasses when walking from our house to our car, or even out walking the dog.....it is these prolonged periods of exposure when I would like better coverage.

4. Keep it healthy!
Everywhere we go we hear about the importance of diet and exercise, and  regarding eye health it is no different. As my family doctor says "if it looks good, don't eat it" and get 20 minutes of cardio exercise at least three times a week. Diet and exercise, overall "physical fitness," can help delay or prevent macular degeneration, cataract, diabetes and countless other ocular conditions. In terms of nutritional supplements, there is additional information on my website about omega 3 fish oil tablets and their importance in eye health and additional physical benefits as well.

5. Know your roots.
It is a very good idea to be well aware of your family history regarding various eye conditions (and health, in general). Glaucoma, cataracts at a young age, and macular degeneration are all clearly hereditary, though the exact predictiveness of that is not always easy. If you are proactive with this knowledge and have a very good annual or biannual eye exam you should enjoy good visual function for many decades ahead!