Vision Loss can Be Scary

America's top fears include public speaking, heights, and creepy crawly insects. Did you know that sight is the sense people fear losing the most? The larger part of the brain is dedicated to vision than to hearing, taste, touch, or smell combined. In a survey, over 85 percent of people considered having 20/20 vision vital to good overall health and almost 50 percent believed that losing their sight would have the gravest effect on their daily lives.

Loss of independence and quality of life are at the top of concerns. Some may lose their sight gradually while for others it can be sudden. “Your eyes should be examined regularly to ensure that you are able to see your best and diagnose eye diseases or other concerns,” says Dr. Shofner.

The most common forms of vision impairment are errors of refraction; nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are examples of refractive disorders and often occur when the eyes are otherwise healthy. Refractive errors are correctable usually with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, such as LASIK, PRK, or Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL).

A comprehensive eye exam can detect age-related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, infectious diseases of the eye, retinal detachment, and much more. Some of these issues can lead to blurry or impaired vision and must be addressed to restore or prevent further vision loss.

Additional ways to help prevent vision loss may include:

• Eat nutritious food.
• Daily exercise.
• Always wearing UV protective sunglasses when outdoors.
• Wear personal protective eyewear, such as goggles, face shields, safety glasses, or full face respirators when an eye hazard exists.
• Take frequent breaks from computer or smartphone use.
• Avoid smoking or smoky environments.

Additionally, following a good hygiene regiment will also help protect your eyes from harmful bacteria. For those wearing contact lenses, it's important to properly clean and care for your lenses to avoid eye infections. Some contact lens-related eye infections can cause serious vision loss or even blindness.

Over 80 percent of learning comes from the eyes. Vision contributes not only how we learn, but also in how we communicate, work, drive, play, and is an essential part of everyday life. Contact us at Shofner Vision Center to schedule an eye exam today!