In This Issue: May 2023
- Healthy Exercise, Healthy Vision
- 7 Symptoms of Cataracts
- Memorial Day Observance
- Eye Care Tip of the Month: Don’t Share
Healthy Exercise, Healthy Vision
Studies have shown that exercise boosts healthy blood vessels in the eyes, promotes overall eye health and may even guard against eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. However, there are times when it may be advisable to alter your fitness routines to protect your eyes.
May is Healthy Vision Month. We encourage you to schedule an eye exam so you can know exactly what’s going on inside your eyes – even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. You could have a silent condition such as glaucoma, making certain exercises a bit dangerous for your eye health. Here are some examples of exercises to avoid or alter if you have these eye diseases:
- Glaucoma: to minimize the risk of increasing your eye pressure, avoid prolonged head-down poses, don’t push or strain your body too much and don’t hold your breath when exercising.
- Retina problems: avoid activities that may result in blows to the head or eye trauma such as combat sports, bungee jumping, skydiving, etc. This could lead to a retinal detachment.
- Cataracts: if you have advanced cataracts, you may not be able to see clearly, making it challenging to exercise or play sports. Cataract surgery can restore clear vision so you can resume activities safely.
All of us at Shepherd Eye Center want you to stay active, but we want you to choose the right types of activities for your eye health. Contact us at (702) 996-5159 to schedule an eye exam.
7 Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts are a common vision condition that affect most people as they age. If you’re experiencing any of these vision symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a Cataract Evaluation with our team.
- Blurriness or cloudiness
- Colors look faded
- Light from the sun, headlights or lamps seem overly bright
- Halos appear around lights
- Double vision
- Hard to see at night
- Lens prescription changes often
You can also take our free Cataract Self-Evaluation online to get a preliminary answer to the question, “Do I have cataracts?”
The longer you live with cataracts, the worse your vision will become. Our cataract specialists can help! Contact us at (702) 996-5159 or click the button below.
Eye Care Tip of the Month: Don’t Share
Sharing is usually encouraged, but not when it comes to things that involve your eyes. If you share makeup, hand towels, pillowcases or other personal items, you run the risk of contracting or spreading conjunctivitis (pink eye). Contagious conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria, two infections that can be easily spread to other people. In the early stages of conjunctivitis, eyes may just appear red, so the condition may be unknowingly spread to others if personal items are shared. Always avoid touching your eyes and wash your hands often – these tips are especially important if you are around someone who has conjunctivitis.
