One of the biggest misconceptions that exists when it comes to eye health and vision is that if you don’t have any symptoms, you must be fine. At Mango Optic in Boca Raton, we hear this way too often from visitors who say, “I don’t need an eye exam, I can see just fine.” The majority of people don’t know that vision loss is not always preceded by symptoms.

March is Save Your Vision Month, a national observance sponsored by the American Optometric Association. It’s the perfect time to remind ourselves about the importance of eye health and comprehensive eye exams.

Studies show there is a significant gap between what people think they know about eye health and what they actually know. The majority of people don’t know that vision loss is not always preceded by symptoms.

According to a 2019 Harris Poll on behalf of the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

• Less than 1 in 5 were able to identify the three main causes of blindness in the U.S.: glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic eye disease.

• Only 37% of respondents were aware that you don’t always experience symptoms before losing vision.

• More than half (53%) were unaware that vision loss and blindness do not affect all people equally.

Healthy Vision Habits

Many causes of vision loss have no symptoms, and some populations have a higher risk for eye diseases like glaucoma . Regular checkups with a trained eye care professional such as an optometrist, are the best way to detect diseases and prevent vision loss. Here are some healthy behaviors that benefit the eyes and vision.

Remember to:

• Wear sunglasses, all year long. Protect eyes from damaging rays with 100% UV-blocking glasses.

• Eat nutritious foods. Many people have heard the rumor that carrots help you see in the dark. While that may not be 100 percent true, carrots and other fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin A, such as mangoes, do contain nutrients that contribute to good eye health, as do leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and tuna.

• Practice good contact lens habits. As many as 99 percent of contact lens wearers reported at least one hygiene behavior that puts them at increased risk of eye infection or inflammation.

Eye health has far-reaching ramifications. Good vision is important in children so they can learn and develop in and out of school. Eyesight impacts older adults’ ability to drive safely, participate in their favorite activities, maintain their independence, and avoid the isolation and depression that often accompanies vision loss. Healthy eyes and vision are important for everyone at every age.

So, make sure you schedule a comprehensive vision exam. at Mango Optic in Boca Raton. Using state-of-the-art imaging and teleoptometry equipment, remote board-certified optometrists can detect glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. Learn about our 7-step comprehensive eye exam now.