Eye Care and Danger

According to The Mayo Clinic Health Letter, the key to preventing vision loss is regular eye examinations – at least every two to four years "between ages 40 and 65, and every one to two years after age 65. If you have a family history of eye disease, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, or a chronic condition that can affect your eyes, such as diabetes, you may need annual examinations. A complete eye examination typically includes a thorough history, eye function tests and an examination of the appearance of your eye."

Since many eye problems require immediate care, it’s vital you report any change in your eyes or vision to an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Signs to act upon: sudden loss of vision, double, blurred or distorted vision or severe pain in one or both eyes; flashes and floaters, with or without specks, in your visual field; and severe redness in one or both eyes, with or without discharge, pain, or visual symptoms.

If you’ve suffered an injury to the eye that’s in any way affecting your vision, or if you have something caught in your eye that isn’t dislodged by the normal flow of tears, see an ophthalmologist.