Tag Archives: vision loss

Healthy Vision Month

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It is important to care for your eyes to prevent vision loss caused by eye diseases. Losing your vision has a life-altering impact on your daily life.

There are many risk factors to be aware of that can lead to vision loss and blindness. They include:

  • Race, ethnicity, and other demographic factors
  • Having a family history of glaucoma
  • Having diabetes

One of the most effective ways to care for your eyes is by getting routine eye exams. A dilated eye exam can detect eye diseases early when there are no symptoms.

Other ways you can care for your eyes and prevent vision loss include:

  1. Using protective eyewear- You can protect your eyes when doing household chores, working in the garden, playing sports, or at work to prevent eye injuries from happening. Wear safety glasses, goggles, safety shields, and eye guards made of polycarbonate.
  2. Wearing sunglasses- You can protect your eyes by using sunglasses that block out 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
  3. Eating healthy- Eating more nutritious foods can support your overall eye health.

This includes a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Your diet should consist of:

  • Leafy greens
  • Orange-colored vegetables and fruit rich in vitamin A
  • Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C
  • Foods rich in vitamin C
  • Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids

You should avoid:

  • High in caffeine beverages
  • High sodium foods
  • Excessive alcohol
  1. Exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight. Endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility training are options. You can mix up your routine to not get bored.
  2. Washing your hands- Ensure your hands are clean before and after handling your contact lenses. Clean them properly using the designated contact lens cleaning solutions to avoid infection.
  3. Quit smoking.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of vision loss, schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ophthalmology Center now by calling (718) 206-5900.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Learn How to Stay Safe During Eye Injury Prevention Month

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Nearly 2.5 million Americans suffer some form of eye injury every year and approximately 1 million of those injuries result in some degree of vision loss. While many employers have instituted safety measures to reduce the incidence of workplace-related accidents, there are no regulations in place to protect you from the place where nearly half of all eye injuries occur…your home.

Apprentice Engineer Using Milling Machine

October has been designated Eye Injury Prevention Month and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center would like to take this opportunity to educate the community on how to decrease the chances of sustaining an eye injury while working in, or around your house.

Eye injuries can vary from deep puncture wounds requiring surgical treatment to minor surface scratches. Some of the most common types of eye injuries occur:

In the House: When using household chemicals, read the instructions carefully and make sure to point spray nozzles away from your face. Many chemicals are extremely hazardous and can permanently destroy the surface of the eyes, resulting in blindness.

In the Workshop: While working with power tools there is a high likelihood of wood, metal or other material fragments, fumes or dust particles flying through the air and getting into your eyes. Many of these objects can cause injury.
In the Garden: When operating a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger, be sure to check for rocks and stones, because they can become dangerous projectiles as they shoot from these machines.

In the Garage: Battery acid sparks and debris from damaged or improperly jump-started auto batteries can severely damage the eyes.

Protecting your eyes from injury while working around the house is one of the most basic and easiest things you can do to keep your vision healthy throughout your life. The best way to protect yourself from an eye injury is by wearing protective eyewear during home-based activities. Wearing safety goggles or other forms of protective eyewear can prevent 90% of all eye injuries, yet only 35 percent of respondents said they wear protective eyewear when performing home repairs or maintenance.

Jamaica Hospital urges everyone to avoid an unnecessary trip to the Emergency Department by practicing proper eye safety around the house.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.