Americans Who Include an Eye Exam in Their List of New Year's Resolutions
Could See an Improvement in Their Visual Acuity
PINELLAS PARK, Fla., Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, Americans who include an eye exam in their list of top five New Year's resolutions could obtain better visual acuity and protection against glare and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
While some of the most common New Year's resolutions may be to lose weight, exercise more and find a better job, one resolution that is relatively easy to make and keep -- and will yield immediate long-term benefits -- is to make an appointment with your eyecare provider for an annual exam and learn how to protect the eyes from UV exposure.
According to a recent survey, Americans remain largely unaware of the dangers that extended exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can have on their eyes. The survey, conducted by the New England Eye Institute and Transitions Optical, found that while nearly 80 percent of consumers are aware that UV exposure can cause skin cancer, only fiver percent know it can harm the eyes.
"Most Americans do not realize that they are at higher risk of developing visual impairment than other races. Thus, this year it's critical to have a yearly eye exam on your list," said Dr. Madeline Romeu, O.D., F.A.A.O., and spokesperson for an educational campaign led by Transitions Optical that is devoted to sharing information on how to better care for their eyes and promote eye health for the entire family. "Visual impairment could be triggered by factors such as cumulative exposure to UVB/UVA radiation -- most commonly known to be found in sunlight -- but also found in all levels of lighting conditions."
Exposure to UV light is cumulative and has been linked to
sight-threatening diseases such as cataract and macular degeneration -- two
conditions that can lead to visual impairment -- and are among the chief
causes of blindness in America. The survey f
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