Do you remember that great song released by Johnny Nash in the Summer of 1972 about being able to see clearly? It was a huge #1 chart topper for him and has been used in many movies and television commercials since it debuted. As a reminder, here are those great lyrics:
"I can see clearly now the rain is gone I can see all obstacles in my way Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright) Bright (bright) sunshiny day.."
The song is about hope and courage for people who have experienced adversity in their lives, but have later overcome it. Although the song is a classic R & B hit selling over a million copies in its first edition, there is an element of truth about having clear vision to see. You can make a practical application in almost every area of life, including your vision health.
According to the Florida Center for the Blind, up to 10% of preschoolers and 25% of school-aged children have a vision disorder that can impact learning and quality of life. Young children with early onset vision impairment can experience delayed motor, language, emotional, social and cognitive development, with lifelong consequences. School-age children with vision impairment can also experience lower levels of educational achievement.
As you age, your vision needs more care. Vision screening for adults is also crucial for age-related vision loss and the early detection of medical conditions that lead to significant vision loss and blindness. Vision impairment severely impacts quality of life and visually impaired adults face higher unemployment. For older adults, vision impairment can contribute to social isolation, difficulty walking, a higher risk of falls & fractures, and a greater likelihood of early entry into nursing or care homes.
Going to the doctor, going to the dentist—all part of taking care of your health. But going to the eye doctor? Also important! Eye exams at every age and life stage can help keep your vision strong, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control),
Many people think their eyesight is just fine, but then they get that first pair of glasses or contact lenses and the world comes into clearer view—everything from fine print to street signs. Improving your eyesight is important—about 11 million Americans over age 12 need vision correction—but it’s just one of the reasons to get your eyes examined. Regular eye exams are also an important part of finding eye diseases early and preserving your vision.
If you spend a lot of time focusing on one thing, such as a computer screen, your eyes can get tired. Try the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eyestrain: every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. The CDC gives these five tips to Protect Your Vision:
Get regular eye exams.
Eat a healthy diet, including leafy greens such as spinach or kale, and maintain a healthy weight.
Know your family’s eye health history.
Wear sunglasses that block out 99% to 100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation (the sun’s rays).
Quit smoking or don’t start.
If you don't have a vision plan or vision insurance, you can check out my website for one of the best in the market through VSP. Or, contact me to have a conversation about getting you, your family, or your employees set up with an affordable vision plan.
Go to https://www.careingdentalgroup.com/extra-extra to see more information
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