Updates
Stay informed on the latest developments regarding ensuring the right eye care for all Texans.
Work and Screen Time: What's the Risk to Your Eyes?
Americans are spending more time than ever staring at screens. In honor of March’s designation as Workplace Eye Wellness Month, Safe Vision Texas and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are sharing tips on how to create a comfortable work environment at home and in the office to avoid digital eye strain.
What Is an Ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologists. Optometrists. Opticians. Osteopaths. Orthopaedists. Otolaryngologists. Obstetricians. The terms can get confusing, and you could say: “It’s all Greek to me.” (No pun intended.)
But what exactly is an ophthalmologist?
Does Marijuana Help Treat Glaucoma or Other Eye Conditions? January Is Glaucoma Awareness Month
Both supermodel Christie Brinkley and Bono, the lead singer of U2, were diagnosed with glaucoma during routine eye exams. Both were also surprised by the diagnosis since they weren’t experiencing problems with their vision. That’s the sinister nature of glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide: People with glaucoma can lose most of their vision before they experience symptoms. Once vision is lost, it cannot be regained. That’s why Safe Vision Texas and the American Academy of Ophthalmology are urging people over age 40 to get regular eye screenings to protect their good vision.
The Ophthalmologist-Recommended Gift Guide: Screen-Free Gifts
Ophthalmologists have long cautioned against purchasing toys that pose a danger to children’s eyes. This year, we’re adding digital devices to our usual list of BB guns, Nerf guns and slingshots. That’s because evidence is mounting that too much screen time and not enough time outside may be behind the recent rise in nearsightedness in children. We know reducing screen time has been especially challenging for parents during the pandemic. To help, Safe Vision Texas and the American Academy of Ophthalmology released a screen-free holiday gift guide focused on healthy kids and healthy eyes.
Diabetes Is the Leading Cause of Preventable Blindness in the U.S.
Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the United States among adults aged 20 to 74 and is the fifth most common cause of preventable blindness globally. Among the 30 million Americans with diabetes, about one-third have diabetic retinopathy, the potentially blinding complication of diabetes.
Halloween Is Back. Scare Up the Fun, Not the Scary Eye Infections
If your Halloween plans include scary eyes, beware of costume contact lenses labeled “one size fits all” or “no need to see an eye doctor.” Costume lenses must be prescribed and fitted by an eye care professional, just like regular contact lenses. Otherwise, you may be haunted by an eye infection long after the fun of Halloween is over. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Safe Vision Texas urge the public to buy decorative contacts only from retailers who require a prescription and sell FDA-approved products.
Healthy Vision as You Age
The number of older Americans with low vision is expected to double in the coming years, as more people live longer. Low vision describes poor vision that can't be fixed or improved with glasses, contacts or surgery. People with low vision have blind spots that can make it difficult or impossible to drive, read or see faces. But the tragedy isn’t that people have lost vision, it’s that most believe nothing can be done to improve their quality of life. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and Safe Vision Texas are taking the opportunity of September’s Healthy Aging Month to let people know they can retain their independence and stay safe, despite declining vision.
Back to School & Eyes
It’s back-to-school time, and parents may wonder whether their child should undergo a full eye exam, also known as a comprehensive eye exam, as a preventive measure. If a child is having vision problems, he or she should be seen by an eye professional experienced in the care of children for an exam. As an effective safety net, all Texas children undergo vision screenings during their school years to identify problems that don’t always have symptoms.
The Texas Sun: Buying Sunglasses? Read This First
It’s hot in Texas, and sunglasses are one of the first things that we think about when we step outside. But not all sunglasses are created equal. While the choices are endless, there’s only one thing that tops all sunglass considerations and it has nothing to do with price or brand names. It’s all about the UV protection. Safe Vision Texas and the American Academy of Ophthalmology want you to know that selecting sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B radiation is the best way to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays.