Eye HealthLifestyle Topics
EyeSmart Tips
Water & Contacts Don’t Mix
To help prevent eye infections, contact lenses should be removed before going swimming or in a hot tub.
Jumping a Battery
Take precautions to prevent eye injury. Never lean over the battery and always wear safety goggles.
Know Your History
Those with a family history of eye disease are at a greater risk for developing eye diseases or conditions themselves.
Eye Protection Works
Wearing the proper protective eyewear for sports and other activities can help prevent 90% of eye injuries.
No Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts – quit or avoid smoking to help keep your eyes healthy.
Know Your Eye Care Team
Make sure you are seeing the right eye care provider for your condition or treatment.
Are You Fit at 40?
A baseline eye exam is recommended at age 40, when the signs of disease and change in vision may start to occur.
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Veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars are more likely than those who served in earlier wars to have vision loss as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Higher rates of TBI in these recent wars can be attributed to two factors: explosive devices have been a major cause of injury, and improved body armor has enabled soldiers to survive more serious injuries. Read more about TBI and vision loss.
Veterans of the Vietnam, Korean, or early wars are in or entering life stages when eye disorders like cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy are more likely to occur. Also, like everyone in mid-life and beyond, veterans may find their near vision decreasing due to presbyopia (“aging eyes”) and need reading glasses or another vision correction solution. Information for veterans on symptoms, when to see an Eye M.D., and how to access eye care, is available on the Veterans Eye Care website.
