Vision & Voice
May is Healthy Vision Month
What are some strategies ECPs can pass onto their patients
for maintaining optimal vision health?
“Everyone should have
a comprehensive eye
examination with an
optometrist or ophthalmologist
to screen for the presence of
glaucoma or other diseases that
may not (yet) have symptoms.
These examinations should
happen on a routine basis.”
Edward B Moss, MD, FRCSC,
Ophthalmologist, Glaucoma
Specialist.
“Many eye diseases have no symptoms in their earlier stages when
they are most treatable, so your best defense for healthy vision is a
regular comprehensive eye examination.
Protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays will delay the onset of
cataracts, retinal degenerations, and the appearance of wrinkles
around the eyes. Grandma was right - carrots are good for your eyes,
but mostly for night vision, so for better daytime vision turn to dark
leafy greens. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, anti-oxidant vitamins
and lutein will help to maintain vision. Systemic conditions like
diabetes and high blood pressure can affect vision and patients are
often unaware of this link.”
Dr. Kirsten North, CAO Policy Consultant
“It is of the utmost importance that doctors do their best to provide
the patient with the information that they need to understand the
importance of getting their in-person annual comprehensive eye exam.
I’ve found it best to simply talk through each and every procedure, fully
explaining why it’s being done, the importance of it and then reviewing
the findings. Well-educated patients will best understand the benefit of
preventative care and how early detection of conditions often lead to the
best outcomes.”
Dr. Justin Bazan, Optometrist and Medical Adviser to
The Vision Council.
8 Optical Prism | May 2019
“To keep our eyes healthy, we
recommend: regular eye exams;
practice good hygiene; take
breaks from reading and screen
time (our eyes work hard, and
they deserve some rest); and wear
UV protection outside.”
Ted Lachmansingh,
Canada Business Director,
Johnson &Johnson Vision.