Call Your Ophthalmologist: Your Vision Affects Your Health
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Have you canceled or delayed your eye exam due to COVID-19? Healthy vision is not just a luxury. It is a medical necessity.
The leading causes of vision loss in the world are cataracts and refractive errors, or the need for glasses. Eighty percent of vision problems are correctable; however, millions of adults and children experience vision impairment.
Your Vision Affects Your Health
A recent study in The Lancet Global Health, showed a link between vision impairment and mortality. After studying 48,000 people from 17 different studies, a meta-analysis found that patients with severe vision impairment experienced a higher risk of mortality than patients with normal vision or mild vision impairment.
The mortality risk for those with mildly impaired vision and severely impaired vision was 29 percent and 89 percent, respectively, compared to those with normal vision.
Eye Diseases Require Consistent Treatment
Since the beginning of the pandemic, people of all ages have canceled or delayed comprehensive eye exams and eye procedures. Although COVID-19 is still a serious threat, it is essential to stay current with your eye appointments.
Ophthalmologists are reporting that many of their patients with chronic eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration are skipping important treatment appointments. Without regular treatment, these diseases can progress and cause permanent vision impairment or vision loss.
Do Not Ignore These Eye Symptoms
There are also many reasons you may have to call your eye doctor to make an appointment for an eye emergency (The Conversation). Call your ophthalmologist right away if you experience:
- Eye pain
- Eye injury
- Red eye
- Blank or wavy spots
- New floaters or flashes of light
- A sudden change in vision
Comprehensive Eye Exams are Essential for Wellbeing
Even if you do not have an eye disease or an eye emergency, a comprehensive eye exam is an important part of preventive care. Don’t wait for an eye problem to arise before calling your ophthalmologist to make an appointment.
You can feel confident knowing your eye center is making great effort to ensure your safety during this time. Your eye center is putting you first by spacing out appointments and implementing social distancing and rigorous sanitation procedures. Call today to make an appointment.