Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in Americans aged 20 to 65? Not many people do. Palmer Eye Center is taking advantage of the fact that November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month by helping to generate awareness among our patients and community.

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The month of October is Eye Injury Prevention Month and Palmer Eye Center would like to remind you that nearly half of all eye injuries occur in or around the home.

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Thursday, October 9th is World Sight Day, a day of awareness created to help focus global attention on blindness, visual impairment and rehabilitation of those with visual impairments.

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September is Sports Eye Safety awareness month and we encourage anyone who participates in sports - children and adults alike - to remember to protect their eyes. Sports are the leading cause of eye injuries in children under the age of 16. Many people are unaware of how serious sports injuries are, and that these kind of injuries could lead to irreversible eye damage. Most sports-related eye injuries can be easily avoided by simply wearing proper eye protection.

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Light is something that is constantly all around us, in our homes and offices, shining from our televisions, smartphones and computer screens. For the most part, nobody really stops to think about light and the effect of different colors of light has on our bodies, moods and overall health. Were you aware that blue light can actually make you feel better? However, it can also cause insomnia as well as affect the health of your eyes and vision.

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A simple eye test could soon reveal whether patients have Alzheimer's disease, or if they are likely to develop the disease in the future. Researchers recently announced promising results associated with a study focused on a new test that can pick up on the disease years - if not decades - before the appearance of clinical signals.

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August has arrived and that means that many parents are preparing their children for another school year. August is also Children's Eye Health and Safety Month. When 80% of learning occurs through the eyes, healthy vision is essential to a child's success in the classroom. In addition to buying school supplies and new clothes, don't forget to add scheduling a comprehensive eye exam as part of your back to school to-do list.

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Whether you're playing an action-packed sport or just cleaning around the house, eye injuries can happen anytime, anywhere to anyone. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reported that more than 2.5 million eye injuries happen every year across the world with 100,000 of those injuries taking place in the U.S. Of those eye injuries 90% could have been prevented with protective eyewear. Ask your eye doctor about protective eyewear and take proper measures to better protect you and your family from eye injuries.

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Exercise can seem like a daily chore to some, but it actually may help our body in more ways than we think. A recent study suggests that exercise could protect our eyes as we age.

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Low vision refers to a visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery, prescription drugs, glasses or contacts. It's often characterized by partial sight, such as blurred vision, blind spots or tunnel vision. Low vision can impact people of any age, but it is primarily associated with adults over the age of 60.

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June is Cataract Awareness Month. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world and affect more than 22 million Americans aged 40 and older. Palmer Eye Center wants you to be informed about the ways you can help protect yourself.

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In today's fast-paced world it is very common to miss out on getting enough restful sleep each night. The challenge of balancing proper rest with everything else that needs to get done in a day can be very tricky. However, many are not aware that not getting enough rest can wreak havoc on your eyesight. While it's obvious that lack of sleep can cause dark circles to appear under your eyes, not getting enough rest can interfere with your eye health.

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As the weather warms up, visions of sandy beaches, family picnics, and outdoor adventures become reality, but with all that time outside, don't forget to keep your peepers protected from the serious dangers associated with UV rays. Just as we make the effort to protect our skin from sunburns, we should also make sure that our eyes are safeguarded as well so that we can maintain healthy vision for many summers to come.

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April is Women's Eye Health and Safety Month. Did you know that more women suffer from visual impairments than men? Two thirds of blindness occurs in women, fortunately 75% of visual impairment is preventable and/or treatable.

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Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss for those aged 55 and older in the United States, affecting more than 10 million Americans. Age-related macular degeneration is caused by the deterioration of the central portion of the retina, the inside back layer of the eye that records images and send them via the optic nerve from the eye to brain. The retina's central portion, known as the macular is in charge of focusing central vision in the eye. It controls our ability to read, recognize faces and colors, drive a car, and see objects in fine detail.

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Are you one of the approximately 36 million Americans who wear contact lenses? Chances are that you went through a mini-course in proper hygiene with your eye doctor when you first obtained your prescription, but if you're being completely honest, any typical morning might involve waking up, getting dressed, brushing your teeth, throwing in your contact lenses and quickly drinking some coffee before heading out the door to greet the day. That all-too-quick minute used to put in your contact lenses may seem as insignificant and routine as choosing a travel mug for your morning coffee, but think about it, those lenses you are hastily placing in your eyes are custom-fitted, doctor-prescribed medical devices that should be given a whole lot more consideration.

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March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month. Whether you spend hours in front of a computer or use power tools at your day job, it is always important to keep eye health and safety in mind as the gift of sight is irreplaceable.

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Our eyes are extremely delicate organs, and while most of us often think more about staying warm in the winter months rather than taking care of our eyes, eye injuries and irritation can just as easily occur in February as in June. Whether you're hitting the slopes, heading to work or just getting cozy by the fire, you should be aware of your surroundings when it comes to protecting your vision. Here are some easy tips to keep your eyes healthy this winter.

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We all know that proper nutrition is crucial in maintaining long-term wellness, and as more and more Americans tackle issues associated with obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even premature death, it is becoming more evident that poor nutrition has a negative effect on health. Proper nutrition isn't just essential for your overall health, it's also important for the health of your eyes.

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We probably all heard this one as a kid: "Don't sit too close to the TV or you'll strain your eyes!" Now fast forward to the age of smartphones, and everyone is constantly looking at a screen that's only a few inches away from their eyes.

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This month is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. January is an important time to raise awareness and spread the word about glaucoma, its symptoms and its treatment. The disease is considered the "silent thief of sight" as there are virtually no symptoms associated with it and once vision is lost, it's gone for good. As much as 40% of vision can be lost before any sort of change is noticed. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Currently there is no cure for glaucoma, but with early detection and treatment, its effects can be slowed down and further vision loss can be prevented. Over 2.7 million Americans, and over 60 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of these individuals don't even know that they have the disease. With these numbers growing, it is very important to not only receive regular eye examinations, but to help raise awareness about the disease as well.

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Most of us associate sunglasses with warm weather, hanging out at the beach, and other fun summertime activities, and while sunglasses are important for preventing UV damage to our eyes, most of us make the mistake of forgetting to wear our favorite shades during the cold, and sometimes snowy, winter months. Here are some important reasons why it is important to always remember to wear your sunglasses – any time of the year.

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Children's bright eyes epitomize the spirit of the holiday season, but those same bright eyes can become weary and even injured without proper supervision during the holiday gift-giving season as toys and computer games can prove hazardous to children's vision. The Consumer Products and Safety Commission reports that more than 230,000 toy-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms annually. Of those injured, approximately one third under the age of five and more than 45% of those injuries are to the head and face. Most eye injuries caused by toys are completely preventable. Many parents are simply unaware of what to look for to maximize children's eye safety when purchasing toys.

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Have you ever experienced an irritating eye twitch that just won't seem to end? How about dry eyes or blurred vision? Have you ever thought that these issues could be caused by stress? It's true, our eyes are an extension of our brain so whatever affects the various parts of our brain can actually interfere with our vision.

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Experiencing red or watery eyes, blurred vision or difficulty focusing after a day at work can often be the result of staring at a computer screen for eight or more hours. Office environments can certainly take their toll on your eyes. Here are some common symptoms and simple solutions to help maintain healthy vision during your work day.

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World Sight Day takes place Thursday, October 10th. It is a global event that focuses on raising awareness about blindness and vision impairment as well as rehabilitation for those living with visual impairments. This event happens every year on the second Thursday in October.

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Our days are about to become darker even earlier with the fall season officially upon us, which means more nighttime driving. According to a national survey, 32% of drivers reported that they have trouble seeing in the dark. Most of these drivers have difficulty judging distance, identifying signs or exits, and struggle to see animals and pedestrians in roadways.

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Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain, is damaged by the pressure of fluid inside your eye. There are two main types of glaucoma. One is primary open-angle glaucoma and the other is angle-closure glaucoma. These types of glaucoma are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure, or pressure inside of the eye. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease contributes to or causes increased eye pressure.

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August can often be hectic as we rush to fit in the last bits of summer vacation before the school year starts and the weather cools down, but before you get too wrapped up in back-to-school or final summer plans, don't forget about planning ahead for healthy vision by scheduling an eye exam for you and your family.

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As we grow older our bodies experience many different changes, and our eyes are no exception to this rule. Usually as we age and our vision becomes more blurred, we assume that we probably need new glasses with a stronger prescription, but in fact, cataracts may be the culprit behind our declined vision.

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July 12th is Heterochromia Awareness Day. Only 11 our of every 1,000 Americans have heterochromia, a condition that results in two differently colored eyes.

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According to Prevent Blindness America, the founders of Cataract Awareness Month, it is estimated that over 22 million Americans age 40 and over have cataracts. Cataracts are the clouding of the natural lens of the eye which leads to decreased vision. Cataracts make vision comparable to looking through a foggy windshield and are the most common cause of blindness and are conventionally treated with surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the United States and a recent study found that cataract surgery patients had significantly reduced rates of hip fractures due to falls.

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June is here and that means summer is upon us! June also means that it's UV Safety Month - a great time to spread the message of sun, fun and the effects of UV rays. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, but can also damage your eyes if you leave them unprotected. It is always important to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but it is especially important during the extended daylight hours of the summer.

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With warmer weather upon us, many of us are probably enjoying the sunshine by playing some recreational sports. Tens of thousands of sports-related eye injuries occur each year. The good news is that 90% of these serious eye injuries are easily preventable through the use of protective eyewear. The risk of eye injury varies depending on the activity, so make sure the level of eye protection you use is appropriate to the sport. Regular eyeglasses will not offer you proper protection when it comes to the safety of your eyes and vision.

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May is Healthy Vision Month and offers up a great opportunity to learn about eye health and to make sure you and your family recognize the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams as a way to maintain healthy vision.

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Have you ever wondered what causes eyes to appear red in photos? Usually this happens indoors or at night when the pupils are more dilated than usual. The light from camera flashes are generally located only a few inches from the camera's lens. When the flash goes off, light goes straight into the pupil and gets reflected off the back of the eye, and straight in to the camera lens. The effect is magnified with dilated pupils - that's why the "red eye" mode of cameras involves a pre-flash before the main flash so that pupils become smaller before the real picture is taken and red eyes are minimized.

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March is National Save Your Vision Month. While many of us think that having good vision simply means that our eyes are healthy, that is not always the case. Regular comprehensive eye exams can ensure that you not only keep your vision in great shape, but that you keep your eyes, and ultimately your body, healthy as well. Scheduling an eye exam is the first step to take in saving your vision.

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During the month of March the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages individuals to focus their attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating habits during National Nutrition Month. By eating right, you also increase the opportunity to protect your vision by adding sight-saving nutrients to your daily diet. Fruits, vegetables, and fish make for delicious, healthy meals and snacks that contain nutrients and powerful antioxidants that are essential to maintaining healthy eyes.

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With the New Year in full swing, some of those resolutions we made might have gone by the wayside. But if getting into shape was one of your goals for 2013, there are plenty of reasons not to break that resolution, healthy eyesight being one of them.

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Over 9 million people in the U.S. have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a painless eye disease that is the leading cause of blindness in people over 65 years of age. That statistic is expected to double over the next decade as baby boomers begin heading into retirement.

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January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. It is an important time to spread the word and raise awareness about glaucoma, which is considered a thief of sight. There are virtually no symptoms associated with the disease and once vision is lost, it is gone for good. As much as 40% of one's vision can be lost before a change is noticed. This condition is considered the leading cause of preventable blindness.

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Each year most of us resolve to make changes that will result in longer, happier and healthier lives. Most people are determined that with the start of a new year they'll lose weight or kick unhealthy habits. This year why not add eye health to your resolutions? Here's a list of easy tips and simple solutions for healthier eyes and better vision in 2013.

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The holiday season is in full effect and for most of us it's a time that we all look forward to as it means attending parties, relaxing, and spending time with the people we love most. It is meant to be a time of joy and celebration. Do not let preventable eye injuries ruin your time with family and friends this season. Parents should be especially aware of the potential holiday eye hazards that could affect their children. By simply following a few helpful tips you can ensure that your holidays will be safe, merry, and bright!

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In today's fast paced and hectic world it is very common to miss out on getting enough restful sleep each night. The challenge of balancing proper rest with everything else that needs to get done in a day can be very tricky. However, many are not aware that not getting enough rest can wreak havoc on your eyesight. While it's obvious that lack of sleep can cause dark circles to appear under your eyes, not getting enough rest can interfere with your eye health.

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November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month. Diabetic eye disease is one of the major causes of vision loss in adults. When the sugar levels in the blood are high, it is very stressful on the blood vessels all over the body, putting individuals at high risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. In the eye, blood vessels can start to leak or bleed in reaction to high blood sugar. This swelling in the retina can decrease vision, so it's best detected and treated early.

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In an effort to educate the public about the importance of safe vision, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has declared October as National Eye Injury Prevention Month. The hope is that by sharing some of the most common vision accidents and causes, as well as helpful tips on how to maintain healthy vision, people can avoid these injuries that happen each and every year.

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World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness created to help focus global attention on blindness, visual impairment and rehabilitation of those with visual impairments. Each year the event is held on the second Thursday of October.

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When thinking about how to describe the world we live in one word generally comes to mind: connected. Everywhere we go we're usually carrying around some sort of device that keeps us connected to something important to us. Whether it's a tablet, smart phone or a computer that we're using to stay in touch, we sometimes forget to take into consideration two very important devices that keep us connected to the world better than anything else: our eyes.

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August is National Cataract Awareness Month. During the month of August be sure to focus on your vision and talk to your doctor if you believe you are at risk for cataracts. Since cataracts develop over years, gradual changes in vision can become the norm for most individuals suffering from the condition and therefore become ignored longer than necessary. Some people even describe cataracts as looking through a “dirty windshield.”

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If you want to improve your vision, you had better start with your diet because healthy vision starts with healthy eating habits. Fruits, vegetables, and fish make for healthy, light, delicious meals and snacks during the warm summer months and contain nutrients and powerful antioxidants that are essential to healthy eyes.

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