According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41.7% of men and 28.7% of women believe they have no need for eye care. As for the men, maybe it’s a guy thing, as in: I don’t need no stinkin’ eye care! Or maybe women are just plain smarter, which even the most macho of men might admit, at least silently to themselves.
Actually, both of these percentages are high considering the fact that eyes, in accordance with the laws of nature, weaken with age. And it’s not just your prescription that might need updating. Staying informed about what your eyes are telling you about your overall health could actually save your life. Serious issues, from high blood pressure to diabetes, are often detected by eye doctors before general practitioners.
Then why do so many of us tend to neglect our eyes? We seem to think they can take care of themselves, which is true to an extent. They appear to be fairly well secured in our skulls, protected by eyelids and lubricated with a tearing system that keeps them free of debris. However, age-related macular degeneration and other issues develop so slowly, we might not notice the initial stages.
As medical research and common sense tells us, early detection is critical for effective treatment. Seeing a licensed eye doctor regularly would be wise, while a vision plan from your association and AMBA could help you save hundreds on everything from exams to eyewear.
Don’t think you need eye care? Think again.
