Christian Peterson
news@greenepublishing.com
Health is at the top of everyone's mind in August; with kids going back to school and the fall and winter seasons ahead, full of sickness, it only makes sense. A critical aspect of everyone's health is their vision, especially for kids beginning the new school year. That is one reason August is considered National Eye Exam Month.
“As we age, getting a baseline eye exam can detect early signs of disease or damage to your eyes,” the National Today website reads. “Ophthalmologists recommend periodic eye exams every two to four years from the ages of 40 to 65, and every one to two years after the age of 65. While most symptoms are often disregarded, getting a simple checkup and following a doctor's orders can greatly lower risks of more severe and future damage, and you can continue to enjoy healthy vision.”
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye and vision care. They work hard to diagnose and treat eye diseases and conditions. Eye exams and eye care date back thousands of years. In fact, the first ophthalmologist dates back to 800 B.C. An Indian surgeon named Sushruta described 76 ocular diseases. He also detailed multiple ophthalmological practices and instruments. The history of ophthalmology continues throughout human history, though it did take some time to advance. In 1805, the first eye hospital opened in London. It actually still exists today, and is now called the Moorfields Eye Hospital. Just a few decades later, in 1851, Hermann von Helmholtz invented the ophthalmoscope, a new instrument that allowed ophthalmologists to inspect the retina and other parts of the eye. The work evolved even more over the next 50 years, and in the 1900s, multiple subspecialties of eye doctors emerged. They specifically focused on areas such as cataracts, glaucoma, pediatrics and oncology.
To celebrate this month and the history of vision care, there are three simple things to do. First, have an eye exam done. There is no need to put it off; it typically only takes 20 to 30 minutes. The second way is to encourage others to do the same thing. “So many of us take the laissez-faire approach to something like sight by simply adopting the 'if it ain't broke...' philosophy. Urge your loved ones to brave the doctor's office and ensure their healthy vision.” Finally, make sure that your prescription is correct. Eyes change over time. Prescription adjustments are entirely regular and may need to be reduced due to eyestrain.