See Well, Be Well: Putting Vision at the Heart of Community Care

Vision is precious! Neuroscientists tell us that more than 80% of our sensory input comes from our eyes. That’s why July—Healthy Vision Month—is the perfect time to focus on taking care of your sight. At Volunteers in Medicine, we’re proud to provide a wide array of vision services to support our patients’ health and wellness.

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

The short answer: anytime you notice persistent changes in your vision, don’t wait—get checked!

As a general guideline, having a routine eye exam every two to three years is a good rule of thumb.

However, there are some special cases:

• If your eye pressure is borderline high or outside the normal range, yearly (or more frequent) exams are recommended.

• People being treated for glaucoma—a condition caused by pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve—should be reexamined every three to six months. Unfortunately, glaucoma has no early symptoms, so regular exams are crucial for early detection and to prevent permanent vision loss.

• If you have diabetes, a yearly eye exam is essential. Poorly controlled diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing leakage, scarring, and vision problems. This is called diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and treatment are key, but the best prevention is consistent blood sugar control.

How Can You Keep Your Eyes Healthy?

Rule Number One: Don’t Smoke.
Rule Number Two: Never Forget Rule Number One.

Cigarette smoke is toxic to the eyes. Smoking increases your risk of developing:

• Blood vessel problems

• Cataracts (clouding of the lens)

• Glaucoma

• Macular degeneration (age-related vision loss)
  …and worsens nearly all progressive eye diseases.

On top of that, a healthy lifestyle and nutritious diet also go a long way in preserving your vision and supporting overall wellness.

How VIM Supports Your Vision

At Volunteers in Medicine, we’re committed to helping our patients maintain clear, healthy sight. Our services include:

• Regular eye exams

• Eyeglasses when needed

• Referrals for specialized care, including surgery for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal diseases (diabetic and otherwise)

Don’t Put Off Vision Care!

Your eyes help you experience the beauty of the world—don’t take them for granted. Stay proactive, get regular checkups, and protect your sight.

Keep your eyes healthy and enjoy our big, beautiful world every day!

-Written by: Lewis Gravely, MD