Georgia Optometric Association

Myopia is becoming more common in kids and adults with rates nearly doubling over the past few decades, jumping from roughly 25% in the 1970s to about 42% today. Myopia Awareness Week is a great time to be alert for warning signs like blurred distance vision, squinting, eye strain or headaches. and put down the cell phone (reduce near work), go spend some time outside (it helps!)…and schedule a comprehensive eye exam to safeguard your overall health. GOAeyes.com

May is Healthy Vision Month! What can you do to make sure your vision and eyes are healthy?
+ Get regular dilated eye examinations from an eye care professional.
+ Live a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, abstaining from smoking and managing chronic conditions.
+ Know your family history, because many eye diseases are hereditary.
+ Use protective eyewear to prevent injuries on the job, while playing sports or doing simple chores around the home.
+ Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays.
Most importantly, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your local doctor of optometry to keep track of your vision and eye health. Find a Georgia Optometric Association member near you at GOAeyes.com.

Georgia's doctors of are sharing a Consumer Alert:
More than 3.1 million bottles of eye drops sold at major retailers, including Walgreens and CVS, are being recalled due to concerns about their sterility, according to a notice from the Food and Drug Administration.
The eyedrops have been recalled by their manufacturer, K.C. Pharmaceuticals, according to the March 3 alert. The products were sold under a number of brand names, including Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops and Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops.
Health officials are advising people to stop using the recalled eye drops immediately. Consumers should check product labels and lot numbers, particularly codes beginning with AC, AR, LT, SU, RG, RL, SY or AT with 2026 expiration dates.

3.1 million bottles of eye drops sold at Walgreens, CVS and more are recalled. Here's what to know. The eye drops — sold under multiple brands — have been recalled over concerns about sterility, according to the FDA.

Retinal detachment? Amblyopia? Chalazion? If you need more information about an eye health or vision term, please visit the Georgia Optometric Association's Consumer Eye Health Resources page at GOAeyes.com. You will find helpful explanations of many conditions that will enable you to !

The Georgia Optometric Association joins with colleagues and peers around the world in celebrating , a time to recognize the important role doctors of play as primary vision and eye health providers. Our members are proud to serve the people of Georgia in communities throughout the state.

Like it or not, the time change is here! If the new sunlight pattern makes it difficult to drive, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your local doctor of . during !

One visit to a doctor of optometry’s office can safeguard your overall health and identify early warning signs of more than 270 system and chronic diseases, just like it did for this young girl. During members of the Georgia Optometric Association are urging consumers to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and . Find a doctor of optometry near you at GOAeyes.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5gBdzh-85Q

WXIA 11Alive NBC: “Dunwoody Girl's Eye Exam Was A Lifesaver” WXIA 11Alive NBC Atlanta reports that a “Dunwoody Girl's Eye Exam Was A Lifesaver” and a local optometrist helped save her life. This story aired on WXIA and...

On Valentine’s Day, our thoughts turn to those we love our significant others, our families, pets and friends. We think about how much we love and appreciate all that these wonderful people and animals do. But have you ever thought about how much you love and appreciate your eyes for all they do?

Show your eyes some love this Valentine's Day by protecting, resting and nourishing them to ensure long-term vision health. Key tips include practicing the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital strain, wearing sunglasses for UV protection, eating nutrient-rich foods, and scheduling a comprehensive eye exam.

Key Tips for Eye Health This Valentine's Day:
• Reduce Digital Strain: More than ever before, we’re spending hours each day using digital devices, including cell phones, tablets and laptops. But spending hours looking at these devices and the high-energy blue light waves they emit can cause eye fatigue and even damage the eyes over time. To minimize this damage, keep screens as far away from your eyes as possible. That’s 20 to 24 inches for your computer screen or tablet. In addition follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Protect from UV Rays: A lifetime of sun exposure can do damage to your eyes and also increases the risk that you’ll eventually develop conditions that impact your vision. These conditions include cataracts, eye cancer, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and corneal inflammation or growths. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection, even on cloudy days.
• Prioritize Eye Nutrition: Eat foods rich in vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids, such as leafy greens and fish, to support eye health. Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated and prevent dry eye symptoms
• Practice Proper Hygiene: Clean makeup brushes regularly and avoid sharing cosmetics to prevent infections.
• Exercise and Maintain a Healthy Weight: Exercise can help prevent or control high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, which can all contribute to serious vision problems. Watching your weight can prevent you from becoming overweight and increasing the risk of developing diabetes and diabetic eye disease. Get out there and move—walk, run, dance or garden—as often as you can!
• Schedule an Exam: Book an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive check-up. Find a Georgia Optometric Association doctor of optometry near you at GOAeyes.com.

What exactly is AMD low vision? Age-related macular degeneration low vision is a disorder that affects the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye where images are focused. The exact cause is unknown. Although age is the primary contributing factor, cigarette smoking and nutrition can also play a role in its development. Learn more at the Consumer Eye Health Resources page at https://www.goaeyes.com/consumer-eye-health-resources. A local doctor of can answer your additional questions. Find a Georgia Optometric Association member near you at GOAeyes.com.

Weather forecasters are predicting rough winter weather in Georgia this weekend. Prepare your Winter Storm Vision Emergency Kit now so you have access to your vision essentials. We invite you to Like/Share so your friends & family nearby can prepare as well.