Dripping Springs Vision Center

October is Home Eye Safety Awareness Month

Each year in the United States, more than 2.5 million eye injuries occur, and 50,000 people permanently lose part or all of their vision, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. A recent report from Prevent Blindness America shows that the annual costs related to eye injuries are more than $1.3 billion.

Because more eye injuries occur in and around the home, Prevent Blindness America has declared October as Home Eye Safety Awareness Month to help educate the public on steps that can be taken to avoid painful and costly injuries.

As the year ends, the team would like to remind you about the upcoming expiration of your healthcare benefits and flexible spending account (FSA).

Your well-being is our top priority, and we want to ensure you maximize your benefits. If you participate in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), time is running out! Most plans expire on December 31st.

You can use your benefits towards vision-related services such as:
- Routine Eye Examination
- Eyeglasses (Frames + Lenses)
- Computer Eyeglasses
- Contact Lenses
- Prescription Sunglasses

Please take a moment to consider your eye care needs and review your benefits before they expire.

In addition to any unused benefits you may have, we are offering Buy One, Get One 50% Off Complete Eyeglasses.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

HISTORY OF NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK:

In Ancient Egypt, the eye was thought to be a white ball filled with fluid. Treatments for eye diseases included the use of hot pokers.

During Roman times, doctors believed poor vision resulted from a cold or wet brain. In Greek times, doctors began to use lenses to see things more closely, but they were made of glass and didn't help people see very well.

The real breakthrough came in 1000 A.D. when a Persian scientist, Ibn Al-Haytham, studied how light enters the eye and how we see things. He detailed his findings in a book titled "Book of Optics."

The earliest-known evidence of glasses was found in Italy and dates back to 1286. At that time, they were believed to be worn only by monks and scholars, but they quickly spread in popularity among the public.

WHY NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK IS IMPORTANT?

It raises awareness - National Eye Health Week raises awareness about the importance of good eye care and encourages people to take action to protect their vision. The initiative also aims to educate people about the wide range of services available to help those with eye conditions.

It educates people - The initiative also aims to educate people.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT EYES:

The fastest muscle in your body - A blink typically lasts 100 to 150 milliseconds — in a single second, it's possible to blink five times.

Your eyes are just a camera. - Your eyes function like a camera, capturing light and sending the information to your brain.

Babies' eyes - Newborn babies can see objects about eight to 15 inches away; as they grow, their focus changes.

Blind people can see their dreams. - Blind people can dream as long as they are not born blind.

It's comparable to a camera. - It's equivalent to the image quality you'd get if you combined 24 top-of-the-line D.S.L.R.s into one.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK

Get to know your optometrist:
Whether you're looking for a new one or your current one is doing a great job, it's good to have a positive relationship with your eye-care professional. They will be there for you when you need them — and if you don't need them yet, you want to keep it that way!

See an eye doctor regularly:
Many people only go to the eye doctor when they have trouble seeing things up close or far away — but regular visits are vital for catching the signs of early-stage eye disease. Kids should have their eyes tested by age three, and adults should keep up with routine vision tests every two years. If you already have eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration, you may need more frequent visits.

Wear protective eyewear during activities:
Wear protective eyewear during gardening, working with tools, or playing sports. The sun's UV rays can damage the eyes, so wear sunglasses with 100% U.V.A. and U.V.B. protection.

Happy National Eye Health Week!

National Eye Health Week takes place annually during the last full week of September, from September 18 to September 24. It serves as a reminder for people to get their eyes checked. The event offers a valuable chance to raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations.

This week, we will be sharing facts and tips to keep your eyes safe and healthy.

Happy Labor Day weekend from our team to you!

We will be closed on Monday, September 4th, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We will resume regular business hours starting on Tuesday, September 5th.

Our practice is ready for another school year. During our Back-to-School Savings Event, everyone is sure to find a look they love because we are offering 50% off kid's frames and buy one, get one 50% off adult complete eyeglasses*

Plus, our world-class doctors are here to provide personalized care – from comprehensive exams to custom fittings – to keep them lookin' and feelin' good all year long.

Start the school year off on the right foot with our exclusive Back to School Savings event.

Hurry in, this offer ends September 10!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Here are some helpful tips for taking care of your eyes during the summer months:

Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Look for sunglasses with broad-spectrum protection and a wraparound style to shield your eyes from the sun's rays from different angles.

Use UV-Protective Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, consider using ones with built-in UV protection. These lenses can provide an extra defense against the sun's rays. However, remember that they are not substitutes for sunglasses, so wear both for optimal eye protection.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your eyes moisturized. Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes and discomfort, especially in hot and dry summer conditions.

Stay in the Shade: When the sun is at its strongest, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., try to stay in the shade as much as possible. This helps reduce exposure to direct sunlight and minimizes the strain on your eyes.

Happy 4th of July! Wishing you a day filled with BBQ's, fireworks, and great times!