Havre, Montana – January is known as National Eye Health Care Month. Northern Montana Health Care recognizes this month and supports healthy vision. Optometrists and ophthalmologists recommend strongly that we get our eyes checked yearly.
It does not matter whether you wear corrective lenses or not, or think your eyes are in perfect condition; getting regular eye exams is a necessary part of overall healthcare. By having an eye exam once a year, you will be screened for many sight-threatening eye diseases, many of which are preventable if detected in the very early stages. For certain patients frequent eye exams are mandatory; patients with glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes and patients on the drug Plaquenil. Additionally, any patient that has had eye surgery or has experienced a change in vision should have their eyes checked.
Dr. Erica Farmer, Optometrist at Northern Montana Vision Center adds, “Even if you have good vision, there are several eye diseases that are completely undetectable to the patient but can cause irreversible damage to the eye. An annual eye exam will help detect preventable eye disease, so that treatment can be initiated.”
After your eye exam, make sure you keep promoting National Eye Care Month by telling your friends and family. Additionally, you can donate your old eye glasses to local charities that help families who can’t afford their own pair of eye glasses.
Your vision is one of your most important senses. Don’t let this month pass by without taking care of your eyes!