January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the United States. During National Glaucoma Awareness Month, Vitamin Health wants to remind everyone to get routine eye exams.

Eye exams are an important part of preventative healthcare. Many eye and vision conditions do not have obvious symptoms. Early diagnoses of diseases, such as glaucoma, are important in maintaining your eye health.

For people that are risk free or asymptomatic (ages 6-40), eye exams are recommended every 2 years. If there is a family history of eye disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, past vision problems or a change in vision then your doctor may request that you visit annually or as needed. If glaucoma runs in your family, it is crucial to visit an ophthalmologist and have a complete eye exam before the age of 40.

There are many things you can do to help lower your risk of eye disease such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, sunglass protection and smoking cessation. A healthy diet should include lutein (found in spinach, kale, and egg yolk) as well as foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish).

Eye health vitamins can also help to supplement your daily diet. Vitamin Health offers an array of eye vitamins, including Viteyes Optic Nerve Support, Viteyes AREDS supplements, Viteyes Omega-3, Viteyes Essentials (lutein and zeaxanthin), and more.

Don't forget to make sure loved ones are protecting their vision too!