Communicating openly with your eye doctor

Sometimes the things you don’t say can be just as powerful as the ones you do. In the case of going to the eye doctor, keeping an open and honest line of communication is vitally important to protecting your vision. Often, people will neglect to tell their eye doctor important information about their health, including problems with high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma.

They may also remain silent about a family history with cardiovascular disease or stroke. While these health concerns may not seem immediately related to vision care, it is absolutely important to tell your eye doctor about your entire medical history. If an ophthalmologist is unaware of prior medical conditions, he or she may not be able to recommend the correct treatments or medications. This can lead to serious health consequences if you are prescribed medications with conflicting side effects or are allergic to a certain substance.

Before you go to your next eye appointment, make a list of any questions you want to ask your doctor, and bring along a sheet that outlines your medical history. It’s normal to want to say everything is fine when the doctor asks how a current treatment is working, but doctors appreciate honesty about your health. Being open about your struggles and conditions will allow you to be treated more safely and effectively. So, the next time you visit your eye doctor, speak up. The health of your eyes and body depends on it.

Your vision during nighttime driving

As we age, our eyes naturally start to change. You may find it harder to read at a distance, have trouble seeing in low-light situations, or notice that your vision becomes blurred – all of which can dramatically affect your nighttime driving skills. To help keep you safe on the road, the American Optometric Association recommends driving only on familiar, well-lit streets.

Because darkness can make it harder to distinguish objects and determine distances, older drivers should be extra careful when approaching intersections. It is also important to remove any distractions while driving at night, including the radio and cell phones. According to the American Optometric Association, keeping the windshield clean – don’t forget the inside! – can also help your vision. In any situation, it is always better to stay home or call a friend if you have doubts about driving in the dark.

Minimizing your driving from dusk to dawn can reduce the chance of getting in an accident or another unexpected incident. Talk to an eye doctor on your True Dental Discounts - vision plan about any concerns you may have about your vision as it relates to driving. The American Optometric Association recommends adults over age 61 schedule a comprehensive eye exam each year, so don’t wait.

Hidden dangers to a child’s vision

It’s a well-known fact that sports can present a hazard for children’s vision, but did you know that one in particular is responsible for the most injuries? According to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, baseball is the No. 1 cause of sports-related injuries in children ages 5 to 14. The unpredictable nature of sports makes it easy for accidents to occur, which is why experts recommend that kids always use protective eyewear. But the playing field is not the only place parents should be alert for dangerous objects. Some vision hazards – including scissors, forks and pencils – are found right at home.

The foundation suggests that parents look out for such common items as paper clips, rubber bands, fish hooks, clothes hangers, and other items with sharp or pointed edges. In particular, children should be closely supervised when in the presence of darts, BB guns, and other missile-firing toys. All of these objects have the potential to permanently damage a child’s vision should circumstances go awry. Finally, the foundation recommends keeping children away from all types of sprays and cleaners, as the chemicals can be highly dangerous.

Vigilance is a parent’s best tool, so keep your eyes out for any potential dangers – obvious or hidden. An eye doctor on your True Dental Discounts - vision plan can help you pinpoint specific hazards in your personal life and advise you on the best ways to keep your child safe and healthy.