Don't Forget about your eyes

January was devoted to informing people about the importance of eye care, but it doesn't stop there. There are many ways you can help keep promoting eye care health. First things first, be sure to make eye appointments for you and your family. It is necessary for everyone to have at least one eye exam every year. If you have not had your eyes checked within the last year it may be time to schedule an appointment as it is an essential part of overall health care.

To go along with Eye Care Month, January was also National Glaucoma Month. Approximately 3 million people have glaucoma, but many do not realize it. Many cases of glaucoma have virtually no symptoms, therefore it is important to get your eyes checked out as soon as you can. That way if there is something wrong we can detect it early.

When it comes to eye care, you can never be too careful especially when it comes to glaucoma. When gone untreated, glaucoma can lead to worse things. Glaucoma is the second leading reason for blindness in the United States.

Along with getting your eyes checked, there are certain foods that can help with eye care as well. Fruits such as blueberries and apricots are filled with vitamins that have proven to help resisting oxidative stress damage to eyes, which can result in cataracts. More generically, Vitamin A, which is found in many green, orange, and yellow vegetables, is found to help fight against cataracts, and improves night vision. Vitamin C, which is found in leafy vegetables and citrus fruit delays macular degeneration, cataracts, and pressure in glaucoma patients' eyes.

What better time than now to take the first step and show your eyes some real care.

Dr. Edward Dolezol, MD specializes in Ophthalmology with over 30 years of experience. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine Chicago. He is affiliated with Good Shepherd Hospital and has an office in Crystal Lake.