 EYE
SAFETY
YOU AND YOUR EYES
Vision or sight is a sense that
most people are able to use every day of their
life, probably more than any of the other senses.
Protect your eyes now, save them for your future!
As one ages, changes occur that may affect your
vision. Some of the changes include the need for
more light; adjustments to the darkness or to
glares may be more difficult, or being able to
focus on near objects. Some people experience
difficulty in color differentiation.
What can I do to take
care of my eyesight?
• Visit an eye doctor on a regular basis,
even if you have no problems with your eyes.
Some eye diseases have no symptoms in the early
stages and your eye doctor will examine them.
• Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing
sunglasses that fit well and are able to absorb
99-100% of ultraviolet rays, also called UV
(both UV-A and UV-B0). Some eye diseases such
as macular degeneration, cataracts, corneal
sunburns (photokeratitis) and skin cancer around
the eyelids may be prevented by using well fitting
sunglasses that are able to absorb the UV rays.
• Improve the lighting in your house
to help you see better and keep your from injuring
yourself.
• Protect your eyes from injury by wearing
safety eyewear when your eyes are at risk for
injury, such as certain hobbies, sports, and
work.
• Eat foods that are healthy. By eating
healthy foods one generally stays healthier
overall. Healthy eating may prevent or control
other diseases such as diabetes, high blood
pressure and high cholesterol.
• Stay physically active to reduce your
risk of diseases and to improve your overall
health.
• Quit smoking ~ smoking increases one's
risk for cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy,
and age-related macular degeneration.
Need help with tobacco cessation?
Call it Quits!
Call the Maine Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-207-1230
or call the Community Health Educator at 858-2318
for 1:1 support and education, or contact Somerset
Heart Health at 474-7473 and ask about their
Quit and Win program.
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