Engage PT, OT, SLP Therapy and Wellness
May 1, 20211 min
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
May is Healthy Vision Month
Each May, the National Eye Institute (NEI) observes Healthy Vision Month to educate Americans about the importance of eye health.
Maintaining healthy vision is important for everyone — especially for people with PD.
According to Carlijn D.J.M. Borm, M.D., author of a recent study of vision problems in people with PD:
"It is especially important for people with Parkinson's to have the best vision possible because it can help compensate for movement problems caused by the disease, and help reduce the risk of falls.”
Ways you can help protect your vision
Get regular comprehensive dilated eye exams.
Know your family’s eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with an eye disease or condition, since some like glaucoma are hereditary.
Eat right to protect your sight: In particular, eat plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, albacore tuna, trout, and halibut.
Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active to lower your risk for conditions that can affect eye health like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home, such as painting, yard work, and home repairs.
Quit smoking or never start.
Wear sunglasses that block 99 percent-100 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation to protect your eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts. Remember to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days.