May 2012

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Health Capsule

Healthy Vision for a Lifetime

Most of us take our eyesight for granted—unless something goes wrong. May is Healthy Vision Month, so it’s a great time to learn how to make healthy vision last a lifetime.

Eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy affect millions of Americans, robbing many of their vision. “Thankfully, in the last decade, medical researchers have developed highly effective, sight-saving treatments,” says Dr. Paul A. Sieving, director of NIH’s National Eye Institute. “However, these treatments are only effective if the disease is diagnosed before it causes vision loss.”

Several eye disorders have no early warning signs. They can only be detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Having regular exams is the best way to protect your eye health.

Keep your vision at its best. Learn more at www.nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes.