Get Smart About EyeSmart Week

When is the last time you've had an eye exam?

There seldom are any warning signs or symptoms during the early stages of serious eye diseases, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The only way to catch many eye diseases early is through routine screening, reminds American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) professionals.

Stephanie Marioneaux, M.D., a clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, stated in a release about EyeSmart Week:  “Most Americans understand the importance of regular dental visits or cancer screenings, but often forget about their eye health until they notice a problem. Too often, this costs patients their vision."

Marioneaux said a dilated eye exam is the only way to catch eye disease early so preventive measures can be taken to save sight.

AAO issued the following health tips:

• Everyone should get a baseline eye exam by age 40
• Knowing your family history of eye disease can help save your sight
• Seniors are at especially high risk for eye disease
• Minority populations are at a greater risk for eye disease and vision loss
• Parents should know what to look for to preserve their children's healthy vision
• Regardless of symptoms or vision problems, routine eye exams should be part of everyone’s health routine in order to catch and treat eye diseases early

Local eye care specialists include the following (just click on these business names to get to their Patch Directories for addresses and immediate directions to their locations):

Eureka; 636-938-7010

Wildwood; 888-452-8259

Wildwood; 636-458-8787

Wildwood; 636-405-0433

While checking out these eyecare specialists, be sure to rate and review them.

During this week, special thanks to the members, who throughout the year, volunteer their time and talents to raise funds for local eye sight needs. They even adopted students.