words of wisdom

By Walter Eugene Davis Senior Helpers – Stratham, NH

“We get most of the input from our surroundings through our eyes; they convey more input than any of our other senses. Every second the eyes absorb ten million pieces of information and pass it on to the brain.”

When was the last time that you thought about the health of your eyes? It’s recommended that if you are forty or older, have the health of your eyes checked every one to two years. There are a few things that you can do to enhance the health of your eyes. So, lets get started!

Watch your diet! You have probably heard before that “you get out of it what you put into it!” This is very true. Eating foods that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, oily fish), lutein (carrots, sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables), vitamin C (oranges and other citrus fruits and vitamin E (vegetable oils, nuts, spinach, and broccoli). A balanced diet is necessary to fuel the sophisticated human body. Don’t forget folks that us dogs need a good diet including vitamins too! Do you smoke? If so QUIT! Smokers are highly likely to get cataracts and macular degeneration. Tobacco smoke breaks down the lip layer of the tear film, which causes dry eye. This is the source of discomfort, including a gritty feeling, redness, and stinging. Wear your shades! If you are outside, you need to find a pair of sunglasses that work for you. Ultraviolet rays are damaging to your eyes and increase your chance in getting cataracts and/or macular degeneration and yes, even cancer. When shopping for glasses, look for a pair that blocks 99% to 100% of UV rays. Consider purchasing a pair that wraps around to provide protection for your eyes from the side. Did you know that dogs can develop eye issues too? That’s why I always have my shades close by. Look away! Are you spending hours on your computer, tablet or phone? If you are having issues with eyestrain, blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches or trouble focusing at a distance, consider taking a break every 30 minutes. Let your eyes rest – they get tired too! If it persists, get your eyes checked. Make certain that your prescription is correct. You can also ask your doctor about blue light filtering glasses. So why are we talking about eyes? Let me tell you. Three years ago my Uncle Robbie went to renew his driver’s license, and when they did his eye exam he was not satisfied. He went to his eye doctor to get a re-check. It was during the exam they saw a “freckle” on the retina of his eye. He was immediately sent to a specialist. It was found that he had ocular melanoma. Not only did he have it on one eye, but he had it on both - which is incredibly rare. He wasn’t in pain; his vision had changed. Thankfully, he acted on his gut! According to the American Cancer Society, in 2020 3,320 new cases of cancers of the eye and orbit were reported (1,750 in men and 1,570 in women). Due to early detection and increased treatment options, survival rates have improved over the past decade. On September 21st my uncle will be celebrating his birthday cancer-free. Happy Birthday Uncle Robbie. For more information on eye cancer, visit www.Cancer.org or www.acureinsight.org.