Mega Doctor News

Getting regular vision exams is just as important as getting an annual physical exam or dental cleaning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), comprehensive dilated eye exams are the best way to check for vision problems and eye disease and help determine if you need glasses or contacts.

Through the HHSC Blindness Education, Screening and Treatment (BEST) program, Texans may be eligible for free vision screenings and financial assistance for urgent eye treatment with a referral from an ophthalmologist.

Even if you don’t qualify for financial assistance, BEST program specialists can provide other resources that may meet your needs. You can also take additional steps to keep your eyes healthy, including:

• Maintaining a healthy diet and weight.
• Wearing prescribed corrective lenses to prevent vision deterioration.
• Wearing sunglasses that block 99% of ultraviolent light.
• Always washing your hands before taking out your contacts, and properly cleaning your contact lenses to avoid infection.
• Using eyedrops that act like tears to help your tear film protect the surface of your eyes.
• Practicing workplace eye safety.

Healthy vision is essential for children too. Prevent Blindness Texas (PBT) says one in 20 preschoolers and one in four school-age children are affected by vision problems. Download the PBT Guide to Vision Health for Your Newborn, Infant and Toddler (PDF) to understand how your child’s vision will develop and how to detect when there might be a problem.

Information source: Texas Health and Human Services

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