May is Healthy Vision Month and TDS is celebrating by collecting eyeglasses to help others.
The lack of eyeglasses denies children and adults the opportunities for education, employment, and a better quality of life. By donating old glasses, they can be reused by those who need them.
We’re working with the Lions Club and have collection boxes on every floor of our headquarters building. More, we’re encouraging our employees and customers all over the U.S. to send their old, usable eyeglasses to one of the many Lions Club Eyeglass Recycling centers across the country.
The Lions Clubs International collects, sorts, washes, and distributes used glasses in developing countries where eye care is often unaffordable or inaccessible.
How to Have Healthy Eyes
Healthy Vision Month is a good reminder to make your eye health a priority and take steps to protect your sight. Most of us visit a doctor or nurse for routine checkups and for help when we’re sick, but forget to give our eyes the same attention. According to the National Eye Institute, to have healthy eyes you should:
Get a dilated eye exam. Getting a dilated eye exam is the only way to detect eye diseases early, because with many, there are no warning signs. Talk to your eye care professional about how often you should have one.
Live a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, managing chronic conditions, and not smoking can lower your risk of eye disease.
Know your family history. Talk to your family members about their eye health history. It’s important to know if anyone has been diagnosed with an eye disease, since many are hereditary.
Use protective eyewear. Protect your eyes when doing chores around the house, playing sports, or on the job to prevent eye injuries. This includes safety glasses, goggles, safety shields, and eye guards that are made of polycarbonate.
Wear sunglasses. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase your risk for getting an eye disease so shop for sunglasses that block out 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation. Wide-brimmed hats also offer great protection, too!
Image: courtesy of Maggie Smith from FreeDigitalPhotos.net
