When was the last time that you had bought a new pair of cool sunglasses? Okay, how about the last time you talked to your healthcare provider about your vision, and how to protect and keep your eyes healthy? Thought so. If you had been at the recent Transitions Golf Tourney at the lovely Innisbrook Resort and Spa in Palm Harbour, Florida last month then your Eye-Q would be up. The weekend focus was highlighting superior athletes who rely on their peripheral vision and hand-eye coordination for a great game. However, because of the commitment to healthy eyes, Transitions Eyecare made sure that everyone attending left more informed about their vision and good eye heatlh.

Eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration account for blindness in millions of Americans. Most people rate their eyesight as extremely important to their quality of living, yet almost 10% don't realize that their are no early warning signs of glaucoma or cataracts. The same preventable behaviors like smoking , obesity, a lack of regular exercise, poor nutrition and high uv exposure that contributes to chronic medical conditions like hypertension, heart disease, cancers and diabetes also cause eye disease.

Hispanics and African-Americans continue to lead Americans in health care disparities related to eye-diseases. Raise your Eye-Q by becoming aware of your individual and family risk factors for eye-disease. Know your family history. Request that your pupils are dilated and blood vessels examined on eye visits. Have yearly eye exams. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays. Exposure to high uv light increase your risk for cataracts. Eat a diet that is rich in antioxidants with supplements as needed. Manage your weight with regular exercise. Stop smoking cigarettes, and know your bp, cholesterol and bmi numbers.

Make eye health a part of your total health. Now is the time!