Protecting Your Precious Gift of Sight

Watch Your Schedule
Many of us have been too busy to see an eye doctor for more than two years - the recommended time frame between eye check ups. And yet, simply by complying with this recommendation, eye care professionals can help you protect your precious gift of sight.

All too often, eye diseases begin with subtle changes that aren't recognized. When someone does detect vision loss, it's often too late to receive effective treatment, in spite of major advances in eye care.

"It's urgent to seek care for a vision problem sooner rather than later," emphasizes Ophthalmologist George H. Garcia, M.D. "I've had patients who, if they'd come in three years earlier, we could have saved their vision, but they waited too long for treatment."

Ophthalmologists are physicians who have special training in eyesight. According to new guidelines set by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, everyone should see an ophthalmologist by the age of 40. With a baseline examination by 40, an ophthalmologist can track the individual's sight for age-related, sight-threatening conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration and glaucoma. 

Give Your Vision Proper Nutrition
Scientists now say that certain nutrients that are part of your everyday diet can help save your vision. Eye friendly nutrients include:

• Fatty Acids - Omega-3 fatty acids are considered important for proper visual development and retinal function. Fatty fish,such as salmon, tuna and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, as do walnuts and flaxseed, canola and soybean oils.
• Lutein & Zeaxanthin - These nutrients reportedly reduce the risk of chronic eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Among the foods they are found in are green leafy vegetables and eggs.
• Vitamin C - This vitamin is considered an antioxidant that can lower the risk of developing cataracts. In combination with other nutrients, C (ascorbic acid) may also slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and visual acuity loss. Vitamin C is found in many fruits and vegetables.
• Vitamin E - Researchers believe that this is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells of the eyes from damage by unstable molecules known as free radicals that break down healthy tissue. E is found in nuts, fortified cereals and sweet potatoes.
• Zinc - This essential trace mineral has a vital role in bringing Vitamin A from the liver to the retina to produce melanin, which is a protective pigment in the eyes. Some of the many foods containing zinc include red meat, oysters, crab, fortified breakfast cereals, nuts and peas.

Take advantage of advanced knowledge and techniques to preserve and restore vision. You'll see long-term benefits.

You Are Invited to

Day of Ophthalmology: Protecting Your Precious Gift of Sight

Saturday, October 3, 2009, 9 am - 2 pm
St. Joseph Hospital Outpatient Pavilion Lobby
1140 W. La Veta Ave., Orange
Join prominent area ophthalmologists for insightful discussions on maintaining healthy eyes, preventing and treating eye diseases that cause vision loss, and maximizing sight.
Refreshments will be provided. To register call 714-633-DOCS (3627)