Free News Articles, General Editorial, Ophthalmology and Vision

Ask An Optometrist to Improve Your Eye-Q

DENVER, Colo. -- The Colorado Optometric Association (COA) and 2020 Eyes Colorado are answering commonly asked patient questions to educate the public on eye health. 2020 Eyes Colorado is the COA's public awareness initiative to promote healthy eyes and vision across the state throughout the year.

People frequently have questions about vision or eyesight but neglect to ask during their annual eye exam. A group of Colorado optometrists have created a list with answers of eight commonly asked questions or misconceptions about eye health.

Some of the questions our optometrists answer include:

* Can an optometrist diagnose diabetes just through an eye exam?

* Does eating carrots improve eyesight?

* What are the qualifications to be a candidate for LASIK surgery?

* Do blue light glasses and filters actually work?

"Educating Coloradans about eye health is extremely important, as is identifying misconceptions many patients have. This list of commonly asked questions allows the COA and 2020 Eyes Colorado to serve that purpose," says Dr. Jean DeMoss, Board President for the Colorado Optometric Association.

The list of questions and answers can be read and downloaded, along with many other resources about vision and eye health.

See the full list of questions and answers here https://2020eyescolorado.org/optometrists-answer-common-questions-about-your-eye-health/

About the Colorado Optometric Association (COA):

The Colorado Optometric Association (COA) is the professional organization of optometrists in Colorado. Over 600 Colorado Doctors of Optometry are voluntary members of the Association.

Since 1892, the COA has assisted its members in providing the highest standard of professional care to their patients by sponsoring continuing education programs for doctors, advocating in local and state governments for programs and laws that represent patients' best interests, and providing information for the public. For more information, please visit http://www.visioncare.org/ or call 303-863-9778.

Related link: https://colorado.aoa.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Ophthalmology and Vision

Colorado Doctors of Optometry Encourage Eating Nutrient Dense Foods This Holiday Season

DENVER, Colo. -- Doctors of optometry across Colorado, 2020 Eyes Colorado, and the Colorado Optometric Association (COA) are addressing nutrition and eye health in the December awareness theme Eating Your Way to Better Eye Health.

This holiday season Coloradan's can eat their way to better eye health by simply incorporating nutrient dense foods. Optometrists know that good eye health often starts with nutrition.

If an individual is nutritionally lacking in one area, it can create a snowball effect of health issues. "We can use nutrition to improve our eye health on a daily basis by choosing optimal foods to support our eyes. We can even incorporate these choices throughout the holiday season without skipping our holiday favorites. Remember moderation is key!" says Dr. Tom Cruse, Colorado Optometric Association Board President.

Colorado doctors of optometry agree that you should aim for eye health nutrition such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, Zinc, Copper and Vitamins A, C, E & K.

View full story here and the key nutritional recommendations from optometrists: https://2020eyescolorado.org/holiday-edition-eating-your-way-to-good-eye-health/.

Learn about these four nutritional areas that can improve eye health:

* Reducing Inflammation with Cruciferous Vegetables

* Harnessing the Power of Lutein and Zeaxanthin

* Carotenoids and Vitamin A: Allies for Eye Health

* THE Omega-3 Fatty Acids!

About the Colorado Optometric Association (COA):

The Colorado Optometric Association (COA) is the professional organization of optometrists in Colorado. Over 600 Colorado Doctors of Optometry are voluntary members of the Association. COA has also launched a public health campaign called 2020 Eyes Colorado - http://2020eyescolorado.org/.

Since 1892, the COA has assisted its members in providing the highest standard of professional care to their patients by sponsoring continuing education programs for doctors, advocating in local and state governments for programs and laws that represent patients' best interests, and providing information for the public. For more information, please visit http://www.visioncare.org/ or call 303-863-9778.

Related link: https://colorado.aoa.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Awards and Honors, Business, Entertainment, Fine Art and Artists, Free News Articles, Ophthalmology and Vision

#2020EyesColorado Youth Art Contest Winners Announced

DENVER, Colo. -- 2020 Eyes Colorado and the Colorado Optometric Association (COA) announce the winners of the #2020EyesColorado First Annual Youth Art Contest. Students grades 1-12 were invited to submit 2D artwork while reflecting on the value of their eyesight through the theme, A Beautiful Sight. The goal of the competition was to engage Colorado students in understanding the value of their eyes and their own eye health. The COA sponsored public health campaign, 2020 Eyes Colorado, seeks to increase eye health awareness throughout Colorado communities.

The contest launched in January of 2020 and due to the pandemic school shutdowns, the entry deadline was extended to October 15, 2020.

More than 170 Colorado students submitted paintings, drawings, digital art, and photography from all over the state. Many participants shared powerful insights on vision that will inspire other students to understand the value of their own vision.

Angelina Blanco, Grandview High School Senior and winner of her age group says, "To see is to experience the world in all its beauty. Without my vision, I wouldn't be able to witness sunsets, rainbows, or the smiles on others' faces-my biggest inspirations."

One winner from each age group was selected based on scoring from the judging panel. Prizes include a $200 donation to each winner's school, the high school winner receives an iPad Pro, the middle school winner receives a SketchBox Premium Subscription, and the elementary winner receives a Green Kids Craft Subscription Box.

The #2020EyesColorado Artist Award Recipients*

Winner Grades 9-12:
Angelina Blanco, Grandview High School

Winner Grades 6-8:
Sophia Orishev, Campus Middle School

Winner Grades 1-5:
Maxim Furmanov, Greenwood Elementary School

*View artwork submissions and the complete list of winners and honorable mentions here - https://2020eyescolorado.org/art-contest/

Entries were scored by local Colorado artists; Matthew Lit, photographer, designer and educator; Alexis Davina, fine arts and portraiture; Julie Babcock, artist of unusual mediums; and Dr. Matt Buchanan, a local optometrist and COA Board Member.

"The level of creativity and depth of thought that these young artists put forth in their entries, is so inspiring. What an immense privilege it was to be on the panel of judges," said Alexis Davina.

Matt Litt explains, "I was continually surprised by the uniqueness and creativity of so many of the entries - especially from the younger artists! Many entries spoke of an inherent artistic ability. What a great experience this has been."

"What an honor to look at so much beautiful creativity and art! It was exciting to see all the different ideas and themes relating to their individual seeing experiences. What a pleasure," noted Julie Babcock.

Stay tuned for the #2020EyesColorado Second Annual Youth Art Competition in 2021.

About the Colorado Optometric Association (COA):

The Colorado Optometric Association (COA) is the professional organization of optometrists in Colorado. Over 600 Colorado Doctors of Optometry are voluntary members of the Association. COA has also launched a public health campaign titled 2020 Eyes Colorado - https://2020eyescolorado.org/.

Since 1892, the COA has assisted its members in providing the highest standard of professional care to their patients by sponsoring continuing education programs for doctors, advocating in local and state governments for programs and laws that represent patients' best interests, and providing information for the public. For more information, please visit http://www.visioncare.org/ or call 303-863-9778.

Related link: https://colorado.aoa.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Ophthalmology and Vision

Colorado Optometrists Announce Tips to Help Avoid Eye Health Challenges from Increased Screen Time During COVID-19 Pandemic

DENVER, Colo. -- As social distancing becomes a normal way of life during the COVID-19 pandemic many individuals are participating in increased screen time. The Colorado Optometric Association (COA) and the public health campaign 2020 Eyes Colorado, have collected tips from its doctors of optometry on how to keep eyes healthy as technology has become the hub for employees, social circles, students, teachers, families, and entire communities to stay connected.

"This increased screen time for many is an important part of life and staying healthy mentally and emotionally, which makes reducing screen time not possible for many. There are still a number of preventative measures individuals can take to reduce the impact of screen time on eye health while staying connected," says Dr. Matt Buchanan, COA Board President.

It can be difficult for some individuals to understand why their vision is suddenly blurry or they're experiencing more headaches. But Colorado optometrists know the eye health challenges that come with increased screen time.

Potential Signs That Screen Time is Impacting Your Eyes
* Increased headaches or migraines
* Dry eyes
* Red eyes
* Itchy eyes
* Watery eyes
* Blurred vision
* Light sensitivity
* Eye strain

Tips for Keeping Eyes Healthy During Increased Screen Time

Observe the 20-20-20 Rule
Adults and children should take frequent screen breaks by practicing the 20-20-20 rule. When using any screen, every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and look at something 20 feet away. To get in the habit of this, set a timer every 20 minutes for a few days as a reminder to use the 20-20-20 exercise.

Take Blink Breaks
Looking at a screen naturally has users blinking less and that can cause dry eyes, which can also cause a number of issues including blurry vision. When you take your 20-20-20 break be sure to take a few long blinks. This will help hydrate your eyes and reduce any discomfort from reduced blinking.

Reduce Blue Light
Blue light is linked to computer fatigue and eye strain. Colorado optometrists recommend wearing glasses that filter out this light. If you're unsure about finding true blue light glasses, you can contact your optometry office for recommendations.

Buy an Alarm Clock
Blue light suppresses our bodies production of melatonin. This is one of the chemicals that tells our body it is time to go to sleep. Eliminating nighttime phone use in your bedroom tends to nurture better sleep and it eliminates blue light exposure from looking at your phone during the night. It's recommended that you use an alarm clock in your bedroom and keep your phone in another room or on customized "do not disturb settings" while being placed across the room.

Establish a Screen Schedule
During this time, we can't get away from using screens, but it's important to evaluate if there is any way to reduce screen time. Many families are finding that no screens after 8pm is a great rule to start winding down for bed and reducing stress. Begin looking at ways to reduce mindless social media scrolling and shift some of your entertainment choices to non-screen activities during certain times of the day or week.

Check Your Vision
If you're experiencing more headaches, blurry vision or eye discomfort it's probably a good idea to get a comprehensive eye exam in the near future with your local optometrist. This will ensure that your eyes are equipped with the correct prescription lenses/contacts and that any other vision issues are addressed. Stay away from online eye exams or vision screenings as they are not a reliable tool for the full picture of your eye health.

Colorado's doctors or optometry are fully open and offering all services including routine care! Find a local optometrist here - https://2020eyescolorado.org/

About the Colorado Optometric Association (COA):

The Colorado Optometric Association (COA) is the professional organization of optometrists in Colorado. Over 600 Colorado Doctors of Optometry are voluntary members of the Association.

Since 1892, the COA has assisted its members in providing the highest standard of professional care to their patients by sponsoring continuing education programs for doctors, advocating in local and state governments for programs and laws that represent patients' best interests, and providing information for the public. For more information, please visit http://www.visioncare.org/ or call 303-863-9778.

Related link: https://colorado.aoa.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.