It’s Healthy Vision Month – Let’s Care for Our Eyes Together!

Your eyes do a lot for you every day – helping you read, work, drive, play & connect with the  world around you. But when was the last time you did something for your eyes? 

Healthy Vision Month, observed every May, is the perfect reminder to give your eyes the  attention they deserve. At Tony Fernandez Eye Hospital, we believe good vision starts with  awareness, protection & regular care. 

What Is Healthy Vision Month All About? 

Healthy Vision Month is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting  your eyesight and preventing vision loss. It is a time to encourage individuals, families and  communities to take proactive steps in caring for their eyes and making informed decisions  about eye health. Whether you are young or old, vision health is for everyone. 

5 Easy Ways to Take Care of Your Vision 

• Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Even if your sight feels fine, a comprehensive eye exam can  detect problems early—like glaucoma or diabetic eye disease—before symptoms appear. • Nourish Your Eyes with the Right Foods: Support your long-term eye health by eating  foods rich in Vitamin A, C, E and omega-3 fatty acids. Leafy greens, carrots, fish and nuts  are all great choices to help keep your vision sharp. 
• Use Protective Eyewear: Whether you are on the field, tackling home projects, or  working on-site, using proper protective eyewear is key to preventing serious eye  injuries. 
• Limit Digital Eye Strain: Are you spending a lot of time on screens? Practice the 20-20-20  rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce strain. • Quit Smoking: Smoking poses a serious threat to eye health, raising the risk of conditions  such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma - all of which 

can lead to vision loss or even blindness. It can also cause dry eye syndrome and damage  the optic nerve, ultimately impairing your vision. 

Remember – Eye Safety Is Everyday Safety! 

Common Eye Diseases: Know the Signs & Protect Your Vision 

• Refractive Errors: Vision problems like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness  (hyperopia), astigmatism & presbyopia, where the eye does not focus light correctly,  causing blurry vision. These can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. 
• Dry Eye Syndrome: Occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears  evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation, redness and a gritty feeling in the eyes. • Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, causing redness,  itching and discharge. It can be viral, bacterial or allergic in nature. 
• Cataracts: A condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision.  This typically occurs with age and can be treated with surgery. 
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to  diabetes. It can lead to blurry vision & if untreated, blindness. 
• Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often caused by high  eye pressure. It can lead to vision loss if not treated early, but there are usually no  symptoms in the early stages. 
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A condition that affects the central part of  the retina (the macula), leading to the loss of central vision, making activities like reading  difficult. 
• Retinal Detachment: A serious condition where the retina separates from the back of the  eye, potentially causing vision loss. Early signs often include flashes of light or the  appearance of floaters. 

Each of these conditions can affect vision in different ways, but early detection and treatment  can help prevent significant damage. Regular eye exams are essential for keeping track of eye  health.

Preventing Eye Injuries: Causes, Risks & Protection Tips 

Eye injuries can happen in many everyday situations—whether from flying debris, chemical  exposure, blunt force trauma, or excessive screen time. These injuries can lead to pain, long term damage, or even permanent vision loss. The good news is that many eye injuries are  preventable. Wearing the right protective eyewear during work, sports, or outdoor activities,  practicing proper safety protocols and taking breaks to reduce digital eye strain can significantly  lower your risk. Simple preventive measures can make a big difference in keeping your eyes safe  and healthy. 

Expert Eye Care at Dr. Tony Fernandez Eye Hospital 

At Dr. Tony Fernandez Eye Hospital in Aluva, Kerala, world-class eye care meets compassionate  service. Under the visionary leadership of Padma Shri Dr. S. Tony Fernandez, the hospital offers a  wide range of advanced treatments and diagnostic services to protect and enhance your vision: 

Comprehensive Eye Examinations 

Routine eye exams are essential for maintaining good vision & detecting issues early. Our  detailed assessments help diagnose a wide range of eye conditions—ensuring timely and  effective care for every patient. 

Specialized Eye Treatments 

• Cataract Surgery: We offer safe and effective cataract removal using modern techniques  like Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) and advanced Intraocular Lens (IOL) implants  to restore clear vision. 
• Glaucoma Management: Our specialists provide early diagnosis and treatment of  glaucoma, including laser procedures such as YAG Laser Iridotomy and Diode Laser  Therapy to protect optic nerve function.
• Refractive Error Correction: Whether it's nearsightedness, farsightedness, or  astigmatism, we offer cutting-edge solutions including LASIK, PRK, and ICL surgeries to  reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts. 
• Retinal & Vitreo-Retinal Services: We provide expert care for complex retinal conditions  such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration & retinal detachment. • Pediatric Eye Care: Our child-friendly eye specialists treat a wide range of childhood  vision problems including squint (strabismus) and congenital tear duct issues. • Cornea & Oculoplasty Services: From treating corneal disorders to performing eyelid and  orbital surgeries, our specialists offer both restorative and cosmetic oculoplastic  procedures. 

Additional Services 

• Vision Counselling – Helping patients understand and manage their eye health more  effectively 
• Low Vision Support – Tailored assessments & tools for those with significant vision  impairment 
• Optical & Contact Lens Services – A fully equipped optical shop and contact lens clinic  on-site 
• Eye Bank – Supporting corneal transplants through certified eye donation services 

With personalized care and a focus on the latest advancements in eye health, Dr. Tony Fernandez Eye Hospital is your trusted partner for maintaining and improving your vision. 

Prioritize Your Vision Every Day 

As we celebrate Eye Health Month, it's a reminder that taking care of our eyes should be a daily  priority. Whether through regular eye exams, healthy lifestyle choices, or protecting our eyes  from potential hazards, small steps can make a big difference in preserving our vision for years  to come. Let’s commit to making eye health a lifelong focus, so we can continue to see the  world clearly and fully.