February – Vision Awareness

February is Age-related Macular Degeneration/Low Vision Awareness Month. Eye disorders and blindness don’t receive as much attention as they should. While not typically a threat to life, blindness and conditions that affect the vision can severely impact a person’s quality of life.

Problems with vision can occur at any time and we commonly associate many of those changes with advancing age. Advanced age is inevitable, but because of it we may be at higher risk for some eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy being the most common. The only means of detection is through early recognition and treatment that generally begins with a comprehensive exam and dilation of the pupils.
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Carsickness linked to poor vision

DEAR DR. GOTT: Some time ago, you printed a letter about a toddler who got carsick. Our son would get carsick starting in infancy until he was 5 years old, even on a local trip within a few miles. At age 5, it was discovered he had vision problems. When he began wearing his glasses, the issues ceased. I suggest the parents make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. It can’t hurt.

DEAR READER: I continue to receive letters regarding carsickness and its various treatments. Remedies included ginger, acupressure, Sea-Bands, eating carbs prior to the car ride, having the car cool or wind blowing on the face, putting on quiet music and refraining from talking, looking at the horizon and not out the side windows and more.
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