“The eye is the jewel of the body.”
Henry David Thoreau

The National Eye Institute recognizes the month of July as Healthy Vision Month. This year’s theme, A Family Focus, provides an opportunity to inspire families to team up and learn how to protect their vision together!We often think the best time to visit the eye doctor is when we have issues with reading or seeing something across the room. However, it’s best to see the eye doctor for preventive care. Here are a few tips for healthy eyes.

• Be physically active. Diseases like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your vision. Staying active lowers your risk for health conditions that can affect your vision.
• Know your family eye health history. Glaucoma and macular degeneration can be hereditary, so be sure to know your family history.
• Give your eyes a rest. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Looking at a computer, or a screen for a long time can tire out your eyes. Rest your eyes by taking a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Wear UV blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats. Risks for cataract and eye growths, including cancer, are increased with long-term exposure to sunlight — UV rays reflecting off sand and water can cause the eyes to sunburn, resulting in temporary blindness after just a few hours. 

MBA VEBA offers a stellar vision plan from United Health Care Vision that can be included in your employee benefits package as an employer paid benefit or a voluntary benefit. There are two options for vision coverage, standard and enhanced. To learn more about VEBA’s vision insurance, please contact Lesley Weaver or Tina Woehr, or call 573-636-8151.

About MBA VEBA Health Minute

Published by MBA VEBA, this monthly e-newsletter highlights various topics affecting an individual’s overall health. VEBA staff encourages sharing this information with your employees. Individuals should contact their health care provider for any questions concerning their health.