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MERSI Ophthalmologists Promote Healthy Vision Month

(May, 2010)- May is National Healthy Vision Month. Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI) in Cambridge joined forces with the National Eye Institute to raise awareness about the important role eye exams play in detecting potential vision problems. Millions of people in the United States have undetected vision problems that can cause vision loss and even blindness, according to the National Eye Institute. Unfortunately, many eye diseases have no early warnings signs or symptoms so you may be affected without even noticing it, which is why it is so important to regularly visit your eye care professional.

“Comprehensive dilated eye exams are important for maintaining good eye health and may be the only way to know if your vision is at its best and your eyes are healthy," said C. Stephen Foster, MD, founder and president of MERSI. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is a painless procedure in which drops are placed in your eyes to dilate, or widen, the pupil. This allows your eye care professional get a good look at the back of your eyes and examine them for any signs of damage or disease.

“Many potentially blinding eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can be treated if detected early through an eye exam” explained David Hinkle, MD, staff physician at MERSI. “Early detection is crucial to preventing vision loss.”

Ophthalmologists at MERSI recommend that you put a visit to your eye care professional on your "to do" list to ensure your eyes are healthy. “We advise people receive an eye exam every one to two years, however once a person reaches the age of 65, their risk for developing eye disease increases and patients should really see their ophthalmologist annually to ensure their eyes are healthy” said Olga Ceron, MD who also treats patients at MERSI.

For more information on eye care or to make an appointment with a physician at MERSI, please call 617-621-6377 or visit www.mersi.com. You can also visit www.nei.nih.gov/healthyeyess to learn more about eye exams, common vision problems and tips for keeping your eyes healthy.

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