Dr. Cam Letafat
Territory Optometrist Leader at Warby Parker
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You Asked We Answered
Your 👀 aren’t playing tricks on you, it really is National Eye Care Month. So, we chatted with Dr. Cam Letafat (she/her), territory optometrist leader at Warby Parker, to bring you the best eye care basics that could also be an eye-opener (see what we did there?) for your health. “For many patients, the optometrist is their first point of contact into the healthcare system,” Dr. Letafat says. “I learned how eye health can be an indication of so many larger systemic conditions and as an optometrist, we may be the first touch point for patients to receive further care. We not only provide routine care, but in many cases are the first healthcare professionals who might detect, diagnose, and treat serious health conditions.”
The future never looked so bright. 😎
So, what are some ways to take care of our eyesight?
1. Regular eye exams. Regular exams are not only important for monitoring changes in your eyeglass and contact lens prescription, but also in the detection and treatment of serious health conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.) and certain eye conditions. Early treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss and blindness in common eye conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
2. Follow the 20/20/20 rule. For every 20 minutes spent using a screen, shift your gaze into the distance on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This can help relax your eye muscles and reduce eye strain and dry eyes.
3. Sunglasses with UV protection. Exposure to sunlight and harmful UV rays can damage your eyes and increase your risk of developing certain eye conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths on the eye. It becomes imperative to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays year round, which can be done simply wearing sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection!
4. Take care of your contacts. Take proper care of your contact lenses to help prevent eye infections and eye irritation. To do so, wash your hands before usage as dirty hands can transfer dirt, germs, and oils to your contacts. Then, use the “rub and rinse” method to clean your contact lenses with disinfecting solution. Keep your contact lens case clean and replace it regularly. Rinse it with sterile contact lens solution (not tap water). Fill your clean contact lens case with a fresh disinfecting solution each time you clean and disinfect your contacts. Lastly, adhere to the wear schedule that your eye doctor recommends for wearing and replacing your contact lenses.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Keeping a nutrition rich and healthy diet can keep your eyes healthy. Make sure your diet consists of foods rich in eye protecting nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, zeaxanthin, zinc, and lutein.
Speaking of eye exams, how often should we be getting them?
FOR CHILDREN: Children should be checked more regularly: at least once between six to 12 months, at least once between three to five years old, before first grade, and annually following this.
FOR ADULTS: For adults ages 18-64 who are asymptomatic and at low risk, eye exams are recommended at least every two years. For adults 65 and older, eye exams are recommended annually.
FOR SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS: For patients who are symptomatic and at-risk (for example, those with certain systemic diseases) are recommended to get eye exams more frequently.
Are there any eyewear styles that you think will be on trend this year?
Definitely! Our design team is excited about dramatic silhouettes, bold colorways, and metal styles, all of which can be found in our latest Spring 2024 collection.