Corona, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/30/2015 -- While millions will, happily, visit the dentist, frequent their OBGYN or take daily supplements to prevent high cholesterol, few actively work at maintaining their eye health as they age. Nobody knows this better than the nationwide network of Optometrists, all members of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS), who spend their careers assisting those who are losing their eyesight, and often losing it fast.

As part of their national outreach program, the IALVS team of low vision optometrists are today releasing new guidelines for preserving eye health, as well as calling on those worried about their failing vision to seek immediate help.

Six tips for maintaining eye health:

1.Eat for good vision – Opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E, which can delay the onset or even completely ward off macular degeneration and cataracts. Examples of good foods include green leafy vegetables, salmon, eggs, nuts and citrus fruits

2.Quit smoking – This alone can eliminate the #1 cause of macular degeneration

3.Wear sunglasses – While it may sound obvious, a good pair of UV-resistant sunglasses can help prevent conditions like cataracts of macular degeneration

4.Use safety eyewear – If working around airborne debris or playing sports, a good pair of properly-fitting safety goggles can prevent accidents that would otherwise contribute to eye disease

5.Take breaks from a computer screen – The blurred vision and dry eyes caused by computer screens can have disastrous long-term effects. Positions any screen with eyes level with the top of the monitor and, every twenty minutes, spend twenty seconds refocusing on a distant object

6. Get a low vision exam – If you have experienced vision loss, a Low vision evaluation is different than a regular eye exam which can detect/prevent debilitating vision loss. A Low Vision Evaluation allows IALVS members to prescribe special glasses to improve function and independence of those with vision loss

Point number six is what the members of IALVS stress, and they urge anyone with vision loss to contact a member of IALVS today. Those people over 65 who are fortunate to have good vision are encouraged to book a comprehensive eye exam today.

"A Low Vision Evaluation is completely different from a regular eye exam" explains Dr. Richard Shuldiner, California Low Vision Optometrist and founder of IALVS. "It's a specialized evaluation that looks at how much vision the individual has, how much vision they need to carry out their daily tasks, and what type/level of magnification device is required for those tasks to be carried out."

He continues, "We use cutting-edge charts to draw out any residual vision the patients has "hiding" in the periphery, before seeing if we can make any adjustments to their regular eyewear to open that vision up. If not, we'll work out the exact magnification required and develop a custom set of telescopic eyeglasses built for them."

Patients are also encouraged to take an active part in their treatment, bringing along examples of print they would like to read, and details/samples of the activities they enjoy doing – even if not currently possible with their failing vision.

For more information on what a low vision exam entails and to book an appointment today, visit: http://ialvs.com

About IALVS
The International Academy of Low Vision Specialists (IALVS) believes in LIFE AFTER VISION LOSS. The IALVS brings new hope and sight to those with Macular Degeneration and other vision limiting-conditions