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NEWS

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR EYES THIS SUMMER

6/24/2019

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1. Wear sunglasses complete with UV protection

Too much exposure to UVR can cause photokeratitis or photo conjunctivitis (more commonly known as “snow blindness”) in the short-term. Continual UVR exposure, particularly exposure to UVB rays, may cause cataracts development, pterygium (a non-cancerous growth over the cornea) or skin cancer of the eyelids.

2. Use Goggles at the Pool

Frequent exposure to chlorine negatively affects the integrity of your corneal epithelium. The epithelium provides a layer of protection to your cornea from irritants and pathogens. If that protection is compromised, you have an increased likelihood of corneal abrasion or other eye injuries.

3. Wash hands and avoid rubbing eyes

Studies indicate that the best way to protect yourself from the spread of communicable disease is simply to wash your hands on a regular basis. This practice is crucial to avoid contracting eye-related conditions such as conjunctivitis. You often develop conjunctivitis after touching something that someone else has touched after they rubbed their eyes.

4. Wear hats

Have your child wear a hat with a wide brim.  It not only provides additional protection against sunburn on susceptible areas like the nose, neck and ears, but it also helps to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays.  Not all sunlight enters the eye direct from the front.  Have your child wear a hat with a wide brim.  It not only provides additional protection against sunburn on susceptible areas like the nose, neck and ears, but it also helps to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays.  Not all sunlight enters the eye direct from the front.  

5. Wear eye protection during outdoor activities

You should try to protect yourself, as much as practically possible, from contact with foreign bodies including sand) that can cause abrasions to your eye. If a child gets sand into his eyes, take the child immediately to a sink with running water. Do not allow them to rub their eyes as this can scratch the outer layer of the eye known as the cornea. Use a clean cup to pour water over the eyes to remove sand. Encourage blinking and do not discourage crying, because tears remove eye irritants. If flushing and blinking does not work, seek immediate medical attention.

6. Opt for shade when possible

Opt for shade whenever possible, especially between 10am and 2pm when the sunlight is the strongest.

7. Drink plenty of water

During the summer, people are more likely to become dehydrated, which can affect their eyes. Serious dehydration makes it harder for the body to produce tears, leading to dry eye symptoms and other vision problems. Drinking plenty of water each day can prevent and reverse many of the negative effects of dehydration, as well as providing fluid for normal eye function.

8. Use eye drops when needed

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CONEXUS KEEPS CHILDREN'S VISION PROBLEMS FROM IMPEDING THEIR SUCCESS

11/29/2018

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Lee Ware, Virginia Delegate
“Having spent three decades teaching History and Government to young people, naturally the wellbeing of our children in school is of immense importance to me. How well children can read can determine the quality of their learning, and poor vision is by definition an impediment to reading. Consequently, I admire—and support—Conexus in its mission to expand vision-testing for school pupils.”

When 5-year-old Preston went to school one day, there was a lady there to check his eyes. It was important, his teacher told him, because he needed to be able to see well to read and learn.

Preston was a little nervous, but the lady showed him the box that she would be using to screen his vision. It looked a little bit like the pad he used to play games and watch cartoons. All he had to do was stand still for a few seconds while she looked at him through that box. It was over before he knew it!

This quick and easy screening, called VisioCheck and conducted by Conexus, determined that Preston had astigmatism. Astigmatism can cause blurred vision, which can impact reading and many other activities.

Read the full article: ​http://bit.ly/2DSBJHV

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Conexus Announces Members of Newly Formed Expert Panel

12/15/2015

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As Conexus continues its growth, reaching tens of thousands of children each year through mass screenings, the organization is convening a panel of experts to formally review and approve Conexus programs as best practice.  To provide a broad , well rounded perspective of the program, the panel includes representation from the both the medical and education community and consists of two pediatric ophthalmologists, two optometrists, a representative from public health, a representative from public education, and a representative from early childhood education.  The committee will be staffed by Conexus.

Panel Members:
  • Dr. Edwin Wortham, M.D., Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Conexus Board member
  • Dr. Evan Silverstein, M.D., Pediatric Ophthalmologist, VCU
  • Dr. Charles “Bo” Pegram, Jr., OD, Conexus Board Chairman
  • The Honorable Roxann Robinson, OD, member VA House of Delegates
  • Dr. Margaret Meara, EdD., former Superintendent Powhatan County Schools, Conexus Board member
  • Ms. Teresa Isom Teresa Isom, RN, BSN, Public Health Nurse Supervisor, Chesterfield County
  • Ms. Katie Sloan, Coalition Coordinator – Smart Beginnings Hopewell-Prince George
  • Tim Gresham, President and CEO, Conexus
  • Melissa Perry, Community Programs and Public Health Director, Conexus

The panel will gather for it’s first program assessment in January.
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Children and Digital Eye Strain

1/12/2015

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Ever wonder how your digital devices can impact your child’s vision?  Take a look at this new report just released from our friends at The Vision Council.  We’re all spending more time in front of a “screen” than ever before, and it’s important to know the facts about digital eye strain.  You can learn about the impact on Adults, Teens, and kids here. 

If the infographic from The Vision Council (to the left) doesn't load, click here.
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Tips for Safe Trick-or-Treating

10/27/2014

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Halloween has been a longtime favorite tradition for kids of all ages.  A few important safety tips to remember when selecting that perfect costume:

Many costumes come with “props” – some of these props (wands, swords, canes, sticks, etc…) can have sharp or pointed ends.  Moving around (especially in the dark) with some of these props can create a hazard for your eyes.   Please give strong consideration as to age appropriate props for costumes and think ahead about some of potential tripping hazards of moving in groups in the dark.

You should also make sure that costumes fit well; costumes that are too long or otherwise present tripping hazards should be avoided.  Be sure that your walkway is clear of debris and decorations that could trip trick-or-treaters as well.

Also worth mentioning are Cosmetic contact lenses, false eyelashes, and make up.  Contact lenses should never be worn without a prescription.  Contact lenses, when fitted or worn improperly, can cause serious eye conditions.  Use extra caution, especially in younger children who may be more prone to rubbing their eyes, when applying heavy makeup and lashes to the eyes.

Read this article from Eyecare.org about these and other "Halloween Hazards."

Happy Halloween!


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Headquarters: 11618 Busy Street, Richmond, VA 23236
Washington Office: 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 700, Alexandria, VA 22314
(804) 423-2020   |   (888) 790-2020   |   www.ConexusVision.org   |   contact us
A Tradition of Saving Sight
Conexus, formerly known as Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic, was established in 1957 as the National Society to Prevent Blindness - Virginia Affiliate. Throughout our history, our name has changed to reflect our vision and reach, but our mission is clear: eliminating undetected and untreated vision problems as barriers to success, enabling all children to reach their fullest potential.


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Conexus is a 501(c)3 public charity, IRS Tax ID 46-5257732. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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