Five ways to save your sight

The New York State Ophthalmological Society is partnering with EyeCare America, a national nonprofit organization that provides eye exams and eye health information to medically underserved communities, to provide five tips for a healthy aging eye in honor of September's Save Your Sight Month.

"We find that many people don't pay attention to their health until something goes wrong," said Dr. Andrew M. Prince, president of the New York State Ophthalmological Society. "By providing tips for a healthy aging eye during Save Your Sight Month, we are hoping to encourage people to be more proactive in the care of their eyes and vision."

EyeCare America's five tips for a healthy aging eye:

+ Vitamin A is great for your eyes and will help you maintain healthy vision. Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, yams and spinach.

 Find out your family history of eye disease. In many cases, having a family member with an eye disease greatly increases your chance of getting the disease.

 Wear protective goggles when working with machinery and while engaging in athletic activities.

 Protect your eyes from the sun. Over exposure to the sun's rays can lead to cataracts.

 Call EyeCare America's Seniors EyeCare Program, 1-800-222-EYES, ext. 3937, to see if you qualify for a free eye exam.

The New York State Ophthalmological Society encourages people to call the EyeCare America Seniors EyeCare Program.

This program offers eye exams and up to one year of medical eye care at no out-of-pocket cost for seniors who are without an ophthalmologist (a medical eye doctor).

To see if a loved one or a friend, 65 and older, is eligible to receive a referral for an eye exam and care, call 1-800-222-EYES, ext. 3937.

The Seniors EyeCare Program help line operates 24 hours a day, every day, year-round.