The Canadian Ophthalmological Society is encouraging people to be proactive in protecting their eyesight during Vision Health Month.

The organization is urging Canadians to get routine eye check-ups in order to catch serious eye diseases like glaucoma, which is the leading cause of vision loss in the country.

Winnipeg Ophthalmologist Doctor Gdih Gdih explains any pre-school aged child should be at least seen once prior to entering school to prevent serious eye problems. In adulthood from 18 until age 50 then if they go every two years that will be enough to have an eye exam and check up.  For the people who are 50 or above it comes important that they continue to see their eye doctor once a year because that’s where the rate of eye diseases increases due to age.

Gdih goes on to say that if someone notices a difference in their vision they should see their eye doctor as soon as possible.  He adds Canadians can be proactive in protecting their vision by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, knowing your family medical history, wearing the right sunglasses with UV 400 coverage and wearing proper safety equipment for work and sports.