However, as we take to the slopes with childlike abandon, the cold snap brings its own challenges for the outdoorsman (and woman) and one hazard that’s easy to forget—protecting our eyes. That’s surprising, considering eye injuries are a common injury suffered during ski and snowboarding activities, and the glare from the snow can make it very difficult to see where you’re headed.

The surface of our eyes often become irritated by harsh winds, and snow sport enthusiasts should protect their eyes using properly fitted, sports-rated eyewear that filters out 100% of UV light. Those with less than perfect vision benefit from the availability of prescription goggles. In either case, the risks of not protecting your eyes include keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), conjunctivitis, and retina damage, not to mention direct injury to the eye.

While our body is able to repair much of the damage we do it, the lens of the eye can’t repair itself. The risk of irreversible damage is too high to risk. We also have a tendency to think the sun is less intense during the dark winter months, but the winter sun sits lower in the sky and exposure can actually increase.

So, while you raise your glass to toast the winter events, remember it’s a lot more fun when you can clearly see the smiling faces around you celebrating a day on the slopes together.

Visit The Center to learn more about keeping your sight safe this winter.

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. — An estimated 11 million Americans have uncorrected vision problems — from near- or far-sightedness to sight-threatening diseases. That’s why everyone should get an annual eye exam, starting at six months old — it’s as important as regular trips to the dentist. To educate people about eyesight and overall vision health, VSP Vision Care, the nation’s largest eyecare benefits provider, today kicked off its ‘See Much More’ campaign.

The See Much More initiative includes a fun, interactive website with loads of useful information and resources about eyesight and vision health, including:

• A fast-paced video with interesting facts and things you may not know about your eyes
• Tips everyone can follow to immediately improve their vision health
• Information about how vision coverage helps keep eyecare affordable by reducing the cost of eye exams, eyewear and other vision-related health services
• Daily surveys about eyesight and vision health
• Community features, such as links to VSP’s blog, Twitter feed, Facebook page and resources for finding a doctor
• Fun, interactive games and social networking applications will be added throughout the fall enrollment drive

“The goal of the See Much More website is to remind members and potential members how valuable their vision is in all aspects of their lives — personally, professionally and physically,” said Kate Renwick-Espinosa, Vice President of Marketing at VSP. “While vision coverage itself might not seem exciting, it is important and it impacts our lives in deeply meaningful ways. We want to help people learn about it in a fun, easy and accessible way.”

Learn more about taking care of your eyesight at www.SeeMuchMore.com. Whether it’s to make sure your kids can see well at school, to know that your spouse can see the road perfectly, or to be confident you can always be productive at work, great vision is vital for your health and well-being.

Photos

Twitter Pitch

Your eyesight is important. If you haven’t seen an eye doctor lately, see what you’re missing at SeeMuchMore.com

Tweet It!

News Facts

• Nearly 80% of what a child learns is obtained visually… however, 1 in 4 have undetected vision problems.
• 65 million Americans have never had their eyes checked. Ever.
• Diabetes causes 18,000 new cases of blindness in the US every year.
• Eyestrain is the most common workplace-related health complaint today.
• See much more at SeeMuchMore.com.

Viral Video

Click here to view the embedded video.

Resource Links

See Much More

VSP

VSP Blog

VSP on Flickr

VSP on Twitter

VSP on YouTube

VSP’s Facebook Fan Page

About the VSP Family of Companies
VSP Global includes VSP Vision Care, the largest not-for-profit vision benefits and services company in the United States with 55 million members; Marchon Eyewear Inc., one of the world’s largest manufacturers, designers and distributors of quality fashion and technologically-advanced eyewear and sunwear; Eyefinity/Officemate which offer innovative solutions and the premier management software and technology to improve overall practice management and patient experience; and VSP Labs, industry leaders in new technologies, production processes, service and logistics.

Since 1997, VSP has provided more than 529,500 low-income, uninsured children with free eyecare. Through relationships including those with the American Diabetes Association and Prevent Blindness America, VSP promotes the importance of annual eye exams for maintaining eye health and overall wellness.

Press Contact:
Liz Baidoo
VSP Corporate Public Relations