Pink Prescriptions - August 2026

August 2026 Issue — Pink Prescriptions

Beyond 20/20:
Expert Answers for a Lifetime of Healthy Vision

August is National Eye Exam Month which serves as a timely reminder that healthy vision is about much more than seeing clearly—it’s an essential part of living well. From reading a favorite book and driving safely to recognizing the faces of loved ones and enjoying the beauty around us, our eyes connect us to the world every day. Yet eye health is often overlooked until something changes.

Regular comprehensive eye exams are one of the simplest ways to help preserve vision, monitor overall eye health, and establish a baseline that can benefit you for years to come. At every age and stage of life, understanding how to care for your eyes is an investment in your future quality of life.

In recognition of National Eye Exam Month, we invited two experienced local ophthalmologists to answer some of the questions they hear most often from patients. Their expert insights offer practical guidance on eye exams, vision care, and everyday habits to help you see your best for years to come.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Erin Benjamin, Goulas Eye

Are there lifestyle choices that have
an impact on long-term vision?
Yes, there are several lifestyle choices that can
influence long-term eye health and vision:

• Not smoking lowers the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

• Eating a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, colorful vegetables, fish, and foods high
in vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids supports eye function.

• Regular physical activity and maintaining healthy blood pressure and
blood sugar help protect the tiny blood vessels in the eyes.

• Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors can reduce damage from sunlight, while
using protective eyewear during sports or hazardous work helps prevent injuries.

• Limiting prolonged screen time with regular breaks reduces eye strain,
though it does not prevent permanent vision loss.

• Regular comprehensive eye exams are also important for detecting
problems early, even before symptoms appear.

What advice would you give someone who wants to keep healthy eyesight
well into their senior years?
To help maintain healthy eyesight into your 80s and 90s, prioritize regular comprehensive eye exams, even if your vision seems fine, because many eye diseases develop without early symptoms. In addition to the lifestyle choices mentioned above, be sure to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and follow your eye care provider’s advice for managing existing conditions. Consistent healthy habits over time can significantly improve the chances of preserving good vision as you age.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, and an optician?
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in eye health. They diagnose and treat eye diseases, perform eye surgery, prescribe medications, and provide routine eye care. An optometrist (OD) is a healthcare professional who performs eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, diagnoses and manages many common eye conditions, and refers patients to ophthalmologists when surgery or specialized treatment is needed. An optician is a trained professional who fits, adjusts, and dispenses eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Together, these professionals work as a team to help maintain and improve vision and overall eye health.  

When should children have their first eye exam?
A comprehensive eye exam by an eye care professional is generally recommended between 6 and 12 months of age, again at 3 to 5 years, and before starting school, especially if there are risk factors such as a family history of eye disease, premature birth, or developmental concerns. After that, regular screenings or exams should continue as recommended based on the child’s age, vision, and risk factors. Early eye exams are important because many vision problems, such as lazy eye (amblyopia) or crossed eyes (strabismus), respond best when detected and treated early.

What advances in eye care are most exciting today?
Some of the most exciting advances in eye care include new treatments that can slow or even restore vision for certain conditions. Gene therapy is helping some people with inherited retinal diseases regain sight. Longer-lasting medications for age-related macular degeneration reduce the number of eye injections patients need. Advances in cataract surgery and premium intraocular lenses provide clearer vision with faster recovery. 

Another major advancement is minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), which can often be performed at the same time as cataract surgery. MIGS uses tiny devices or specialized techniques to improve fluid drainage in the eye, helping lower eye pressure with less risk and a quicker recovery than traditional glaucoma surgery. This combined approach can reduce the need for glaucoma medications in some patients while addressing both cataracts and glaucoma in a single procedure. Researchers are also exploring stem cell therapies and retinal implants, offering hope for treating conditions that were once considered untreatable. These innovations are expanding options for preserving and improving vision.  

Erin Benjamin, DO, is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in comprehensive ophthalmology with an emphasis on micro-incision cataract surgery. She is also fellowship trained in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus. She has performed thousands of cataract surgeries utilizing the latest advancements in the field. Dr. Benjamin also specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration and dry eyes along with many other ocular conditions. Dr. Benjamin and Goulas Eye have offices in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. Call 843-815-5454 or visit www.GoulasEye.com

__________________________________________________________________________________

By Dr. Nicole Sopp, Beaufort Eye Center

How often should I have a comprehensive eye exam and what does it cover?
Comprehensive eye exams help protect both your vision and overall health through early detection and treatment and is recommended every 1-2 years for most children and adults. Anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of eye disease or other risk factors may need exams more frequently. A comprehensive eye exam is much more than an update of your eyeglass or contact lens prescription. It evaluates your vision, eye pressure, eye muscle function, and health of the front and back of your eyes. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist also checks for conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other retinal problems before symptoms develop.

What eye symptoms should people never ignore?
You should seek prompt care if you ever experience sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a sudden increase in dark spots or a curtain or shadow over your vision, as these may be a signs of a retinal tear or detachment. Severe eye pain and redness with light sensitivity can indicate inflammation, infection or even acute glaucoma. An eye injury, chemical exposure or a foreign object entering the eye also warrants urgent assessment. Any new onset of double vision should also be evaluated right away. Early diagnosis and treatment often prevent permanent loss of vision. When in doubt, it’s always safer to contact your eye care provider. 

How has electronic screen time changed the health of our eyes?
Are blue-light glasses worth buying?
We have no evidence that screen time can permanently damage the eyes, but it can contribute to eye strain and dry eye disease. Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, leading to dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches and eye fatigue. Scientific evidence does not strongly support blue light glasses for preventing eye strain or promoting ocular health, however; some people find them comfortable if they reduce glare on the screen. Some clinical studies have also demonstrated they can be helpful for sleep when worn for a few hours before bed.

Do sunglasses really protect my eyes?
What is important when buying sunglasses?
Yes! Sunglasses do more than reduce glare, they help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays which can increase your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and certain ocular cancers. When purchasing sunglasses, the most important feature is 100% UV protection which blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Choose frames that fit well and provide good coverage. Polarized lenses are great for reducing glare when driving, boating or spending a day at the beach, but remember, while polarization reduces glare, it does not replace UV protection.

Why are my eyes always dry or watery?
What’s the best treatment for dry eyes? Dry, burning, gritty or even watery eyes are often signs of dry eye disease. When your eyes are not producing quality tears, they can become irritated, which triggers excessive reflex tearing, making your eyes seem watery despite being dry. Common causes of dry eye disease include aging, screen time, certain medications, contact lens wear, and other underlying medical conditions. Treatment will depend on the cause and severity. Mild cases will likely improve with artificial tears, warm compresses, and eyelid hygiene. More advanced dry eye may require prescription eye drops, in office treatments such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or non-invasive radio frequency (RF) with dynamic muscle stimulation (DMSt) or even a procedure performed in office to seal the tear ducts. An eye exam can identify the cause and help create a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief. 

Nicole Sopp OD, FAAO, FSLS is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the Scleral Lens Education Society. She has extensive experience in a co-management clinical setting with optometry and ophthalmology and specializes in prescribing customized eyeglasses and contact lenses to maximize vision. She is also a specialist in the fitting of specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses for diseased or injured corneas and has immense experience in cataract post-operative care. Beaufort Eye Center has offices in Port Royal, Okatie, and Walterboro. Call 843-522-8466 or visit www.BeaufortEyeCenter.com