The American Eye-Q survey was conducted to evaluate adults' level of knowledge and their behaviors associated with eye care. The results of the American Optometric Association's (AOA) first American Eye-Q survey indicates adults are in need of beeter education when it comes to their eye health and the well being of their families vision.

Following are the survey's questions asked and the responses to these questions (along with correct answers):

1)Which of the following behaviors is bad for your eyes? a) Reading under dim lights: 88% b) Sitting too close to the television: 82% c) Smoking cigarettes: 75% d) Drinking alcohol: 64% e) Drinking caffeine: 33% f) None of the above: 1%

Considerable misconceptoins exist around behaviors that may be harmful to one's eyes. More than 8 out of 10 adults believe that sitting too close to the televisoin and reading under dim lights will affect their vision. While they both may cause headaches, they won't weaken your sight. Smoking and drinking alcohol however, can be harmful on the eyes.

2)Which food is best for your eye health? a) Carrots: 70% b) Broccoli: 12% c) Spinach: 11% d) Apples: 2% e) All equally good: 1% f) None of the above: 3%

Nutrition is important to maintain good eye health, and surprisingly, Americans can do better; 70% of Americans mistakenly believe that carrots are thet best food for their eye health, when in fact it has been proven that spinach and broccoli are better foods for eye health. Eating the equivalent of 1/2 cup of cooked spinach 4 times a week or more can protect against age-related macula degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It would take 4 pounds of carrots or 17 cups of iceberg lettuce to meet the same goal.

3) When you purchase sunglasses do you always check to see if they have UV protection? a) Yes, I always check: 68% b) No, I do not check: 27% c) Don't know: 5%

While a majority of American adults make sure their sunglasses have UV protection - it's very important that everyone understands the damage caused to eyes by UV-A and UV-B radiation occurs gradually and is irreversible. Ironically, sunglasses that have not been treated for UV rays may be more detrimental to your eyes than not wearing sunglasses at all. Dark lenses reduce the amount of light entering the eye, causing the pupil to dilate, This exposes the inside of your eye to more UV radiation than without the sunglasses.

4) How often should adults go to and eye doctor? a)Visited my eye doctor within the past two years: 38% b) Within the past 3-4 years: 14% c) Five or more years ago: 27% d) Never: 18% e) Don't know: 4%

Americans admit that their eye health and sight is important to them, yet 62% of Americans who do not currently wear glasses or contacts have not been to an eye doctor in the past two years as clinical guidelines recommend. A person's eyesight can change rapidly and frequently, particualrly in older adults, therefore, it is imperative that adults visit their optometrist at least every other year for a comprehensive eye exam.

5) What health conditions can be detected during eye exams? a) Diabetes: 65% b) Hypertension: 62% c) Brain tumor: 46% d) Cardiovascular Disease: 39% e) Multiple Sclerosis: 23% f) All of the above: 10%

In fact, all of the above diseases and disorders are detectable through comprehensive eye exams.

6) Behavioral problems area sign that your child's vision may be impaired. a)Agree: 56% b)Disagree: 44%

44% of parents do not realize that behavioral problems can be an indicatioin that a child's vision is impaired. Other signs that may indicate a child is having difficulty seeing include squinting while reading or watching television, headaches, lower classroom grades or tilting their head when viewing an object.

7) When should a child have their first eye exam? a) Within first year of life: 10% b) 1-2 years of age: 7% c) 3-4 years of age: 13% d) 5 or older: 37% e) Never: 29% f) Don't know: 5%

Only 1 in 10 parents follow their pediatrician's advice of having an infant's eyes examined prior to their first birthday. Nearly 1 in 3 children have never been to an eye doctor.

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Thank you for reading.