'Fit to Fight!': Hurlburt Aims high for National Eye Care Month Published Jan. 28, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- January is known as National Eye Care Month. National Eye Care Month was created to raise awareness about the many eye diseases and problems as well as provide solutions. Being able to "see" doesn't always necessarily mean that a person doing that well. Luckily the well trained Hurlburt Field optometry staff is ready and available to assist with all problems and inquiries. "The eyes are the window to the health of the body," said Capt. Nikki Lagendyk, chief of clinical operations of 1st Special Operations Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "We look at the blood vessels and diagnose things like high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid problems just by looking at the eye." Although some conditions may be hereditary or permanent, most can be prevented if proper preliminary precautions are taken. "We recommend routine eye exams every one to two years to check optical health," said Master Sgt. Brian Spiekermann, chief of optometric services of 1st SOAMDS. "We also recommend that Airmen wear personal protective equipment." Proper eye equipment includes but is not limited to wearing military-issued glasses in potentially harmful working conditions to prevent loose shrapnel from damaging the eye. Other eye protection such as wearing sunglasses outside can prevent exposure to UV rays which can increase incidence of cataracts and macular degeneration in the eyes. "We're making our Airmen fit to fight," said Maj. Sheridan Martin, flight commander of 1st SOAMDS. "We're maximizing their vision, capability, and making them a more effective machine." For more information contact your local clinic.