Healthy Vision Month is celebrated every year in May to stress the importance of eye health. This month was established by the National Eye Institute (NEI) in 2003 and aims to spread awareness and educate people about the risks of ignoring the health of their eyes.
The NEI collaborates with various eye care organizations, healthcare professionals, community groups, and advocates to promote eye health initiatives throughout the month.
Through these efforts, Healthy Vision Month serves as a reminder for people to prioritize their eye health and encourages them to schedule regular eye exams, adopt healthy lifestyle practices, and seek timely treatment for any vision-related issues.
Vision changes may go unnoticed
If you’re like most folks, you probably thought you would notice a change in your vision if you had an eye disease. But your brain can adapt to vision loss, making some eye diseases go unnoticed until it is too late. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored. Ophthalmologists can spot eye disease before vision is compromised and protect your sight. That’s why the American Academy of Ophthalmology urge all healthy adults to start getting yearly eye exams at age 40, even if their vision seems fine. Early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to happen at this age.
Healthy Vision Month is important for several reasons:
- Promoting Awareness: Healthy Vision Month raises awareness about the importance of maintaining good eye health. Many individuals may not be fully aware of the risks and consequences of neglecting their vision or may underestimate the impact of certain eye conditions. By highlighting the significance of eye health, this observance encourages people to take proactive steps to protect their vision and seek appropriate care. Seeing an ophthalmologist can improve not just your eye health, but your overall health. Because the blood vessels and nerves in your eye are reflective of the rest of your body, ophthalmologists are sometimes the first to diagnose diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or vitamin deficiencies.
- Preventing Vision Loss: Regular eye exams can help detect potential eye diseases and conditions in their early stages, enabling timely intervention and treatment. Healthy Vision Month emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups, encouraging individuals to schedule comprehensive eye exams. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss and improve overall eye health. Your eye health is dependent on different factors, including family history, ethnicity, age, and overall health. An ophthalmologist can help evaluate your personal risk factors and recommend the best steps for disease prevention.
- Educating on Eye Care Practices: Healthy Vision Month provides an opportunity to educate the public about proper eye care practices. This includes promoting healthy habits such as wearing sunglasses to protect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, taking breaks during prolonged screen use, maintaining a balanced diet rich in eye-healthy nutrients, and avoiding smoking, which is linked to various eye diseases.
- Empowering Individuals: By raising awareness and providing information on preventive measures and treatment options, Healthy Vision Month empowers individuals to take control of their eye health. It encourages them to make informed decisions about their vision care, adopt healthy habits, and seek professional help when needed. Empowering individuals with knowledge and resources enables them to prioritize their eye health and maintain good vision throughout their lives.
Our Focus Is On You
At Barth Vision and Optical we offer state-of-the-art eye examinations and surgeries. Including cataract surgery with the game-changing cataract Light Adjustable Implant Lens, LASIK vision correction and the future of vision correction with Refractive Lens Exchange. Call for an appointment to schedule your eye exam today!
