Protect Your Vision for the Future

Adapted from article contributed by Audra Stewart-Gordon, Community Health and Communications Coordinator.

Our eyesight plays a vital role in how we connect with the world, yet many of us delay getting an eye exam until we notice a problem. August is National Eye Exam Month, a perfect reminder to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and take simple steps to protect your vision for years to come.

Why Eye Exams Matter

Eye exams aren’t just about updating your glasses or contact lens prescription. They also help detect early warning signs of serious conditions that often have no symptoms in their early stages, including:

  • Glaucoma – Often symptomless until advanced.

  • Macular degeneration – A leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

  • Cataracts – Common with aging and cause clouding of the lens.

  • Diabetic retinopathy – Damage to the retina caused by diabetes.

Catching these conditions early can make a life-changing difference—many eye diseases can be treated or slowed when diagnosed in time.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

The American Optometric Association recommends:

  • Children: First exam at 6–12 months, once before first grade, and every 1–2 years after.

  • Adults (18–64): Every two years, or more often if you have vision problems or risk factors.

  • Adults 65+: Annual exams to monitor age-related changes.

Everyday Habits for Healthy Eyes

Protecting your vision isn’t just about exams—your daily choices also make a difference:

  • Eat plenty of leafy greens, omega-3-rich foods, and colorful fruits.

  • Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

  • Stay active and maintain a healthy weight to lower risks for diabetes and hypertension.

Protect Your Vision Today

Your eyesight is worth protecting. Many optometry practices offer discounted exams during August for National Eye Exam Month. Use this month as a reminder to schedule your eye exam and take steps toward lifelong healthy vision.

To learn more about keeping your eyes healthy, visit the National Eye Institute’s website: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/healthy-vision/keep-your-eyes-healthy?utm_source

This article was developed with support from AI-assisted writing tools and reviewed by our team for accuracy and clarity.

POSTTracey CarlsonHPM, community, eye health, eye exams