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National Eye Exam Month

National Eye Exam Month

August is National Eye Exam Month and there are a lot of images that come to mind when we consider the month of August. Most people tend to think about back-to-school shopping and last-minute family vacations as the summer winds down.

One consideration that probably does not come to mind is the current health of your eyes and vision. The American Academy of Ophthalmology wants to change this. Bringing attention to the wellbeing of your eyesight once a year is the goal of National Eye Exam Month!

The Importance of Healthy Eyes

By knowing the best ways for maintaining optimal vision and healthy eyes, many Americans can improve their quality of life. The earlier we recognize potential signs of deterioration and disease, the more likely medical professionals are able to stop or reverse the risks.

Founded in 1989 by Sears Optical, National Eye Exam Month continues to be an opportunity for reminding Americans that regular eye exams help doctors identify issues early on. A comprehensive vision exam as kids head back to school and as we get back into our regular rhythms following summer means one less appointment to squeeze in once the calendar fills up.

American’s Eyes by the Numbers

Millions of Americans have eye ailments and issues with their vision. Here are just a handful of stats from the CDC:

  • 2 million Americans aged 40 years and older are legally blind in at least one eye
  • 8 million Americans aged 40 years and older are affected by age-related macular degeneration
  • 5 million Americans aged 40 years and older have cataracts in one or both eyes
  • 1 million Americans are affected by diabetic retinopathy
  • Nearly 3% of the population suffer from amblyopia (aka “lazy eye”)

Beyond these ailments affecting millions of Americans, there are other reasons for scheduling an eye exam this August for people of any age. According to the National Eye Institute, proper refractive correction could improve vision for 150 million Americans.

Countless Americans are in need of vision correction and are either unaware of the need or simply have not made it a priority while trying to get by as best they can.

Rather than continuing to put it off, make this summer the one you decide to put your eye health and that of your family first. Schedule an eye exam today!