Understanding the Importance of Vision Awareness Month

The Purpose of National Vision Awareness Month

During Vision Awareness Month, Nationwide Vision focuses on educating patients about early warning signs of common eye conditions and promoting proactive care. Key objectives include:

• Educate About Hidden Eye Conditions: Many eye diseases develop silently, showing few early symptoms. This month highlights “hidden” threats such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration so you can recognize warning signs and know when to schedule an exam. 

• Encourage Early Detection Through Annual Exams: Comprehensive eye exams are the best way to protect your vision. Vision Awareness Month reminds adults and children alike to make preventive eye care an annual habit. 

• Promote Everyday Eye Protection: Small daily choices make a big difference. Learn how to protect your eyes from UV rays, reduce digital eye strain with proper screen habits, use appropriate protective eyewear during activities, and maintain eye health with proper nutrition and hydration. 

• Expand Access to Care: Awareness works best when paired with action. Nationwide Vision helps patients overcome barriers by offering flexible scheduling, explaining vision benefits, and connecting you to the care you need. 

Eye Conditions That Can Put Your Vision at Risk

Many serious eye diseases progress quietly, often without pain or noticeable symptoms, until vision is already affected. Some of the most common conditions to watch include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. If you’re over 60, have a family history of eye disease, live with diabetes, or notice changes like blurred or distorted vision, it’s important not to delay care. A comprehensive annual eye exam is the best way to detect problems early and protect your sight. 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) most commonly affects adults over 60 and can present in dry or wet forms. AMD impacts the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As the condition progresses, you may notice blurring, dimming, or distortion in the center of your vision. In advanced stages, central vision loss can become permanent, making early detection critical. 

Nationwide Vision uses advanced diagnostic tools to identify AMD early and develop personalized treatment plans to slow disease progression and maintain vision. 

Diabetic Retinopathy

People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are at higher risk for diabetic eye diseases, including diabetic retinopathy. This condition occurs when retinal blood vessels swell, leak, or become blocked, potentially damaging surrounding tissues and the optic nerve. If untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to permanent vision loss. 

Routine diabetic eye exams allow for early detection and timely intervention, reducing the risk of serious complications. Nationwide Vision offers specialized care to help patients manage their diabetes-related eye health and maintain clear vision. 

Glaucoma

Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma often develops without obvious symptoms until significant optic nerve damage has occurred. The condition arises when the eye cannot properly regulate intraocular fluid, causing increased pressure that harms the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.

Without treatment, glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss. Regular exams at Nationwide Vision allow for early detection and prompt treatment to protect the optic nerve and preserve long-term vision.

Cataracts

Cataracts form when proteins in the eye’s natural lens clump together, causing clouding. This common age-related change can gradually blur or dull vision, making everyday tasks such as reading or driving more challenging.

Nationwide Vision provides expert evaluation and surgical options to safely remove cataracts and restore clear vision. If you notice changes in your eyesight, schedule an appointment with your local Nationwide Vision provider to maintain eye health and prevent further vision loss.

Daily Habits to Support Healthy Eyes

Maintaining vision health relies on consistent, proactive habits rather than occasional fixes. Incorporate these practices to protect your eyes and preserve sight long-term:

1. Smart Screen Use: Keep screens at arm’s length with the top slightly below eye level, adjust brightness to match room lighting, and increase text size to reduce strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. 

2. UV & Glare Protection: Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection whenever outdoors, even on overcast days. Use a wide-brimmed hat for extra coverage and consider polarized lenses to reduce glare while driving or engaging in outdoor activities. 

3. Safety First: Use task-appropriate protective eyewear for sports, DIY projects, yardwork, or work environments with debris or chemicals. Choose impact-rated glasses or goggles for maximum safety. 

4. Contact Lens Hygiene: Wash hands before handling lenses, never rinse lenses or cases with tap water, and use fresh disinfecting solution each time. Replace lenses and storage cases on the schedule recommended by your eye doctor. 

5. Manage Whole Body Health: Managing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol benefits your eyes directly. Share your family eye health history during exams so your doctor can personalize screenings and preventive care.