Yearly visits to the optometrist promote healthy eyes and vision.
In a world of cutting-edge technology and increasing screen time, a focus on eye and vision health has become more important than ever. The American Optometric Association (AOA), one of the leading organizations advocating for visual health throughout the U.S., recognizes Save Your Vision Month annually in March to recognize that visiting a vision care provider each year is an integral component to one’s overall health.
Regular optometric visits ensure that the eyes stay healthy, according to the AOA. Doctors of Optometry have extensive knowledge and training to diagnose, treat, and manage ocular disorders, diseases and injuries, and can catch systemic diseases that often manifest in the eye early.
“Our eyes provide a window into our overall health and well-being,” said Dr. Steven Reed, American Optometric Association President. “That’s why annual, in-person comprehensive eye exams are one of the most important preventive ways to preserve vision – allowing optometrists to detect more than 270 systemic conditions ranging from diabetes and brain tumors to STDs, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and even certain kinds of cancer.”
Preventing eye disease
The most frequent eye and vision-related issues that optometrists see in patients include eye pain or irritation, blurred vision, light sensitivity, spots or floaters, red eyes, dry eyes, excess tearing and watery eyes.
“People may not realize that health problems affecting other parts of the body can also affect their vision. Patients with diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure), or individuals taking medications that have eye-related side effects are at greatest risk for developing vision problems,” said Dr. Reed. “In fact, every day, we examine asymptomatic patients who come in for eye exams, only to then diagnose them with serious eye and health issues.”
Certain eye diseases and conditions may cause a patient visual impairment. Anyone with uncorrectable, reduced vision is considered visually impaired, according to the AOA. Challenges associated with visual impairment include difficulty or inability to perform daily tasks such as driving and navigating, reduced facial recognition, decreased independence, and significant impact on quality of life.
“Refractive errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (distorted vision at all distances), and presbyopia (loss of the ability to focus up close), are the most common cause of vision impairment,” said Dr. Reed.
Approximately 12 million people 40 years and over in the U.S. have vision impairment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC predicts that this statistic will more than double by 2050.
Treatment and prevention of eye diseases
Vision and eye problems are increasing as the U.S. population ages, according to the CDC. It’s estimated that 90 million Americans over age 40 have some type of vision or eye-related issue, which is more than 3 in 5 people.
“Wise lifestyle choices such as following a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and getting regular exercise also can significantly improve your chances of maintaining good eye health and vision,” said Dr. Reed.
To maintain visual health, the CDC recommends having an annual comprehensive eye exam, wearing protective eye wear when needed (i.e. sports, workplace), wearing sunglasses, and cleaning hands and contact lenses properly before touching the eyes.
Giving the eyes rest is also important, as the time spent looking at screens for the average American has significantly increased. We reside in a tech-driven world where 77% of Americans prioritize having the latest gadgets, according to the AOA. Spending considerable amounts of time focusing on one thing, such as a computer or tablet, can cause eye strain and fatigue. The CDC recommends the 20-20-20 rule to prevent eye strain: Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds.
The future of visual health
The AOA advocates to educate the public about the profession of optometry and encourages Americans to receive ophthalmic care annually.
Aspiring optometrists have numerous practice options, such as working with a group or independent practice, a corporate/retail practice, HMOs, and more. In addition to clinical training, optometrists participate in ongoing education to stay up to date on the latest standards of care.
“Many optometrists participate in post-graduate clinical residency programs to specialize in family practice optometry, pediatric optometry, vision rehabilitation, vision therapy, contact lenses, hospital-based optometry, primary care optometry or ocular disease,” said Dr. Reed. “Curriculums and continuing education are updated regularly to reflect technological advances in the field of optometry, including laser and minor surgical techniques, prescriptive medications and other medical treatments related to eye diseases and disorders, said Dr. Reed.
The AOA also focuses on public health initiatives, launching the Eye Deserve More campaign in 2021 aimed at reinforcing the importance of annual, in-person eye exams. The campaign educates the public on the essential, primary care provided by optometrists across the U.S., asserting that in-person optometric visits provide more thorough examinations, expert analysis, and personalized care than other options.
Other initiatives that the AOA takes to support visual health awareness includes the National Pediatric Eye Health and Vision Mobilization, which advocates for federal policies and programs that ensure children’s eye care; the Future Practice Initiative, which financially supports states across the nation in advancing their scope of practice; The Myopia Collective, which recognizes a new standard of care for children with myopia, and more.
“As the leaders in primary eye health care, the AOA fights to ensure Americans are properly informed about the importance of eye health and its connection to overall health,” said Dr. Reed. “Yearly exams are essential, as eye health and vision problems may develop without any obvious signs or symptoms.”