National Eye Exam Month: The Importance of Eye Exams

August is National Eye Exam Month, a time to emphasize the importance of regular eye exams in maintaining eye health and detecting vision problems early. Regular eye exams are crucial for everyone, regardless of age or current vision status. Ensight Skills Center in Northern Colorado underscores the importance of these exams and helps connect individuals with the right eye care professionals to ensure comprehensive eye health management.

The image shows a close-up photograph of a woman with long, brown hair and wearing glasses

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential

  1. Early Detection of Eye Conditions
    • Eye exams can detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy before symptoms become apparent. Early detection often means more effective treatment and better outcomes.
  2. Overall Health Monitoring
    • Eye exams can reveal signs of systemic health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers. The eyes are a window to overall health, and regular check-ups can lead to early diagnosis of these conditions.
  3. Vision Correction
    • Regular exams ensure that prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses are up-to-date, which is essential for maintaining optimal vision and preventing eye strain or discomfort.
  4. Children’s Eye Health
    • For children, eye exams are crucial for detecting vision problems that can affect learning and development. Conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia) and strabismus (crossed eyes) are more effectively treated when caught early.

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

This image shows an optometrist  performing an eye examination on an elderly patient using a slit lamp. The optometrist, with her hair in a ponytail and wearing a light purple uniform, is looking through the device's eyepiece.

The American Optometric Association recommends that adults aged 18 to 60 should have an eye exam at least every two years, and annually for those over 60. Children should have their first eye exam at 6 months, then at age 3, and before starting school, followed by regular exams as their eye doctor recommends. Ensight Skills Center supports individuals with visual impairments and those at risk of developing vision problems. 

Taking Action This National Eye Exam Month

>ALT TEXT: The image shows an optometrist conducting an eye examination on a patient using a slit lamp. The optometrist, with her hair tied back in a ponytail, is looking through the device’s eyepieces.<

  1. Schedule an Eye Exam
    • If you haven’t had an eye exam in the past two years (or within the recommended timeframe for your age and health condition), schedule one now. Early detection and treatment are key to preserving vision.
  2. Encourage Loved Ones
    • Remind family and friends about the importance of regular eye exams. Children, adults, and seniors all benefit from routine eye care.
  3. Utilize Ensight’s Resources
    • Contact Ensight Skills Center to learn more about their services and how they can help you find the right eye care professional. Their team is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to the best eye health resources available.

References:

  1. American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Comprehensive Eye and Vision Examination. 
  2. National Eye Institute. (n.d.). Keep Your Eyes Healthy. 
  3. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). Eye Health. 
This image shows two women standing in front of a brick and concrete building with an “Ensight Skills Center” yellow banner and a golden retriever on a leash

For more information on this topic watch our Youtube video! To stay connected and up-to-date with the latest opportunities and success stories, we encourage you to follow Ensight on all of our social media platforms. Visit Ensight Skill Center’s Homepage for a comprehensive overview of our programs, and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to gain access to valuable resources, inspiring stories, and updates on all of our upcoming events.